Russia has become the second source market to record over 100,000 tourist arrivals to the Maldives this year, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Data shows that 100,450 Russian tourists had visited the country as of April 28, placing Russia behind China, which recorded 116,441 arrivals. The United Kingdom followed with 71,454 tourists, while Italy and Germany recorded 65,038 and 52,555 arrivals respectively.

A total of 786,529 tourists visited the Maldives during the period, marking a 4.8 per cent decline compared to the same period last year. Resorts accounted for the largest share of arrivals with 536,826 tourists, while guesthouses accommodated 195,713 visitors, representing 25.4 per cent of the total. Hotels hosted 20,858 tourists, and 17,300 arrivals were recorded on safari vessels.

The majority of visitors entered the country through Velana International Airport, which recorded 766,175 arrivals so far this year. Gan International Airport recorded 3,245 arrivals, with additional tourists entering through other international gateways.

The ministry noted that global developments, particularly in the Middle East, have influenced travel patterns and contributed to fluctuations in arrivals. However, the gradual resumption of airline operations has supported recovery, with average daily arrivals exceeding 6,600 tourists.