Fall and Rise in Tourism is a Natural Phenomenon, says Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel has described the decline in Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives in 2024 as a “natural phenomenon.” 

His comments came during a recent interview with WIONews while on an official visit to India.

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India, which ranked as the second-largest market for Maldivian tourism in 2023, dropped to sixth place in 2024. The decline has been widely attributed to calls from Indian government officials and celebrities to boycott the Maldives, following derogatory remarks made by senior Maldivian officials about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January last year.

When questioned about plans to recover Indian tourist numbers, Dr. Khaleel highlighted natural market fluctuations and expressed optimism about a recovery. 

“Fall and rise in tourism, it is a natural phenomenon that we are seeing.” he said. “With the current relationship with both government, both people-to-people contact, what I believe is that rise in tourism is also, it will be a natural phenomenon.”

Dr. Khaleel also noted the Maldives’ enduring appeal among Indian celebrities, who often visit for its pristine beaches and tranquil waters. He extended an open invitation to all Indians, emphasising the serenity and unique experiences the Maldives offers.

To boost connectivity and facilitate easier travel, Dr. Khaleel discussed ongoing infrastructure projects supported by India.

“One of the key factors that we have noticed is we need to increase the connectivity between both countries. That is, specifically between the population centers in India, major cities to the Maldives.”

 “We are working on increasing the tourism sector in the north with the assistance of India that we are upgrading the Hanimadu airport. We are working on upgrading the Gain international airport at the far north, far south. Again, under facility provided by India.” he added.

The Foreign Minister also pointed to promotional efforts by the Maldivian government to attract Indian tourists. “Our Tourism Minister.. is very keen to have road shows and promotional events in India like any other nations that we are having. Recently also last year, if I am not mistaken, our tourism minister, he traveled to Mumbai for such an event and we noticed as a result of that there is an increased number of interest from the celebrities. So, we believe the Indian tourism will be number one in the near future.”

Dr. Khaleel concluded with confidence that the Maldives will soon regain its top position among Indian travellers, bolstered by strengthened bilateral relations and targeted efforts to enhance tourism ties.