The Ministry of Tourism has revealed that the Maldives has welcomed over 1.7 million tourists, a remarkable increase of 9.5% compared to the same period last year. The latest tourism update report released by the tourism ministry indicated that 1.7 million tourists visited the Maldives as of November 11. Last year, 1.5 million tourists visited the Maldives during the same period. The statistics further indicate that the Maldives welcomed a total of 63,397 tourists from November 1-11, a 9.9% increase compared to last year. The report shows that China continues to be the top market source of tourism, with 243,628. Following China, the leading source markets include Russia with 193,197 visitors, 149,478 arrivals from the United Kingdom, 132,674 from Germany and 117،942 from Italy. Additionally, the Maldives welcomed 105,470 from India as well. On average, 5,763 tourists arrive to the Maldives daily. This steady influx has encouraged the government to set an ambitious target of attracting two million tourists by the end of the year. To achieve this goal, the Maldives now has to welcome 271,955 tourists. The government expects to achieve this goal in December.