Before examining the decline in Indian tourist numbers to the Maldives, let's first identify the key visitors to this small archipelago. The Maldivian economy heavily relies on tourism, constituting approximately one-third, as per the World Bank.
In 2023, India stood as the leading source country for tourists, contributing over two lakh visitors, comprising a significant 11% of all arrivals. The other top nations included Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
However, January this year witnessed a shift. Maldivian tourism ministry data reported 13,989 visitors by January 28 out of a total of 1,74,400 arrivals, causing India to drop to the fifth position with an eight percent market share. Russia, Italy, and China led in tourist numbers during the first 28 days of January.
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Image Credit - www.tourism.gov.mv |
Tour operators in the Maldives have observed a decline in Indian tourist numbers. Akhmeem Razzaq, founder and managing director of Maldives Getaways, a local tourism company, stated that Indian tourists, especially in the local tourism segment, have decreased over the past few months. Razzaq noted stability in the high-paying luxury tourism sector but mentioned a slowdown in new bookings.
Indian tour operators have corroborated this trend, highlighting a drop in inquiries about the Maldives despite existing bookings remaining intact. Some geopolitical experts interpret the data as a diplomatic victory for Beijing, linking the rise in Chinese tourists to President Muizzu's recent visit. During the visit, Muizzu urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to boost tourist arrivals in Male, emphasizing China's significance as Maldives' top market before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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| The Maldivian economy heavily relies on tourism, and in 2023, India emerged as the primary source country, contributing over two lakh visitors to the neighboring nation. Image Credit - Reuters |
The controversy surrounding the #BoycottMaldives movement is widely linked to the decline in Indian tourist numbers visiting the Maldives, which is believed to stem from a recent diplomatic dispute between the two nations.
The conflict originated when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lakshadweep in early January and commended the region's natural beauty. However, this visit triggered resentment among certain Maldivian officials, who interpreted Modi's promotion of Lakshadweep as an effort to shift focus away from the Maldives.
Mariyam Shiuana, a deputy minister in the Maldivian Cabinet, went as far as labeling Modi as a 'puppet of Israel' and a 'clown' on X. Two of her colleagues also joined in, posting disrespectful remarks about the prime minister and Indians.
Although the posts were later removed, and the three officials faced suspension, it appeared that the harm had already been done. These comments sparked outrage among Indians, leading to calls for a boycott of the Maldives. Many celebrities, who have often chosen the Maldives as their preferred holiday destination, also endorsed this sentiment, encouraging people to explore destinations within India. Actor Amitabh Bachchan, for instance, advocated travel to Lakshadweep in a post on X, while Akshay Kumar similarly supported the idea.
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| In Male, Maldives, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives is seen holding a flag with the slogan "India Out." The relationship between India and the Maldives has experienced a recent deterioration. Image Credit - Reuters |
The boycott gained momentum when EaseMyTrip, a prominent online travel platform in the country, initially announced its refusal to accept bookings for the Maldives. However, they have since reversed their decision and are now accepting bookings.
For many, this boycott, triggered by the remarks of Maldivian officials, reflects the strained relationship between India and the Maldives. The newly elected president of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed office in September of the previous year, is known for adopting a more pro-China stance. In fact, he campaigned on an anti-India platform and urged India to withdraw its troops from the country. New Delhi had previously provided equipment such as radar stations and surveillance aircraft, with around 70 personnel deployed to maintain them.
Expanding Horizons beyond the Maldives
While the prevailing consensus attributes India's declining tourist numbers to the boycott of the island nation, some argue that another factor is also at play. According to certain tour operators in the Maldives, the decrease in Indian visitors coincides with the opening of global markets for Indian travelers.
Consider this: In recent times, various countries, including Kenya, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, have begun offering visa-free travel to Indians. Additionally, there are destinations making travel more convenient and accessible for Indian tourists.
In light of these developments, it is plausible that Indian travelers might opt for alternative destinations rather than the Maldives.
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