MALDIVES SEES DROP IN INDIAN VISITORS, RAISING CONCERNS FOR ECONOMY

The Maldives tourism sector is reeling from an 80% decline in revenue due to the significant decrease in Indian arrivals, which are essential for sustaining tourism during off-peak seasons

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The Maldives tourism industry is facing a significant decline in revenue due to a decrease in Indian tourists, prompting calls for improved relations with New Delhi. In 2023, the Maldives welcomed over 17 lakh tourists, with Indians being the largest group of visitors. However, recent statistics show a sharp decline in Indian tourist arrivals, with India slipping to the sixth position in visitor numbers in 2024.

According to the Maldives Tourism Ministry, as of March 2, 2024, only 27,224 Indian tourists had visited the island nation, marking a 33% decline compared to the previous year. This decline has caused alarm within the local tourism industry, with experts forecasting losses of up to $2 billion.

The decrease in Indian arrivals has had a severe impact on the Maldives tourism sector, with travel agencies and operators reporting an 80% decline in revenue. Indian tourists are particularly crucial for sustaining tourism-related receipts during the off-peak season, as they tend to visit the Maldives during hot seasons when European market arrivals drop.