Maldives tourism sees 2.5 pc decline in Indian footfall

Maldives: Although Maldives experienced a significant rise in its June tourist figures, there was a clear dip of 2.5 percent among Indians visiting the South Asian archipelago, official data shows.

Over 44,013 tourists have arrived in the tropical beach nation so far in June, its Ministry of Tourism revealed this week.

Between June 1 and June 12, a total of 44,013 tourists were welcomed at Velana International Airport (VIA), it said.

This year's arrivals have seen a 9.6% increase from the previous year's 8,54,405 and a significant increase from 2022's 7,47,183.

About 3,668 tourists are arriving on average every day in June, and tourists are staying in the Maldives for seven days, the data showed.

Maldives has welcomed a total of 9,36,258 visitors since 2024 began.

During January, the country welcomed 192,385 visitors, followed by 217,392 in February, 194,227 in March, 168,366 in April, and 119,875 in May.

The daily average for 2024 so far is 5,709, and tourists are staying for an average of eight days.

China leads with 60,699 visitors, followed closely by Russia, Italy, and the UK, contributing significantly to the Maldives' tourism.

India, previously the leading source of tourist arrivals for the past three years, has shifted to the sixth position with 31,437 arrivals.

Relations between India and Maldives, traditionally close with strong historical and cultural ties, were strained following derogatory remarks by Maldivian cabinet ministers in January 2024 and concerns over racism, targeted towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as India.