Maldives lures Indian tourists with its ‘Welcome India’ road shows in three Indian cities

Maldives is trying to woo Indian tourists back to the country after a diplomatic row early this year, which led to the boycott of the beautiful beach destination by Indians. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) along with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouse Association of Maldives (NHGAM) conducted a series of roadshows, named ‘Welcome India’ in major Indian metros like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal and the President’s tourism development advisor Muhammad Khaleel too had taken part in the road shows. The roadshow that was flagged off on July 30 in New Delhi was held in Mumbai on August 1 and in Bengaluru on August 3. These roadshows brought together 24 major partners in the travel and tourism business. Moreover, the show had been designed as a business-to-business (B2B) platform to develop strong participation and cooperative initiatives in the Indian markets.

The serene beaches of Maldives, its luxurious resorts, guesthouses and rich cultural traditions were showcased as part of the road shows. With 65,000 Indians visiting Maldives in the first half of 2024, a steady trend is observed in the flow of Indian tourists. So, the officials believe that the road show could lure more Indian tourists while maintaining this steady growth in the number of Indians visiting Maldives. Exciting prizes sponsored by premium resorts and hospitality brands like Kandima Maldives, Nova Maldives, Arena Beach Hotels, Kaani Beach Hotel, Villa Nautica resorts, Sirru Fen Fushi luxury resorts, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives were also awarded to the participants of the roadshow.

Indian travellers had boycotted Maldives after Maldivian ministers had made derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he promoted the Indian island of Lakshadweep. This kicked off a diplomatic row and the number of Indians visiting Maldives had plummeted. The tourism sector which is the main source of income for Maldives took a major hit after this. The country soon realised this and has since been trying to strengthen its diplomatic ties with India. Meanwhile, President Mohamed Muizzu thanked India and China for playing key roles in strengthening the economy of Maldives. Mr. Muizzu acknowledged the financial assistance provided by both countries in his speech on July 27 which marked the 59^th year of Maldives’ independence. Moreover, the president who attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony thanked India for the financial package worth Rs 400 crore.

Indians comprised 6.2 per cent of the total tourists who visited Maldives in June 2024. Male, Addu Atoll, Maafushi Island, Vaadhoo Island, Fulhadhoo, Komo Koko Island, Sun Island, Banana Reef, Maamigili also known as ‘Whale Shark Island’, Alimathaa Island, Fihalhohi Island and Velingandu Island are some of the most attractive spots in the country. Maldives is globally known for its mesmerizing beaches and adventure activities like deep sea diving and snorkelling.