In a move aimed at attracting Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a major tourism body has declared plans to conduct road shows across significant Indian cities.
As the influx of Indian tourists to the Maldives witnesses a decline, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) engaged in discussions with India's High Commissioner, Munu Mahawar, to bolster travel and tourism collaboration between the two nations.
A significant backlash ensued against the Maldives subsequent to derogatory remarks made against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by three Maldivian officials after Mr. Modi shared images and videos of the pristine Lakshadweep Islands on India’s western coast on January 6 via his X handle. Numerous Indians, including several celebrities, canceled their reservations and shelved plans to visit the Maldives. Tourism arrival figures indicated a shift from India being a leading visitor country to now occupying the sixth position after January.
According to statistics released by the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, as of April 10 this year, out of the total 663,269 tourists arriving, China maintained the top spot with 71,995 visitors, followed by the United Kingdom (66,999), Russia (66,803), Italy (61,379), Germany (52,256), and India (37,417).
Following deliberations held at a meeting convened at the Indian High Commission in Malé, MATATO, as reported by Sun.mv news portal, stated in a release that they conveyed their intent to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission in the Maldives to bolster tourism endeavors.
“In line with this initiative, plans are presently in motion to commence comprehensive road shows across key Indian cities and facilitate influencer and media familiarization trips to the Maldives in the coming months,” the statement cited.
“While acknowledging India's pivotal role as a tourist market for the Maldives, MATATO expresses eagerness to engage with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further endorse the Maldives as a premier travel destination,” it added.
The Association also hailed its meeting with the Indian High Commissioner as “a testament to MATATO's sustained commitment to nurturing robust tourism relations between the Maldives and India,” emphasizing that it will pave the way for “transformative collaborations aimed at driving sustainable growth in the region's tourism sector.”
Prior to the eruption of this diplomatic discord, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, shortly after assuming office last November, urged India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from the country, citing their presence as a threat to Maldives’ sovereignty.
Mr. Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has declared that no Indian military personnel, even in civilian attire, will remain in the Maldives after all 88 personnel are repatriated by May 10.
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