The Maldives, known for its stunning beaches and upscale tourism, is witnessing a notable decline in Indian visitors, dropping from the third to the fifth-largest group within three weeks. Data from the Maldives' tourism ministry reveals this shift in tourist demographics, aligning with heightened diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Indian archipelago in the Arabian Sea.
Indian tourists have traditionally been a significant demographic for the Maldives, constituting nearly 11% of its tourism market in 2023. However, controversy surrounding Modi's visit to Lakshadweep on January 2, perceived by some in the Maldives as an attempt to divert tourists away, has led to a noticeable decline in Indian tourist numbers.
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The controversy stemmed from Modi's beach excursion to Lakshadweep, with some in the Maldives interpreting it as a strategic move to draw tourists away from their nation. Derogatory comments against the Indian Prime Minister by three junior ministers in the Mohamed Muizzu government further fueled anti-Maldives sentiment on Indian social media platforms.
The hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained traction on social media, prompting reports of canceled trips and even the suspension of bookings by an Indian travel portal. Despite the Maldives officials deleting their posts and facing suspension, the diplomatic fallout has led to a decline in India's share of the Maldives tourism market. As of January 28, India's market share dropped to 8%, with China and the UK surpassing India to claim the third and fourth positions, respectively, in the top 10 list of tourism contributors.
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