In a notable shift within the Indian tourism landscape, the Maldives, once a top destination for Indian travelers, is experiencing a significant decline in visitors from India. Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, particularly since Mohamed Muizzu’s government took office, have sparked a call for a boycott of the Maldives on social media. This growing sentiment, combined with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for domestic tourism in places like Lakshadweep, has led to a sharp decrease in Indian arrivals to the Maldives and a corresponding surge in Lakshadweep’s popularity.
During the peak travel season from April to June, the Maldives saw a dramatic drop in Indian tourists, with only 28,604 arrivals compared to 54,207 in the same period last year—a nearly 50% decrease. This decline has pushed Indian visitors down to sixth place among the top nationalities visiting the Maldives, with just 63,450 arrivals in the first half of 2024, marking a 42.5% year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists have surged to become the top source of visitors, with 120,000 arrivals in the same period.
In stark contrast, Lakshadweep has experienced a tourism boom. Agatti Airport, the gateway to the archipelago, handled 22,990 passengers between April and June, a substantial increase from 11,074 last year. This growth can be attributed to an 88% increase in flight services, with 786 flights landing at Agatti, compared to 418 in the previous year. Airlines such as Alliance Air, IndiGo, and Fly91 have expanded their services, making Lakshadweep more accessible than ever before.
Lakshadweep is also becoming a hub for cruise tourism, further boosting its appeal. The increased connectivity and growing interest in the island chain reflect a broader trend of Indian travelers seeking new and unexplored destinations.
This shift in tourism preferences is also influenced by the rising availability of direct flights from India to various international destinations such as Bali, Jakarta, Baku, and Tbilisi. These destinations offer similar beach experiences to the Maldives but with greater travel flexibility and more accessible visa policies.
The decline in Indian tourists to the Maldives highlights the significant impact that political and social factors can have on travel trends. While overall tourist arrivals in the Maldives have grown by 9.2% in the first half of 2024, the loss of Indian visitors remains a notable concern. As Indian travelers explore alternatives like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the future of the Maldives as a favored destination for Indians remains uncertain.