The Maldives has witnessed a sharp 95 percent decline in tourist arrivals in the third quarter of 2020 in comparison to the same period last year, Edition news reported. 

The country had received around 3,89,101 tourists in the third quarter last year while the numbers this year is abysmal 18,918 - a steep fall of 95 percent. The data is based on the figures submitted to the government by companies operating in the sector. 

Maldives Monetary Authority ( MMA) released the numbers in its quarterly economic bulletin. Data suggests the occupancy rate, which was 91 earlier, now stands at just nine percent. The expenditure rate per tourist also plummeted, says the report. 

MMA, however, said the average number of days spent by a tourist increased to 11 days in the second quarter of 2020, from earlier 6 days in the same period in the last year. 

European countries contributed most, around 55 percent, arrival in the second quarter of this year. Figures from the Ministry of Tourism reveal that a total of 4,41,952 tourists visited the country this year, of which 59,105 arrived after the borders were reopened on 15 July.

The government opened the sector in a phased manner, opening tourist islands and resorts initially, and later residential islands with enforcing all the health guidelines and measures recommended by Heath Protection Agency.