Tourism Ministry has announced that it reached the set target of tourist arrivals for 2017 with 1,389,542, an increase of eight percent compared with 2016.

The ministry reported that Maldives ‘hit records’ in December 2017 welcoming 143,041 tourists with an increase of 19.7% compared to December 2016.

Europe remained as the market leader strengthening its hold with 46.5% shares. The region registered a 12.4% increase in 2017 compared to that of 2016.

Asia and the Pacific followed behind with 44.4% shares.

Looking at individual countries, China remained at the top position taking hold of 22.1% shares.

Italy was at the 4th position with 6.4% shares. The Italian market was one of the best performers in terms of growth rate during 2017 with a 24.8% increase.