Statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism show that the number of tourists who vacationed in Maldivian resorts so far this year has decreased significantly by over 40,000 compared to the same period last year.

According to the ministry's data, 701,000 tourists visited resorts during the same period last year, whereas that figure has dropped to 660,000 so far this year. The statistics noted that this represents a decline of approximately six percent.

In addition to resorts, tourist arrivals at guesthouses have also seen a slight decline. While 225,000 tourists stayed at guesthouses last year, the number decreased to 223,000 this year.

The Maldives has recorded a total of 950,000 tourist arrivals so far this year, which the statistics highlighted as a 4.1 percent decline compared to the same period last year. The primary reason for this downturn is believed to be the travel disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Specifically, the approximately 7,000 tourists who arrived in the Maldives during the first two days of this month represent a 21 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. However, the data noted that while arrival numbers had been on a downward trend since March, the figures began to recover during this past May.

Although May is typically a low-peak month for arrivals from Europe and the Middle East, the number of tourists visiting the Maldives from Asian countries has been on the rise during this period.