Maldives tourist arrivals fall five per cent

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Tourist arrivals fell five percent last month compared to January of the previous year, reports Haveeru.

According to statistics from the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), 64,621 tourists visited Maldives in January 2008, while 61,531 arrivals were recorded this January – a decrease of 3,090 guests.

MATI secretary-general "Sim" Ibrahim Mohamed said the drop in tourist arrivals gave cause for concern.

He predicted a further decrease from late March to April. He added if the decline continued some resorts might be forced to close.