Maldives Tourism Shift: China Overtakes India Amid Tensions

EE News Desk Mar 08, 2024

As per media reports, while worsening diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Male, the Maldives has witnessed a substantial decline in the influx of Indian tourists - reported Male-based Adhadhu, citing statistics from the tourism ministry.

According to the data, the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has plunged by 33 per cent, from 41,054 in 4 March last year to 27,224 by 2 March this year, reflecting a decrease of 13,830 visitors.

This decline can be attributed to a campaign encouraging Indian tourists to explore the Lakshadweep islands instead of the Maldives. The initiative was launched in response to derogatory remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three former deputy ministers.

Formerly holding the position of the second-largest source market for Maldivian tourism until March last year, India has now slipped to the sixth position on the list, accounting for a reduced market share of six per cent.

Conversely, there has been a notable surge in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives in recent months, underscoring a shift in the tourism landscape amid strained relations between India and the Maldives.

India held the position of the primary tourist market for the Maldives in the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, witnessing over 200,000 tourist arrivals annually. However, the dynamics have shifted, and China has now emerged as the leading market, boasting more than 54,000 tourist arrivals in the current year. In February alone, the Maldives welcomed a total of 217,394 tourists, with China contributing 34,646 arrivals by 27 February.

This surge in Chinese tourist numbers reflects a notable 10.7 per cent increase compared to the pre-COVID-19 period in 2019 when 31,285 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives in February. The spike is attributed to the introduction of new flights by several Chinese airlines, including Xiamen and Sichuan Airlines, considered one of China's most successful carriers.

During his official visit to China, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu actively encouraged Chinese tourists to explore the charms of the island nation. It is noteworthy that this visit occurred just a week after derogatory comments against PM Modi triggered the 'Boycott Maldives' movement on social media, underscoring the complex interplay of diplomatic events impacting tourism patterns.

Muizzu emphasised that China was Maldives’ number one market pre-covid, and he appealed to intensify efforts for China to regain its position.