Maldives Appeals To Indians As Tourists' Footfall Decline Significantly

The Maldivian tourism industry has faced a significant downturn in tourist arrivals from India, prompting Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal to appeal directly to Indian tourists to consider visiting the Maldives.

This appeal comes in response to a 42 per cent decrease in Indian tourists in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, marking a drastic shift from the previous year when Indian tourists were the top foreign visitors to the Maldives.

In 2023, India was a leading source of tourists for the Maldives, but recent statistics indicate a steep decline. From January to April 2023, the Maldives welcomed 73,785 Indian tourists, but the number dropped to just 42,638 during the same period in 2024.

The decline was consistent each month, with only 15,006 Indians visiting in January 2024, 11,252 in February, 7,668 in March, and 8,712 in April, representing a significant reduction from the previous year's figures.

The decrease in Indian tourists has not only impacted the number of visitors but also significantly reduced the revenue for the Maldives, where tourism accounts for 28 per cent of the GDP.

The decline of 31,147 tourists translates to a revenue loss of approximately Rs 468 crore or $56 million. This figure could be even higher considering that high net-worth individual (HNI) travellers from India typically spend between $2,500 to $5,000 per night.

The diplomatic row between India and the Maldives, sparked by derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media, has exacerbated the situation.

The controversy began after Modi promoted Lakshadweep as a tourist destination, which was perceived in the Maldives as competition. This led to a backlash in India, with many opting to visit Lakshadweep instead of the Maldives, significantly impacting Maldivian tourism.

Tourism operators and agencies in the Maldives that heavily rely on Indian tourists have reported a revenue decline of up to 80 per cent.

The situation is particularly challenging as Indian tourists typically help sustain the Maldivian tourism sector during the off-peak season, offsetting the drop in European visitors. This counter-travel pattern has made India an essential 'filler' market during the Maldives' tourism low seasons.