The Maldives reported a 10.2% year-on-year increase in the number of UK visitors in 2018.
The Indian Ocean destination saw more than 114,600 British tourists last year, compared to almost 104,000 in 2017.
There were almost 10,800 UK tourist arrivals in December alone, a year-on-year rise of 11%.
The UK is the destination’s second largest European inbound market, and the third largest globally.
Holidaymakers from the UK counting for 7.7% of total arrivals to the Maldives in 2018.
Overall, the Maldives welcomed 1.48 million international tourists in 2018, up 6.8% year-on-year.
Last year saw several resort openings, including The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.
At least 17 resort openings are planned for 2019, including Lux North Malé Atoll, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort, and The Nautilus, a 26-roomed boutique resort.
The destination will also see the opening of Crossroads, a leisure and entertainment resort that will span nine islands.
Ali Waheed, tourism minister, said: “The UK is one of the Maldives’ most important inbound markets for tourism, so we are extremely pleased to see a continued increase in the number of British travellers who choose to holiday here.
“This year, we will welcome the opening of several new exceptional four-star and luxury resorts so we look forward to welcoming even more new and returning UK guests to our islands.”
Picture courtesy of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.