The Maldives, a popular destination among Indian tourists, is now facing a significant drop in visitors from India, leading to a sharp decline in tourism revenue. Reports indicate that India has slipped to the sixth position in terms of visitor numbers in 2024, a stark contrast to its previous top ranking in 2023. This downturn has sparked concerns within the local tourism sector about the economic implications for the island nation in the Indian Ocean.

The backlash against the Maldives began after three Maldivian officials made derogatory remarks about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. This followed Modi's posts showcasing the scenic Lakshadweep Islands on India's west coast. These remarks soured relations and contributed to the decline in Indian tourist arrivals.

According to statistics from the Maldives Tourism Ministry, in 2023, over 1.7 million tourists visited the Maldives, with more than 209,000 of them being Indians. However, the number of Indian visitors has seen a notable decrease compared to previous years. In 2022, over 240,000 Indians visited, while in 2021, the number was over 211,000. Despite being open to international tourists during the pandemic, with nearly 63,000 Indian visitors during that time, the Maldives has seen a significant drop in Indian arrivals in 2024.

Tourism industry experts warn of the adverse impacts of dwindling Indian arrivals, with estimated losses ranging from USD 1.8 billion to USD 2 billion. Travel agencies and operators relying on Indian tourists report an alarming 80% decline in revenue.

The significance of the Indian market for Maldives tourism during off-peak seasons cannot be overstated. Indian travelers tend to visit the Maldives during hot seasons, compensating for the drop in European arrivals. Without Indian tourists, occupancy rates suffer, making India a crucial market for the Maldives.

It's not only Indian passport holders who have boycotted the Maldives; affluent Indian-origin travelers from other countries have also decreased in numbers. The resumption of direct flights between Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Maldives and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, India, is hoped to revive Indian tourism to some extent.

There's a growing realization that repairing relations with India is crucial for the Maldives' tourism industry and overall economy. Any further deterioration in relations could have dire consequences. Sun.mv emphasizes the need for humility and wisdom in navigating diplomatic relations to avoid further harm to the Maldives' fragile economy.

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