In a strategic move aimed at reigniting the interest of Indian travelers in the Maldives, a prominent tourism organization based in Male has revealed plans to conduct road shows across key cities in India. With the dwindling number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) engaged in discussions with Munu Mahawar, India's High Commissioner, to explore avenues for enhancing travel and tourism collaboration between the two nations.
The Maldives faced significant backlash following disparaging remarks about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi made on social media by three Maldivian officials. This backlash ensued after Modi shared images and videos of the pristine Lakshadweep Islands on India's western coast on January 6. Consequently, numerous Indian travelers, including several celebrities, canceled their reservations and refrained from visiting the Maldives. The tourism arrival statistics mirrored this decline, with India slipping from its position as a top visitor country to the fifth and now the sixth position after January.
According to data from the Maldives' Ministry of Tourism, as of April 10 this year, out of a total of 663,269 tourists arriving, China maintained its lead 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 discussions held at a meeting convened at the Indian High Commission in Male, MATATO stated in a press release that they expressed their commitment to collaborating closely with the Indian High Commission in the Maldives to bolster tourism initiatives, as reported by Sun.mv news portal.
"In line with this approach, there are ongoing plans to launch extensive road shows across major Indian cities and facilitate trips for influencers and media to familiarize themselves with the Maldives in the coming months," the statement quoted.
"While India remains a pivotal tourist market for the Maldives, MATATO looks forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further elevate the Maldives as a premier travel destination," the statement added.
The Association also viewed its meeting with the Indian High Commissioner as "a testament to MATATO's unwavering commitment to fostering strong tourism ties between the Maldives and India," which, it emphasized, will pave the way for "collaborative efforts aimed at driving sustainable growth in the region's tourism sector."
Prior to the eruption of this diplomatic tension, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu had, shortly after taking office last November, requested India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from the country, citing their presence as a threat to Maldives' sovereignty. Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has announced that no Indian military personnel, even in civilian attire, will remain in the Maldives once all 88 personnel are repatriated by May 10.
