MALE, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Tourist arrivals to the Maldives recorded a 36.2 percent growth in April compared to the same period last year, with China being the biggest source market, local media reported Thursday.

Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed said over 190,700 tourists arrived in the Maldives last month, and the 36.2 percent growth was the highest recorded in the island country since the 2004 tsunami.

Waheed said the high growth was a result of the political stability since the new government took office in last November as well as joint efforts by the government and the tourism industry.

The Maldivian government is aiming to attract 1.5 million visitors this year, Waheed said.

The expansion of the country's main international airport along with the opening of several new resorts are also expected to boost the number of visitors.

Some 20 new resorts are due to open in the Maldives this year. Enditem

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