Potential Blow to Maldives Tourism: Indian Travelers, Key Contributors, Amidst 'Boycott Maldives' Campaign, Warns Maldivian Leader

In recent trienniums, an excess of 200,000 denizens from India graced the Maldivian shores annually, marking the highest influx from any nation post the COVID-19 pandemic, as disclosed by official data. This revelation surfaces amidst fervent calls from various circles to shun the island nation as a preferred travel destination, a consequence of a diplomatic discord between the two nations.

Per the Maldives Tourism Ministry's metrics for 2023, a staggering 1.7 million tourists made their sojourn to the isle, with Indians leading the tally at over 209,198, closely trailed by Russians (209,146) and Chinese (187,118). The preceding years showcased a consistent surge in Indian footfalls, surpassing 240,000 in 2022 and exceeding 211,000 in 2021. During the pandemic, the Maldives stood as one of the rare nations welcoming international tourists, hosting nearly 63,000 Indian visitors.

                                         
                         

Historically, India held the fifth position in tourist contributions to the Maldives in 2018, with 90,474 arrivals. This position elevated to second in 2019, witnessing a substantial rise to 166,000 Indian tourists.

Regrettably, this favored haven for Indian voyagers faces a backlash following derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian cabinet ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, subsequent to his Lakshadweep visit last week. Social media has witnessed a surge in cancellation announcements under the hashtag "Boycott Maldives," with EaseMyTrip, an online travel aggregator, suspending all flight bookings in solidarity with India.


                                               


Concurrently, the Maldivian government took action by suspending three deputy ministers who criticized Modi for promoting Lakshadweep as a potential alternative to the Maldives for tourists. The foreign ministry clarified that individual opinions on social media do not represent the nation's stance.

During this discord, eminent figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Sachin Tendulkar urged people to explore "Indian islands" and coastal destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives boasts around 1,200 minuscule coral islands spanning 871 kilometres. Its allure lies in personalized spa treatments, adventurous activities, and a gastronomic extravaganza, making it a compelling choice for visitors.

The pristine beaches and island ambience, coupled with cost-effective airfare, more economical than travel to certain Indian cities, have been a magnet for Indian tourists. Additionally, on Monday, India expressed strong concern to the Maldivian envoy over the prime minister's disparaging remarks.

Ahmed Mahloof, former sports minister of the Maldives, voiced apprehension, emphasizing that an Indian boycott could severely impact the country's economy. He implored swift government intervention to resolve the issue promptly. Meanwhile, global interest in Lakshadweep reached its pinnacle in the last two decades, according to Google Trends. MakeMyTrip reported a staggering 3,400% surge in platform searches for Lakshadweep following Prime Minister Modi's visit.

Modi's presence in Lakshadweep on January 2 and 3, inaugurating various projects, further fueled the global curiosity. Stay informed with comprehensive market coverage, business updates, and real-time stock market information on CNBC-TV18. Tune in to our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, and CNBC Bajar for live coverage on the go!