MMA research papers : volume 1 : number I, June 2014

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse the changes in the seasonality of tourism activity caused by the surge in Chinese tourist arrivals; examine and identify the possible reasons why Chinese tourists spend a relatively shorter period in Maldives; and discuss the effects of this on the revenue earned from tourism. Simple analytical tools were used to study changes in tourist arrivals, seasonality and average stay over the past decade. The peak season for Chinese tourists in Maldives was identified as the first quarter and third quarter of the year, thus softening the high level of seasonality prevalent in the industry. Meanwhile, the cost of travel and the level of repeat visitors were found to influence the average stay of Chinese tourists in the case of Maldives as well. Finally, a strictly non-negative impact of a shorter average stay on tourism expenditure was found, although there is very little data on tourism expenditure in Maldives to come to any conclusion