In 2023, the Maldives witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with Indian travelers topping the list. Data from the Maldives’ tourism ministry revealed that Indian tourists were the highest among visitors to the island nation until December 2023.
This trend highlights the growing affinity of Indian travelers towards the Maldives as a preferred holiday destination.
Surge in Tourist Arrivals
The Maldives recorded 1,757,939 tourists by December 13, 2023, marking a 12.6% increase compared to the 1.5 million arrivals in 2022. The largest number of tourists, amounting to 209,198, were from India, followed by Russia with 209,146 and China with 187,118 visitors.
Diverse International Visitors
The Maldives also welcomed a significant number of tourists from other countries, including the United Kingdom (155,730), Germany (135,090), Italy (118,412), the United States (74,575), France (49,199), Spain (40,462), and Switzerland (37,260). This diverse international presence underscores the Maldives’ global appeal as a top travel destination.
Aviation Trends and COVID-19 Impact
Aviation data indicated that the Maldives has been a popular choice for Indian tourists for several years. In the October-December quarter of 2018, when the first phase of expansion to the Maldives began, 51,000 passengers traveled between India and the Maldives on direct flights.
This number increased to 60,000 passengers in the same quarter of 2019, averaging nearly 700 passengers daily each way.
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the October to December quarter of 2020 saw 32,000 passengers each way. The numbers broke all records in 2021 post the deadly second wave, with a bumper 115,000 passengers flying to the Maldives from India in the fourth quarter, averaging 1,250 passengers per day on direct flights.
Recent Controversies and Indian Interest in Lakshadweep
The surge in Indian tourists to the Maldives coincides with recent controversies involving anti-India comments by some Maldivians, including a minister. These comments have led several Indian celebrities and social media influencers to call for a boycott of the Maldives.
Interestingly, this tussle has also spurred interest in the Indian island of Lakshadweep, especially following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit there, where he inaugurated several development projects and explored its beautiful beaches.
Conclusion
The dominance of Indian tourists in the Maldives’ 2023 tourism figures is a testament to the island nation’s enduring allure and India’s growing outbound tourism market. Despite recent controversies and the global impact of COVID-19, the Maldives continues to be a favored destination, offering a blend of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty that appeals to a wide range of travelers.
