The number of Maldivians who travelled abroad for medical purpose has decreased while the amount travelling to holidays increase. The statistics was published in the Maldivians Travelling Abroad (MTA) Survey conducted by Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
From 2015 to 2018, the amount of Maldivians travelling abroad for medical reasons have decreased compared to the amount of Maldivians who travelled for holidays, according to the MTA Survey. The survey showed 58%, 51%, 45%and 41% people travelled for medical purposes in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively resulting in a decrease. Meanwhile, people who travelled for holidays in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 were at 27%, 34%, 33% and 41% respectively, according to MTA Survey.
Unlike previous years, MMA conducted the survey this year in two parts, which was on school holiday season and off peak season. The main objective of the survey is to investigate the outbound travel patterns of Maldivians in terms of travel destination, purpose of visit and expenditure. The survey is also aimed at addressing the need for collecting accurate statistics required for the compilation of travel expenses of the balance of payment statistics.
MTA survey has been conducted by MMA once a year since 2011. During the survey, enumerators collect details of expenditure by Maldivian travellers, including information of reasons for travelling, destination, duration of stay, as well as amount the travellers spent on tickets, accommodation, medical treatment and other expenses.