India Slips in Maldives’ Tourist Source Market Standing

India, previously the top source of tourists for the Maldives since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, has dropped to sixth place as of early March 2024, amid diplomatic tensions. In 2023, the Maldives welcomed 209,198 Indian tourists, but only 28,017 visited by March 5, 2024. Germany surpassed India with 28,674 arrivals. Overall tourist arrivals increased to 443,128 in January-February 2024 from 350,414 in the same period in 2023. China remains the top source market with 55,641 visitors (12.6% share), followed by Russia, Italy, UK, Germany, then India. Other top markets include France, US, Poland, and Switzerland. The decline in Indian tourists coincides with a social media boycott campaign following diplomatic issues.

India, previously the top source of tourists for the Maldives since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, has dropped to sixth place as of early March 2024, amid diplomatic tensions. In 2023, the Maldives welcomed 209,198 Indian tourists, but only 28,017 visited by March 5, 2024. Germany surpassed India with 28,674 arrivals. Overall tourist arrivals increased to 443,128 in January-February 2024 from 350,414 in the same period in 2023. China remains the top source market with 55,641 visitors (12.6% share), followed by Russia, Italy, UK, Germany, then India. Other top markets include France, US, Poland, and Switzerland. The decline in Indian tourists coincides with a social media boycott campaign following diplomatic issues.

India, previously the top source of tourists for the Maldives since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, has dropped to sixth place as of early March 2024, amid diplomatic tensions. In 2023, the Maldives welcomed 209,198 Indian tourists, but only 28,017 visited by March 5, 2024. Germany surpassed India with 28,674 arrivals. Overall tourist arrivals increased to 443,128 in January-February 2024 from 350,414 in the same period in 2023. China remains the top source market with 55,641 visitors (12.6% share), followed by Russia, Italy, UK, Germany, then India. Other top markets include France, US, Poland, and Switzerland. The decline in Indian tourists coincides with a social media boycott campaign following diplomatic issues.

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