Amidst Continuing Diplomatic Tensions, Maldives Sees 33 Per Cent Drop In Indian Tourists: Tourism Ministry Data Shows

Amid worsening bilateral relations between New Delhi and Male, recent data from the Maldives tourism ministry has revealed a significant 33 per cent decline in the number of Indian tourists visiting the country compared to March last year, reported NDTV.

According to data from the Maldives Tourism Ministry reported by Maldivian website Adhadhu, 27,224 Indian tourists had visited the Maldives by 2 March this year, compared to 41,054 during the same period last year.

In 2023, India held the second-largest share of the tourism market in the Maldives, with a 10 per cent market share.

However, due to a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male, India has slipped to sixth place, now holding a six per cent market share.

The dispute had stemmed from derogatory comments made by three Maldivian deputy ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his visit to Lakshadweep.

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In response, New Delhi summoned the Maldivian envoy and lodged a strong protest against the remarks, resulting in the suspension of the three deputy ministers.

Earlier this year, concerns were raised in the Maldives tourism industry as a boycott campaign gained traction in India.

Furthermore, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) had conducted a survey to assess the impact of booking cancellations by Indian guests, although the results were not publicly disclosed.

Meanwhile, China is now the top visiting country for Maldives, leading a significant chunk of the market.

The island nation saw a total of 217,394 tourists arrive in February this year, out of which over 34,600 were from China.

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