Number of Indian tourists in Maldives plunges due to diplomatic spat

India currently ranks sixth on the Maldives tourist list, accounting for 6% of the market share. (representative)

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Maldivian website Adhadhu reported that the number of Indian tourists to the Maldives dropped by 33% compared with last year, citing data from the Maldives Ministry of Tourism. The move comes as a diplomatic spat between New Delhi and Male continues to worsen.

According to Ministry of Tourism statistics for 2023, 41,054 Indian tourists visited the Maldives as of March 4 last year. As of March 2 this year, the number of Indian tourists was 27,224. Maldives-based Adhadhu reported this number was 13,830 fewer than last year.

In the same period last year, India was the Maldives’ second largest tourist source market, with a market share of 10%. However, India currently ranks sixth with 6% market share.

The row erupted after three deputy ministers of the Maldives made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. Prime Minister Modi has called for developing the Indian island group as a destination for beach tourism and promoting domestic tourism.

The matter snowballed into a major diplomatic row, with New Delhi summoning the Maldivian envoy and vehemently protesting the viral posts.

Three deputy ministers have been suspended and remain on paid suspension.

Earlier this year, stakeholders in the Maldives tourism industry expressed concerns over a boycott movement in India that was gaining momentum and gaining support from popular Indian film stars.

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) conducted a survey to determine the impact of cancellations by Indian guests. But the results of the investigation have not been made public, Adhadhu reported.

India will remain the Maldives’ largest tourism market in 2021-23, receiving more than 200,000 tourists annually.

However, China is currently the largest market, with more than 54,000 tourists so far this year.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)