Maldives is not keeping happy these days! In a shocking development, tourist influx from India to the Maldives has dangerously dropped by 42.2% in the initial four months of this year compared to the corresponding period last year.
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Seems like Maldives’ negative comments on India didn’t go well with Indians. The diplomatic tensions is one of the biggest reasons for this significant drop. Traditionally, India was the Maldives’ primary tourist source but after the tensions arose, things took a U-turn.
To brush up the memory, in the beginning of 2024, some high-ranking officials from the Maldives made disrespectful remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Consequently, India launched an anti-Maldives campaign, advising Indians against visiting the Maldives for tourism purposes.
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As per data disclosed by the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, the drop in Indian tourist arrivals has been significant. In January 2023, 18,612 Indian tourists visited the Maldives, but in January 2024, only 15,003 tourists arrived, marking a 19.4% decline.
Similarly, February saw another huge dip of 40.9%, with 19,497 arrivals in 2023 compared to 11,522 in 2024. March and April experienced even steeper declines, with arrivals plunging by 54% and 55.6%, respectively. Consequently, India has slipped to the sixth position in terms of tourist markets for the Maldives.
China, Russia, England, Italy, and Germany have surpassed India in tourist arrivals. Despite the dip in Indian visitors, the Maldives received a total of 772,651 tourists until April this year, with China emerging as the leading tourist market for the island nation.
About Maldives
The Maldives, an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, captivates travelers with its paradisiacal beauty and pristine natural landscapes. Comprising 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands, it offers a stunning tapestry of turquoise lagoons, powdery white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
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Renowned as a premier luxury travel destination, the Maldives beckons visitors with its exclusive overwater villas, world-class resorts, and indulgent spa retreats. Beyond its idyllic beaches, the Maldives boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by South Asian, Arab, and African traditions, reflected in its cuisine, music, and art.
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