The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives has been strained since Mohamed Muizzu’s government came to power last year. This rift has led to a notable shift in Indian tourism patterns, with social media influencers calling for a boycott of the Maldives and encouraging travel to alternative destinations.
In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep further fueled this trend, prompting calls to explore Lakshadweep rather than the Maldives. The impact of these developments is now visible in the significant decline in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives and a sharp increase in passenger traffic to Lakshadweep.
Tourism Statistics Reflect the Shift
Data from the April to June quarter reveals a dramatic drop in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives, with numbers falling from 54,207 in the same period last year to just 28,604 this year—a decrease of nearly 50%. In contrast, Lakshadweep’s Agatti Airport experienced a surge in passenger traffic, handling 22,990 passengers during the same period, compared to 11,074 last year, marking a 107% increase.
The shift in tourism preferences is also mirrored in overall figures for the Maldives, where Indian tourists now account for only 42.5% of the market share. China has emerged as the leading source of tourists, with 120,000 visitors in the first six months of 2024, surpassing India, which now ranks sixth.
Lakshadweep’s Growing Appeal
Lakshadweep has benefited from increased flight connectivity, with an 88% rise in flight movements between April and June 2024. Agatti Airport saw 786 flight movements, up from 418 in the previous year. The increase in connectivity is attributed to expanded services from Alliance Air, IndiGo, and Fly91. The island has also started attracting cruise tourists, further boosting its profile as a desirable destination.
Impact on Airline Services
The downturn in travel to the Maldives has impacted airline services. While flights between India and the Maldives remained relatively steady, IndiGo and Air India have reduced or canceled their services for the winter schedule. In June 2022, there were 59 weekly departures between the two nations, but this number dropped to 44 in June 2024.
Broader Tourism Trends
The decline in Maldives tourism among Indian travelers is part of a larger trend influenced by shifting political relations and an expanding array of travel options. Alternative destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and various other international locales have become increasingly popular. These destinations offer competitive pricing and attractive travel options, further diverting potential tourists from the Maldives.
Future Outlook
As the Maldives experiences a drop in Indian tourist arrivals, the question remains whether this trend will reverse or if the Maldives will continue to attract visitors from other markets. With Indian travelers increasingly exploring alternative destinations and the Maldives working to attract tourists from new regions, the dynamics of regional tourism continue to evolve.
