Maldives tourism register decline in Indian tourists amid diplomatic row
New Delhi : Maldives, a paradise of pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, has seen a significant decline in Indian tourist arrivals in recent weeks, dropping from the third to the fifth largest group of visitors. This decline coincides with mounting diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Lakshadweep.
Indian tourists have traditionally been a major source of revenue for the Maldives, accounting for nearly 11% of its tourism market in 2023. However, the recent controversy surrounding Modi's Lakshadweep beach excursion has soured relations between the two countries, leading to a noticeable drop in Indian tourists.
The controversy stems from perceptions in the Maldives that Modi's visit and subsequent social media posts were intended to divert tourists away from the Maldivian archipelago. Three junior ministers in the Maldivian government, angered by these perceived intentions, posted derogatory comments about Modi on social media, igniting a wave of anti-Maldives sentiment among Indian social media users.
As a result, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives began trending, accompanied by reports of cancelled trips to the island nation. Even the Indian travel portal EaseMyTrip temporarily suspended bookings for flights to the Maldives, reflecting the growing animosity between the two nations.
The Maldives' tourism industry, heavily reliant on Indian visitors, is now facing a significant challenge as political tensions threaten to erode its most important market.
