Maldives Tourism growth in the Maldives was much slower than expected in the first half of 2015, increasing by only 1.3% against 11.5% in the previous year, despite upbeat tourist arrivals globally and in Asia. Occupancy fell by 4.2%, compared with growth at 6% in 2014. Improved economic prospects in Europe may also help offset the effects a marked slowdown in arrivals from the People’s Republic of China, which in recent years have buoyed tourism.
Construction grew more strongly than expected during the first half, with related imports growing by nearly 42% and bank credit to the industry rising by about 40%.
Monthly inflation in Malé, the capital, remained low at less than 2.0%, aided by the continued decline in global food and fuel prices and low domestic fish prices during the first half of 2015.