Indian visitors to the Maldives have dropped significantly due to diplomatic tensions, with only 28,604 arrivals in the April-June quarter, down from 54,207 last year. Meanwhile, Lakshadweep rises, we are seeing increased traffic, with Agatti Airport handling 22,990 passengers, more than double the previous year. An 88% increase in flights to the island reflects this growing interest.
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Recent reports indicate a decline in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives, while Lakshadweep rises in popularity. Since last year, diplomatic issues between India and the Maldives have intensified, leading to calls on social media to boycott the Maldives. This, combined with efforts by the Indian government to promote domestic tourism, has led to a decrease in Indian visitors to the Maldives, while more Indians are choosing Lakshadweep as an alternative.
What do the numbers suggest?
During the April to June period, Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep saw a significant rise in passenger numbers, handling 22,990 travelers, compared to 11,074 in the same period the previous year. This increase is due to more frequent flights and greater seat availability. The number of flights to Agatti increased by 88%, with 786 flights this year, compared to 418 last year. Airlines such as Alliance Air, IndiGo, and Fly91 have expanded their services from major Indian cities, making it easier for tourists to reach Lakshadweep.
Conversely, the Maldives has experienced a sharp decline in Indian tourists. The Maldives Ministry of Tourism reported that between April and June this year, 28,604 Indian tourists visited the Maldives, down from 54,207 during the same period last year—a nearly 50% reduction. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists have increased, making China the top source of visitors with 1.2 lakh arrivals in the first half of 2024. Indian tourists now rank sixth, with 63,450 arrivals, reflecting a 42.5% decrease. Despite this, overall tourist arrivals in the Maldives grew by 9.2% in the first half of 2024, showing that the Indian boycott had a varied impact.
Lakshadweep is also attracting more cruise tourists, adding to its growing appeal. The rise in flights and cruises aligns with a broader trend of Indian travelers exploring new destinations. With direct flights increasing to other locations and more visa-free or visa-on-arrival options, Indian travelers now have a wider range of choices.
Conclusion
The Maldives, which was once a top destination for Indian tourists, is now facing competition from other regions like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, offering similar beach experiences with more flexible travel options. The decline in Indian visitors to the Maldives underscores how political and social factors can influence travel patterns. Whether the Maldives will regain its popularity with Indian tourists is uncertain, as Lakshadweep rises as a preferred alternative.
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