The number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has fallen by 33 percent compared to the same period last year, statistics from the Tourism Ministry has shown.
The decline comes after a concerted campaign calling for Indian tourists to visit the country's Lakshadweep islands instead of the Maldives was carried out on social media over derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian deputy ministers against India's Prime Minister.
According to Tourism Ministry statistics for 2023, 41,054 Indian tourists visited the Maldives by March 4 last year. The number of Indian tourists recorded as of March 2 this year was 27,224. This was a total of 13,830 fewer tourists.
In the same period last year, India was the second largest source market for tourists to the Maldives with a 10 percent market share. However, India is now in sixth place on the list with a six percent market share.
Earlier this year, Maldives tourism industry stakeholders expressed concern as the boycott campaign in India grew momentum and gained the support of popular Indian film stars. The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) conducted a survey to determine the impact of booking cancellations by Indian guests. But the findings were not made public.
Amid the diplomatic row, the Maldives ambassador in New Delhi and the Indian ambassador in Male' were summoned to the respective foreign ministries. The three deputy ministers were suspended. They remain under suspension with pay.
India was the top tourist market for the Maldives in 2021, 2022 and 2023 with more than 200,000 tourists each year. However, China is the top market now with more than 54,000 tourist arrivals so far this year.
