Nearly 15,000 tourists have arrived in the Maldives aboard cruise liners so far this year, according to figures from Maldives Immigration.

Statistics show that 14,996 tourists visited the Maldives through nine cruise liners between January and mid-March. Cruise tourism remains an important segment of the country’s tourism industry, with vessels regularly docking in Malé and other regions of the Maldives.

The largest arrivals were recorded on February 14, when 3,904 tourists arrived, followed by 2,736 visitors on March 4 and 2,553 visitors on February 16. Other arrivals included 970 tourists on January 12, 1,037 tourists on January 23, 165 tourists on February 7, 1,037 tourists on February 19, 1,210 tourists on March 12, and 1,348 tourists on March 13.

Cruise liners visiting the Maldives typically allow passengers to travel to nearby islands and explore local tourism offerings in different regions of the country. Immigration clearance for cruise passengers is handled by officers from the Seaport Division of Maldives Immigration.

The Government has also announced plans to develop dedicated cruise jetties in three regions of the Maldives as part of efforts to expand cruise tourism and address operational challenges in the sector.