Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Maldives Seeks to Revive Tourism From India
The Maldives, a country known for its beautiful islands, is seeing far fewer tourists from India than before.
This is because of some comments made by Maldivian officials that upset people in India.
Before 2024, India sent the most tourists to the Maldives, but now they're down by half.
The Maldives really wants Indian tourists to come back, because tourism is a big part of their economy.
They hope that a visit from India's Prime Minister Modi will help bring the tourists back.
India is also helping build an airport and supporting tourism projects in the Maldives to make it easier for Indians to visit.
Tourism from India to the Maldives has dropped by almost 50% since 2024.
India was the top contributor of tourists to the Maldives until 2023.
Some Maldivian officials' reaction to PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep caused negative sentiment in India.
The Maldives is hoping PM Modi's visit will encourage Indian tourists to return.
India is supporting tourism projects and infrastructure development in the Maldives.
- Who
- Indian tourists and the Maldives
- What
- Tourist arrivals from India to the Maldives have declined significantly.
- When
- Since 2024, with the report being released in July 2025
- Where
- Maldives
- Why
- Due to negative sentiment following comments from Maldivian officials in 2024.
Maldivian Officials' Actions
Indian Public Response
Impact of Official Statements
Maldivian Officials' Actions
Some Maldivian officials' comments created friction.
Indian Public Response
The Indian public responded negatively to the remarks.
- Drop in Indian Tourists
- Almost 50%
- Indian Tourists in 2022
- 2.4 lakh
- Indian Tourists in 2023
- 2.06 lakh
- Indian Tourists in 2024
- 1.3 lakh
- Market Share 2025 (till July 22)
- 6%
- Leading Tourist Contributor (2025)
- China (1.75 lakh)