In response to a significant decline in tourist arrivals from India, the Maldivian Tourism Minister, Ibrahim Faisal, recently appealed to Indian tourists to participate in the Maldives' tourism sector, emphasizing the critical role it plays in the nation's economy. This plea comes as data reveals a notable 42% decrease in Indian tourist arrivals during the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year.
The appeal by Tourism Minister Faisal is part of broader efforts by the Maldives to attract Indian tourists back to its shores after witnessing a significant drop in Indian visitors. Previously a top visitor country, India has now slipped to the sixth position, while there has been a simultaneous surge in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives.
The decline in Indian tourist arrivals has had a profound impact on the Maldives' tourism revenue, given that tourism accounts for a substantial portion of its GDP. On average, a trip to the Maldives from India can cost around Rs 1.5 lakh per person for a seven-day stay, resulting in a substantial revenue loss of approximately Rs 468 crore or $56 million due to the decrease in arrivals.
The Maldives has historically relied on Indian travelers to sustain tourism revenue, particularly during off-peak seasons when European market arrivals decrease. Consequently, the drop in Indian tourists has led to significant revenue losses, with travel agencies and operators reporting an 80% decline in revenue.
To address this decline, the Maldives has embarked on various initiatives to entice Indian tourists back, including discussions with Indian officials to promote collaborative efforts in tourism promotion. Plans for comprehensive roadshows across key Indian cities and media familiarization trips to the Maldives are also underway to showcase the country as a premier tourism destination.
In addition, the Maldivian Foreign Minister, Moosa Zameer, is scheduled to visit India for high-level ministerial discussions, signaling a diplomatic effort to strengthen ties and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the decline in Indian tourist arrivals. These efforts come amid strained relations between the Maldives and India following social media remarks by Maldivian ministers targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which sparked a backlash and led to a "Lakshadweep Chalo" movement among Indian tourists.
