MALE, March 7 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives has received more than 500,000 tourists so far this year, the official PSM News said on Saturday, citing statistics provided by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
The ministry said 502,252 tourists visited the island nation as of March 4, up 8.8 percent from 461,839 arrivals during the same period last year.
China remained the top source market, with 79,681 arrivals, followed by Russia with 57,466 and Italy with 48,417. Britain ranked fourth with 46,005 arrivals, while Germany placed fifth with 31,344.
The ministry said average daily tourist arrivals have fallen sharply after flights from several source markets were canceled because of the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East. The government is working to restore some suspended flights, while relevant agencies are also seeking to introduce flights from alternative destinations, PSM News said. ■
