Direct flights to India to be increased in attempt to boost tourist arrivals

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizzu have held discussions increasing direct flights between Maldives and Indian in an attempt to increase tourist arrivals to the Maldives from India.

President Muizzu spoke regarding the discussion during a joint statement delivered along with PM Modi on Friday evening, following bilateral talks between the two as part of the PM’s ongoing state visit to the Maldives.

In a statement delivered in English, President Muizzu underscored India as one of the most crucial markets to the Maldivian tourism industry, with one of the highest arrival rates. 

"We discussed ways to expand this vital sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including commitment of direct flights," he added. 

India topped tourist arrivals to the Maldives in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Elected to office on a pledge to expel Indian troops from the Maldives, relations between Male’ and New Delhi had been strained in the early days of President Muizzu’s administration.

Things escalated further three months into office when three deputy ministers made disparaging remarks regarding India and Indian Prime Minister Modi following a social media post promoting India’s Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

This prompted Indian netizens to launch a campaign boycotting Maldivian tourism industry. The campaign was endorsed by the popular Bollywood stars as well. Subsequently, tourist arrivals from India significantly dropped and is currently the sixth on the list of top tourist markets to the Maldives.

After the earlier turmoil subsided, the current administration has taken significant efforts to promote Maldives in India to boost arrivals.