The number of Indian tourists coming to the Maldives has decreased due to the ongoing tension between the two sides.
As relations between New Delhi and Man continue to deteriorate, a recent report, including data from the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, highlighted a decline in the number of Indian tourists in the Maldives compared to March last year. 33%.
A report from Adhadhu, Man says that more than 41,000 Indian tourists visited the Maldives in March 2023, while the number dropped by 33% to just 27,224 in March 2024. The main reason for this decline is the Indian government’s tourism program that encourages people to explore Lakshadweep.
The report stated that as of March 2023, India will be the Maldives’ second largest source of tourism, accounting for 10% of the market. However, the conflict between the two countries caused India to fall to sixth place with a market share of 6 percent.
While the number of Indian tourists is decreasing, there is a sudden increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives. As the relationship between China and the Maldives continues to grow, China will welcome more than 54,000 tourists by 2024.
Maldives Sees 33% Drop In Indian Tourists Amid Diplomatic Tensions.
In March 2023, Maldives received over 41,000 Indian tourists, whereas this number dropped to just 27,224 in March 2024, indicating a steep decline of 33 per cent. pic.twitter.com/tbygMlAP1A
— Finventurous (@finventurous) March 9, 2024
China is currently the largest source of tourists to the Maldives and is taking a share of the market. In February this year, the island country received a total of 217,394 tourists, of which more than 34,600 came from China. It is worth noting that India will be the Maldives’ largest economic market in 2021, 2022 and 2023, hosting more than 200,000 tourists every year.
India-Maldives Diplomatic Dispute
India’s trade relations with Maldives started After Chinese President Mohamed Muizzu took office, the numbers dropped dramatically. Muizzu also ordered the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives and tensions between the two countries escalated.
A Maldivian politician’s negative speech about Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media caused tension in the relations between the two countries. Global anger.
President Muizzu visited China a week after his complaints against Prime Minister Modi. He called on China to reinvest in the Maldives’ economy to revive the island nation’s economy.
The Maldivian president said, “China was our number one market pre-COVID, and it is my request that we intensify efforts for China to regain this position.”