Recent data from the Maldives tourism ministry indicates a drop of 33 per cent in the number of Indian tourists visiting the country in March 2024, compared to the previous year, reported local media outlet Adhadhu.
In March 2023, over 41,000 Indian tourists visited Maldives, whereas only 27,224 were recorded in March 2024. The primary cause attributed to this decline is India’s tourism campaign encouraging citizens to explore the Lakshadweep islands instead of travelling to Maldives.
Until March 2023, India held the position of the second largest source of tourism for Maldives, commanding a 10 per cent market share. However, due to escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations, India has slipped to sixth place, now holding only a six percent market share.
On the other hand, China has witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals to Maldives, coinciding with strengthening ties between China and Maldives. With over 54,000 tourist arrivals from China in 2024, it has become the leading source of tourism for Maldives, commanding a significant portion of the market.
The decline in Indian tourism to Maldives can be traced to the appointment of President Mohamed Muizzu, perceived as pro-China. Muizzu’s decision to expel Indian military personnel from Maldives further exacerbated tensions between the two countries. The situation first escalated when Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media, sparking widespread condemnation.
