In a renewed push for tourism cooperation, India and the Maldives are exploring prospects for investment and development in the tourism sector, with a focus on the Laamu Atoll, located south of the Maldivian capital, Malé. The initiative, highlighted in a media report last week, comes as both countries look to strengthen ties and boost tourism after a period of diplomatic tension.
This development follows Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s first bilateral visit to New Delhi, during which he underscored the importance of India as “one of the largest tourism source markets” for the Maldives. Muizzu expressed hopes for a greater influx of Indian tourists to the archipelago, which relies heavily on tourism as a cornerstone of its economy.
On October 7, during President Muizzu’s visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Muizzu unveiled a comprehensive blueprint aimed at economic and maritime cooperation, signaling a diplomatic reset. The two leaders emphasized that despite past differences, the friendly relations between India and the Maldives would continue to flourish.
The latest discussions on tourism were held last Thursday, when Maldives’ Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, met with India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, to explore investment opportunities in the islands of Baresdhoo and Gaadhoo in Laamu Atoll. Following the visit, Faisal shared on X (formerly Twitter) that it was a “productive visit,” where both sides explored “exciting prospects for tourism investment and development.”
High Commissioner Mahawar echoed these sentiments, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening tourism ties with the Maldives. “Tourism is a priority area of our bilateral cooperation,” Mahawar said on X, adding that he looked forward to close collaboration with the Maldivian government.
Tourism is a vital sector for the Maldives, contributing nearly 30% of its GDP and generating over 60% of foreign exchange. The visit to Laamu Atoll, coordinated by PSM Media, comes at a time when both nations are eager to bolster trade and tourism relations.
The momentum from Muizzu’s recent state visit to India, which resulted in the signing of five agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, is expected to further boost tourism. According to recent statistics from the Maldivian Tourism Ministry, as of October 22, the country welcomed 1.6 million international visitors in 2024, with India ranking as the sixth-largest source, contributing 97,049 tourists.
