Indian Tourist Arrivals in Maldives Dropped by 33%

The number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has witnessed a significant drop of 33% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Maldives Tourism Ministry.

This sharp decline coincides with the ongoing diplomatic rift between India and the Maldives.

Decline in Indian Tourists

Statistics from the Maldives Tourism Ministry reveal a stark difference in tourist arrivals. In 2023, by March 4th, 41,054 Indian tourists vacationed in the Maldives. This year, however, that number has shrunk to 27,224, representing a decrease of 13,830 visitors.

Consequently, India’s position as the second-largest source market for Maldivian tourism, with a 10% market share in 2023, has now slipped to sixth place with a mere 6% share.

Diplomatic Row Ignited by Social Media Posts

The current diplomatic tension between the two nations can be traced back to derogatory comments made by three Maldivian deputy ministers on social media regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, an Indian island cluster.

Prime Minister Modi’s focus on developing Lakshadweep as a tourist destination to promote domestic tourism sparked these remarks.

The situation escalated quickly, leading to a major diplomatic row. The Indian government summoned the Maldivian ambassador and lodged a strong protest against the viral social media posts. While the three deputy ministers were suspended, the tension remains unresolved.

Boycott Campaign Dents Tourism Industry

Earlier this year, stakeholders in the Maldivian tourism industry expressed growing concern as a boycott campaign targeting the Maldives gained traction in India, fueled by the support of popular Indian celebrities.

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) was reportedly surveyed to assess the impact of booking cancellations by Indian tourists, but the results haven’t been made public.

Shifting Tourist Landscape

Historically, India has been a dominant force in Maldivian tourism, consistently contributing over 200,000 tourists annually between 2021 and 2023. However, with the current situation, China has emerged as the leading source market, with over 54,000 tourist arrivals recorded so far in 2024.

The future of India-Maldives relations and its impact on tourism remains uncertain. Whether tensions ease and tourist numbers rebound from India is a question yet to be answered.