The main tourism associations of the Maldives are celebrating after a massive 17.6 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals was recorded in 2011.

The beautiful collection of 1,190 islands, situated in the Indian Ocean, welcomed 931,000 visitors in 2011 and now the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) wants to attract a record-breaking one million tourists to the tropical paradise in 2012.

Early indications for 2012 visitor figures show a 3.3 per cent increase in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2011, despite the political challenges faced by the country earlier this year, meaning the country is well on the way to meeting the tourism target.

The good news doesn’t end there either, as the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has projected a four to six per cent growth in international tourism for Asia.

Travellers across the world are wooed by the serenity and beauty of the Maldives.

The white sand beaches, stunning underwater wildlife and picture-perfect sunsets make it a destination on traveller hit-lists.

The Maldives is considered the World’s Most Romantic Destination by the World Travel Awards.