The Maldives, recently named the world’s most beautiful island by Travel + Leisure magazine readers, is aiming to attract 300,000 Indian tourists in 2025 after experiencing a significant drop in arrivals last year.
Decline in Indian Tourists
From 2020 to 2023, India was the Maldives’ largest source of visitors. However, in 2024, the number of Indian arrivals fell by 34%, according to Firstpost. This decline has raised concerns for the tourism-dependent nation, where the industry remains the primary source of foreign exchange.
China and Russia Lead in Arrivals
The Maldives welcomed 2 million visitors last year, with China emerging as the top source of tourists, followed by Russia.
Strategies to Attract Indian Tourists
To regain Indian travelers, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced plans to hold monthly promotional events across India, Economic Times reported.
MMPRC Chairman Abdulla Ghiyas stated that the agency is also collaborating with Indian and Maldivian airlines to increase direct flights from more Indian cities.
By enhancing connectivity and boosting marketing efforts, the Maldives hopes to reclaim its position as a favored destination for Indian travelers.
