Maldives tourist arrivals from India show signs of recovery

Tourist arrivals from India to the Maldives are showing signs of recovery, according to the latest data published by the Ministry of Tourism.

As of 28 May, the number of Indian visitors to the Maldives totalled 54,257. This marks an increase of 1,549 arrivals compared to the same period last year, representing a 3 percent rise.

This is the first time since the decline in arrivals last year that the number of Indian tourists has surpassed previous figures. By the end of May 2023, the number stood at 52,708.

Speaking on the development, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Chairperson Abdulla Ghiyas stated that the Indian market is showing improvement. He attributed the increase in part to targeted promotional efforts by MMPRC.

According to Ghiyas, eight tourism promotion campaigns are currently underway in India to attract travellers to the Maldives. These efforts aim to raise awareness of the Maldives as a travel destination.

Ghiyas also said that cooperation is ongoing with airlines to increase flight connectivity between India and the Maldives, including initiatives to bring new airlines to the market.

The Maldives aims to attract between 200,000 and 300,000 Indian tourists in 2025. MMPRC has also enlisted Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif to support its promotional activities targeting the Indian market. The one-millionth tourist to arrive in the Maldives this year was also from India.