The Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism recently unveiled its monthly report on tourist arrivals, revealing a significant shift in visitor demographics for the January-March 2024 period compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
According to the data, tourist arrivals from India experienced a substantial drop, declining by nearly 40% from 56,208 visitors in January-March 2023 to 34,847 in the corresponding period of 2024. In stark contrast, tourists from China surged by over 200%, rising from 17,691 in January-March 2023 to 67,399 in the same period of 2024.
The latest statistics underscore the evolving dynamics of tourist demographics in the Maldives, with China now claiming the top spot as the leading contributor to the island nation’s tourism industry, holding an 11% share. India, once a prominent player, now ranks sixth among the top 10 markets for Maldives tourism.
This shift holds significant implications as India historically held a dominant position in the Maldives tourism market. However, recent developments have led to a decline in Indian tourist arrivals, coinciding with a surge in Chinese visitors.
The decline in Indian tourists began after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to promote Lakshadweep as a tourist destination sparked tensions in the Maldives in early January. Subsequently, President Mohamed Muizzu requested the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives.
The altered landscape of tourist arrivals reflects a broader geopolitical realignment, with the Maldives seemingly pivoting towards closer ties with China while India’s influence wanes.
