One of the vital tourist market for Maldives, France registered the highest rate of increase in arrival figures during last year compared to arrivals for the same period previous year. With about 122% growth in 2006 compared to 2005, France has a share of 7.2% of total arrivals to Maldives and placed them on top 5 traditional markets. Japan also registered healthy growth of about 76% January to November 2006 compared to the same period in 2005. Japanese tourists formed about 7% of total arrivals to Maldives last year. The leading market for Maldives, Italy with 20% of all arrivals, registered 78% growth for the period 2006 compared to January to November 2005, and the second highest performer, the UK with 18% share, had a growth of 25 % during the periods under comparison. The other important markets Germany (12% of arrivals), China (6% of arrivals), Russia (3.5% of arrivals), also registered positive growth last year.