The Maldives has welcomed over 1.4 million tourists so far this year.

According to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Tourism, this marks a 3.8 percent decline compared to the same period last year, during which 1.46 million tourists visited the country.

China remains the top source market for tourist arrivals to the Maldives, leading the rankings with 258,675 visitors. Russia stands in second place with 203,162 arrivals, while the United Kingdom ranks third with 108,079 arrivals.

In terms of accommodation, 73.4 percent of tourists spent their holidays in resorts, while 22.2 percent stayed in local guesthouses.

Ministry of Tourism figures also show that 25,868 tourists arrived via cruise liners so far this year.

The vast majority of visitors arrived through Velana International Airport (VIA), which recorded 1,379,303 tourist arrivals, while Gan International Airport in Addu recorded 4,968 arrivals.