Tourist arrivals to the Maldives have exceeded 172,000 so far this month, marking a 2.2 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.

A total of 172,487 tourists have visited the country during the month, compared with 168,698 arrivals recorded during the corresponding period last year.

Despite the monthly growth, total tourist arrivals for the year remain below last year's figures.

The Maldives has welcomed 1,427,104 visitors so far this year, representing a 3.8 percent decline from the 1,483,086 tourists recorded during the same period in the previous year.

The country is currently averaging around 5,996 tourist arrivals per day.

China remains the Maldives' largest source market, accounting for 262,120 visitors and an 18.7 percent share of total arrivals.

Russia ranks second with 205,187 tourists, followed by the United Kingdom with 108,909 visitors, Italy with 91,798, and Germany with 85,984.

Resorts continue to accommodate the majority of visitors, hosting 1,028,660 tourists so far this year.

Guesthouses received 310,476 visitors, while 32,925 tourists stayed in hotels and 25,972 chose safari vessels.

The Maldives currently has 1,323 registered tourist accommodation and service facilities, with a combined bed capacity of 68,506.

The latest figures show continued growth in arrivals during the current month, although the overall number of tourists visiting the Maldives this year remains below the level recorded during the same period last year.