Indian tourists to Maldives decline by 33% amid diplomatic row

• Indian tourist arrivals in Maldives drop by 33% in March 2024 compared to last year
• India slips from second to sixth position in Maldives' tourism market share due to diplomatic tensions
• China witnesses a surge in tourist arrivals to Maldives amidst strengthening bilateral ties

Amidst the backdrop of strained relations between New Delhi and Male, recent data from the Maldives tourism ministry reveals a significant decline in the number of Indian tourists visiting the archipelago. According to a report from Male-based Adhadhu, the number of Indian visitors plummeted by 33 percent in March 2024 compared to the same period last year.

The report indicates that in March 2023, Maldives welcomed over 41,000 Indian tourists. However, this figure dwindled to just 27,224 visitors in March 2024, marking a sharp decline attributed primarily to India's tourism campaign promoting visits to the Lakshadweep islands.

India, until March 2023, held the position as the second-largest source of tourism for Maldives, accounting for a 10 percent market share. However, due to diplomatic tensions between the two nations, India has now slipped to the sixth position, with a reduced market share of six percent.

While Indian tourist numbers dwindle, China has observed a notable surge in visitor arrivals to Maldives. Strengthening ties between China and Maldives have resulted in over 54,000 Chinese tourists visiting the country in 2024, indicating a shifting tourism landscape in the region.