Diplomatic Strain Takes Toll: Indian Tourist Numbers Plummet by 33% in the Maldives

Diplomatic Strain Takes Toll: Indian Tourist Numbers Plummet by 33% in the Maldives

Asif Iqbal | March 9, 2024 | 07:28 PM IST | Maldives | Follow on Google News

Diplomatic Strain Takes Toll: Indian Tourist Numbers Plummet by 33% in the Maldives….image/ANI

Diplomatic Strain Takes Toll: Indian Tourist Numbers Plummet by 33% in the Maldives

Maldives Tourism Ministry data reveals a sharp decline in Indian tourist arrivals, witnessing a 33% drop compared to the previous year amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Male.

Diplomatic Strain Takes Toll:Impact on Tourist Numbers: India Slips to Sixth Place with 6% Market Share

The number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has significantly decreased, with 27,224 recorded by March 2 this year, compared to 41,054 during the same period last year. India, once the second-largest source market, has now slipped to sixth place on the list, holding a diminished 6% market share.

Diplomatic Strain Takes Toll:Diplomatic Spat Origin: Derogatory Comments Sparked by PM Modi’s Lakshadweep Visit

The diplomatic row escalated following derogatory comments made by three Maldivian deputy ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pictures during his visit to Lakshadweep. PM Modi’s vision for developing the Indian island cluster for beach tourism triggered tensions, resulting in a major diplomatic standoff.

The aftermath included the suspension of the three deputy ministers who made the comments, leading to New Delhi summoning the Maldivian envoy and registering a strong protest against the viral posts.

Notably, the boycott campaign in India gained momentum, supported by popular Indian film stars, causing concern among Maldives tourism industry stakeholders. China has now become the top market with over 54,000 tourist arrivals this year, surpassing India, which held the top spot through 2021-23 with over 200,000 tourists annually.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.