In the first quarter of this year, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives dropped significantly compared to the same period last year. Only 34,847 Indians arrived in the Maldives, marking a 38% decrease from the 56,208 Indian passengers recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Interestingly, this figure is even lower than the numbers observed in the first quarter of 2019, which saw 36,053 Indian visitors to the Maldives.
Despite India being the leading source market for Maldives tourism in the post-Covid-19 period from 2021 to 2023, there has been a noticeable decline in Indian tourist arrivals this year. This trend coincides with the “India Out” campaign initiated by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, followed by a social media movement encouraging Indians to boycott Maldives tourism. The campaign gained traction after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep islands, sparking the “Visit Lakshadweep” trend alongside the “Boycott Maldives” movement. This trend was not just limited to celebrities or social media influencers but also influenced online travel agencies.
The decline in Indian tourism to Maldives is mirrored by a decrease in absolute numbers. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists, who were the primary inbound tourists to Maldives before Covid-19, have reclaimed their top position as China relaxes its travel restrictions after nearly four years of embargoes.
Data released by the Maldives tourism ministry indicates that in 2018, just under 100,000 Indians visited the Maldives, while there were 2.83 lakh Chinese tourists. However, by 2019, Indian arrivals increased to 1.6 lakh, boosted by travel restrictions globally due to Covid-19. In 2021, the number of Indian visitors surged to 2.91 lakh, while only 2238 Chinese tourists visited due to stringent lockdowns in China.
In the first quarter of 2024, both Indian and Chinese tourist numbers have fallen below the 2019 benchmark, although Chinese arrivals have almost tripled compared to the previous year, while Indian arrivals have decreased by nearly 40%.
Flight data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, reveals that the India-Maldives market experienced a reduction in weekly flights and seats in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, despite similar frequencies. This indicates challenges in the market.
The decline in Indian tourism to Maldives may be attributed to a combination of nationalism and the availability of cheaper alternatives, such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, which offer easier visa procedures and direct connectivity.
For instance, in the coming month, there will be significantly more non-stop flights and weekly seats available between India and Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia compared to the Maldives. Additionally, the Maldives is perceived as an expensive destination, with its resort-centric setup, which might deter budget-conscious travelers.
The Maldives tourism board is planning roadshows in India to attract more visitors, but the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen.
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