European travelers form bulk of tourist market for Maldives in first two months of 2007

European travelers form the major segment of the tourist market of Maldives for the first two months of this year.

According to figures released by the tourism ministry, 129,794 tourists were recorded for January and February 2007; of this, 103,551 tourists or 79.8 percent were from European countries. These figures are in comparison with the figures for the same period last year.
Country wise, Italians formed the bulk of travelers during January-February 2007 -- making up 23 percent. Last year in the same period, the number of Italian travelers was less than the British. This year, Britons made 17 percent of the tourist market with France following at 9.8 percent and Germany 9.3 percent.

Other than Europe, Asian travelers form the second largest segment of Maldives’ tourist market. Though Asians made up 20 percent of the tourist market in January-February 2006, their market segment fell to 16 percent in the same period for this year.

After the tsunami, the Japanese market fell and the Chinese market have now taken over their Far Eastern neighbors.

Source: Haveeru