From being the top tourist group visiting Maldives, Indians slipped to the fifth position in January this year after a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male
With Indian tourist traffic declining sharply in the wake of a diplomatic row earlier this year, the Maldives government is now looking to mitigate the losses by urging Indians to be a part of its tourism.
In an interview with PTI videos, Maldives tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal said that Indians should be a part of the archipelago since its economy depends on tourism.
“We have a history. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the Tourism Minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives? tourism. Our economy depends on tourism,? he said.
From being the top tourist group visiting Maldives, Indians slipped to the fifth position in January this year after a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male.
The row erupted after three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted photos and video of the pristine Lakshadweep Islands on India’s west coast on January 6 on his X handle.
The ministers were suspended by President Mohamed Muizzu’s government but the issue turned into a full-blown backlash with Indians calling for a boycott of Maldives.
Several Indians even took to X to say that they have cancelled their tickets to Maldives, with even celebrities and sportpersons joining the cause to support local tourism.
According to a sun.mv report published on May 6, the number of tourist arrivals from India declined by 42 per cent in the first four months of this year compared to the first four months of last year.
At the start of this year, India was the top tourist market for the Maldives. Shortly into the year, India dropped to sixth place amongst the top tourist markets, the news portal reported.
According to tourism ministry statistics, Maldives recorded a total of 43,991 tourist arrivals from India as of May 4.
Between January and April of last year, Maldives recorded 73,785 tourist arrivals. This year, the number stands at 42,638.
According to a PTI report in March, industry experts and analysts have estimated losses north of $1.8 billion to $2 billion due to the drop in Indian tourists.
Last month, a major tourism body in Maldives said that it will hold roadshows in the country to woo back Indian tourists.
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) even held discussions with India’s High Commissioner, Munu Mahawar, on enhancing travel and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
The relationship between India and Maldives has been under stress ever since President Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, took charge in November. After coming to power, he said that he will keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.
Earlier this year, Muizzu forced the withdrawal of the 88 Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms gifted by India to the Maldives.
He has previously accused India of meddling in the affairs of the Maldives and won the presidential elections in September last year with an “India Out” campaign.
Maldives opposition leaders, including Ibrahim Solih and Mohamed Nasheed, have strongly denounced the Muizzu administration for spoiling ties with India.
(With inputs from PTI)
Source: moneycontrol.com
