Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)'s annual report show that tourism receipts in 2021 totalled USD 3.4 billion (MVR 54 billion).

This is a 148% increase compared to 2020, and a 10% increase compared to 2019 as per MMA annual report. MMA attributed the strong rebound in real GDP to the recovery of the tourism sector despite setbacks in the second quarter of 2021.

The Maldives also recorded a 119% increase in flight movements, with 6,991 flights in 2021 compared to 2020. With 30 airlines operating to Maldives in 2021 - compared to 55 in 2020, and 37 in 2019 - which included 13 scheduled airlines and 17 chartered airlines, the number of charter airlines operating flights to Maldives doubled in comparison to pre-pandemic levels.

As per MMA annual report, the annual increase in tourist arrivals is driven by the ease of travel restrictions and stringent hygienic and safety protocols since the reopening of country’s borders in July 2020.

The early efforts by Maldives authorities to tap into new markets and building air connections with the new markets contributed to tourism growth in the Maldives.