News

Half a million tourists visit Maldives in five months

Published

12 years ago

July 4, 2014

Maldives.net.mv – With an impressive 14.9% increase in arrivals during the month of May 2014, tourist arrivals to the Maldives continue to flourish, reaching half a million from January to May 2014. The Maldives welcomed a total of 518,166 tourists for the period, registering a strong growth of 11.9% over the same the period of 2013.

Although Asia and the Pacific Region took lead as the market generator during the month of May 2014, Europe remained as the market leader with 48.3% shares at the end of the period from January to May 2014. The region brought in an additional 34,544 tourists during the month of May, which was a decline of -1.8% compared to that of May 2013. Tourist arrivals from European region reached a total of 253,602 at the end May 2014, registering a marginal growth of 0.7% for the period. With the negative growth seen from sub regions, Central/Eastern Europe (-10.3%) and Western Europe (-5.6%) during the month of May 2014, the overall growth rate from both the regions resulted negative growths of -5.1% and -0.6% respectively, for the period from January to May 2014. Best performance for the month of May was recorded from East Mediterranean Europe with a positive 41.5% increase. While Southern Europe posted a +15% growth during the month of May resulting in a positive growth of 5.3% at the end of the period January to May, Northern Europe registered a growth rate of 4.3% for the month of May leading to an increase of +7.2% for the period in review. In terms of market shares, the two sub regions which posted negative growths covered most of the arrivals from Europe. While a total of 105,923 tourists taking hold of 20% shares was recorded for the Western Europe, Central Eastern Europe took hold of 10.6% shares with 54,691 arrivals. When looking at individual market performances from Europe, top five markets were Germany, U.K, Russia, Italy and France. The German market maintained its position at the top with 8.3% shares. With an additional 8,365 tourists in May 2014, the total arrivals from Germany for the period from January to May 2014 was 43,188 resulting in a slight increase of 0.9% for the period. The U.K market did well with a 4.6% increase at the end of May 2014, supplying 7.7% to market shares for the period. The Russian market deteriorated further posting a negative growth of 7.5% for the period from January to May 2014. Market share of Russia stood at 6.4% at the end of the period. Italy and France remained at 4th and 5th positions respectively with 6.0% share and 5.9% shares. While the Italian market has shown improvements posting a positive growth of 1.7% at the end of May 2014, the French market performed with a negative growth of 3.6%.

Asia and the Pacific region has been showing outstanding results throughout the last five months of 2014. The region overtook Europe, to be the leading market generator during the month of May 2014 taking hold of 55% of total arrivals to the Maldives during the month. With a total of 50,354 tourists in May, the total arrivals from the Region for the period from January to May 2014, was recorded to be 229,847, which was a 24.7% increase over the same period of 2013. The region represented 44.4% of all arrivals during the period January to May 2014. All sub regions posted above average growth rates with South East Asia as the leading sub region with 64.1% in terms of growth rate. Over 75% of all arrivals from Asia and the Pacific and 33% of total arrivals to Maldives during the period from January to May, came from sub region North East Asia. By individual market performances, China continues to show remarkable performances maintaining its number one position as the market leader with more than 27% shares. At the end of May 2014, a total of 141,249 tourists arrived in Maldives from China, which was 23.3% increase over the same period of 2013. India, Japan and Korea were the second, third and fourth markets respectively from this region. Indian market saw an increase of 13.1% during the period in review contributing 3.5% as market shares at the end of the period. The Japanese market improved its performance posting an impressive growth rate of nearly 16% during the month of May leading to a positive 7.1% growth rate for the period from January to May 2014. A strong growth of 45% was recorded from the Korean market during this period with the arrivals reaching a total of 14,016 at the end of May. Market share of Korea stood at 2.7% at the end of the period.

Americas, which was the third leading region with 3.4% shares, brought in 17,470 tourists to the Maldives during the period January to May 2014. A healthy growth of 32% was recorded from this region for the period. The U.S. market took hold of over 60% of arrivals from the region with a total of 10,483 tourists at the end of the period. The Middle East market share was increased to 2.7% maintained at 2.6% during the period. This region also posted an impressive growth of 24.2% for the period. Double digit growth rates were recorded from all major markets from the region. Africa region market share remained at 0.6% at the end of May 2014. Although a negative growth (-6.8%) was recorded from this region for the month of May 2014, the overall growth rate remained positive at 1.4% at the end of the period from January to May 2014.

At the end of May 2014, the total number of registered tourist establishments reached 460 with 30,510 beds, out of which on average 291 establishments with a sum total of 27,004 beds were operational during the period in review. These include 105 tourist resorts (23,029 beds), 17 hotels (1,510 beds), 112 guest houses (1,539 beds) and 57 safari vessels (927 beds). The overall bed nights of these establishments saw an increase of 5.9% during the period reaching a total of 3,262,667 nights. While the occupancy rate recorded an increase of 2.3% to attain an average of 80.2% for the period, average duration of stay of the tourists saw a decline of 0.4%. The average duration of stay for the period was 6.3 days.

Source: Ministry of Tourism

Related Topics:Featured tourist arrivals

Up Next

Maldivian begins flights to China’s Wuhan

Don't Miss

Maldives launches first integrated resorts development

Click to comment

Entertainment

Craig David shares emotional Maldives moment after ‘Rise & Fall’ surprise at resort dinner

Published

60 mins ago

February 1, 2026

m@ldives

British singer and songwriter Craig David has shared an emotional reflection from his recent visit to the Maldives after being surprised at dinner by Maldivian performers Huyam Mohamed (Huya) and her musical partner, who performed a cover of his hit Rise & Fall at a resort.

Posting on Instagram, the 43-year-old artist wrote: “This touched my heart differently🥹❤️ At dinner @huya_shan a beautiful local Maldivian duo surprised me with a cover of Rise & Fall🎶 Little did I know a core memory was being made✨Thank you both for this kind & thoughtful gift.”

The moment—shared with David’s global audience—spotlighted a side of the Maldives experience that goes beyond scenery: intimate, guest-facing cultural encounters where local talent becomes part of the evening’s story. The singer’s emphasis on being “touched” and describing the performance as a “core memory” drew strong engagement from fans, many of whom responded to the warmth of the exchange and the setting in the Maldives.

Rise & Fall, released in 2003, is one of David’s best-known songs and features Sting, built around a sample from Shape of My Heart. The choice of song—and the surprise delivery—appeared to resonate personally with the artist, who has often spoken about music’s power to connect people across places and backgrounds.

Craig David rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, breaking through with Fill Me In and the multi-platinum debut album Born to Do It, before building a catalogue spanning UK garage, R&B and pop. His Maldives post adds to a growing pattern of high-profile artists and public figures sharing on-island moments with local performers—an increasingly visible intersection between luxury hospitality and Maldivian creative talent.

Huya, known for her work as part of the duo Huya & Shan and for resort performances, has been featured previously for her role in the Maldives’ tourism entertainment scene. In this instance, the duet created what David described as a lasting memory—one that also amplified Maldivian musicianship to a global audience in a single post.

Love

Lunar Beats Festival to bring music, art and celebration to Oaga Art Resort

Published

2 hours ago

February 1, 2026

m@ldives

This February, Oaga Art Resort unveils Lunar Beats Festival, a week-long celebration of rhythm, light, movement, and fire. Taking place from 13 to 20 February 2026, the festival weaves together three powerful moments in Oaga’s cultural calendar: The Concert (Maahefun Edition), Valentine’s Day, and Lunar New Year, into a single, sensory rich story of connection, renewal, and collective energy.

Rooted in Oaga’s artistic soul, Lunar Beats Festival reflects the island’s natural rhythm: a space where people, music, movement, and emotion converge.

The Concert: Maahefun Edition

At the heart of Lunar Beats Festival lies The Concert: Maahefun Edition, a three-day ticketed concert inspired by Maahefun – the traditional Maldivian feast shared with family, friends, and community before the month of Ramadan.

The three days of the festival spotlight a dynamic lineup of local artists including Nish, Faya, Sentu, Soul Salad, Digital Flock, Farey, DJ RA.EE, alongside Oaga’s in-house acts Naffah and Nuff. Together, they create an atmosphere driven by sound, movement, and shared celebration.

Evening-pass tickets are available on Oaga’s website in two options: Blaze Tickets, with transfers, three drinks, entertainment access, and 30% off additional beverages; or Inferno Tickets, which add dinner at Kaa Kada and six drinks to transfers and entertainment. In-house guests enjoy complimentary access as part of their evening entertainment program.

Valentine’s Day: “All You Need Is Love”

On 14 February, the festival shifts into a celebration of love in all its forms under the theme “All You Need Is Love.” Focused on self-love, resilience, and meaningful connections, Valentine’s Day at Oaga unfolds across themed experiences island wide.

Highlights include a Sunset Group Bachata session hosted by Amney from Moo Gé, special Valentine’s features across dining outlets, and a Valentine’s Day Special Dinner (chargeable) at Samaasaa Beach. The evening continues with live performances by Nuff and Soul Salad, before flowing into a DJ-led pool party with Digital Flock, carrying the energy late into the night.

Lunar New Year: The Year of the Fire Horse

From 16 February, Oaga transforms once more to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, ushering in a four-day renaissance inspired by courage, momentum, and rebirth.

The celebrations blend tradition and contemporary expression, from a Chinese New Year Special Dinner Night at Kaa Kada Beach (inclusive) to a Chinese Movie Night accompanied by traditional appetisers. Live performances by Project Groove, Harunulaa Boduberu Group, and Naffah lead into a high-energy Fire Beach Party with DJ Afruh, where rhythm and flame come together under the night sky.

A Festival of Renewal and Momentum

From the pulsating beats of The Concert to the intimate reflections of Valentine’s Day, and finally to the fiery resurgence of the Lunar New Year, Lunar Beats Festival is a journey through renewal, strength, and forward momentum.

Inclusive, culturally resonant, and unmistakably Oaga, the festival creates a contemporary space where tradition and modern artistry meet; inviting guests to rise, reconnect, and move forward together.

Nestled in North Malé Atoll, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Oaga Art Resort features 60 vibrant beach and overwater villas, unique cart-style dining experiences, and a spa inspired by traditional Maldivian healing practices. With creativity and culture at its heart, Oaga is more than a resort it is a living canvas.

Oaga Art Resort stands as a creative hub, offering sensory-rich experiences thoughtfully curated by both local and visiting Maldivian artists and craftspeople. Guests seeking complete indulgence can enjoy the Greatest All Inclusive Plan, with moments designed to inspire from free-flow art sessions and dance experiences to floating meals, island excursions, and watersports.

Discover your next inspiration at www.oagaresorts.com and book your stay; an unforgettable artistic journey awaits!

Awards

Kuramathi Maldives earns HolidayCheck Gold Award for consistent guest satisfaction

Published

16 hours ago

January 31, 2026

m@ldives

Kuramathi Maldives has once again cemented its status as one of the Maldives’ leading holiday destinations by earning the coveted HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026. This prestigious accolade recognises the resort’s enduring popularity and consistent excellence in hospitality, marking it as a top choice for travellers across the globe.

The HolidayCheck Gold Award is an exclusive honour reserved for hotels that have demonstrated remarkable consistency in guest satisfaction. To qualify for this distinction, a property must have received a HolidayCheck Award at least five times since 2019. This rigorous criterion ensures that only establishments delivering sustained high-quality experiences over several years are recognised.

Reflecting on this milestone award, General Manager Bertrand Margerie expressed immense pride: “We are thrilled to be recognised with the HolidayCheck Gold Award 2026. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team, who strive every day to provide exceptional service. Knowing that this award comes directly from the positive feedback of our guests makes it even more meaningful, and we look forward to continuing to deliver world-class Maldivian hospitality.”

Located in the North Ari Atoll, Kuramathi stretches across 1.8 kilometres of lush, tropical beauty. This idyllic sanctuary, with its vibrant coral house reef that gently unfurls into a shimmering sandbank, is a perfect symbol of natural beauty. From its pristine beaches and lush vegetation to its diverse dining options and heartfelt service, Kuramathi continues to set the benchmark for Maldivian hospitality. The Gold Award serves as a testament to the thousands of positive reviews and recommendations shared by satisfied guests who have experienced the magic of the island firsthand.

Travellers seeking an award-winning escape are invited to discover why Kuramathi remains a perennial favourite. Whether looking for a romantic retreat, a family adventure, or a diving getaway, the resort offers an exceptional environment that consistently exceeds expectations.