Indian Tourists And Chinese Visitors in Maldives: A Look at the Rise and Fall in the Last Decade

In the past decade, the Maldives has witnessed a significant shift in its tourism landscape, with Indian tourists surpassing their Chinese counterparts as the top visitors to this tropical paradise. A recent article on Mint highlights the rise and fall of Indian and Chinese tourists in the Maldives over the last 10 years. The article reveals that in 2020, China held the highest share (18.31%) among the top ten markets for tourist arrivals in the Maldives. However, India claimed the third spot with a 7.99% share. It was only after 2020 that the Maldives experienced a surge in Indian arrivals, marking a turning point in the tourism industry. Notably, in the January-November 2023 period, Indian tourists ranked second in terms of nationality, following Russian tourists. However, the data released by the Maldives' Ministry of Tourism shows a significant increase in Chinese tourist arrivals during the same period. While the total arrivals by Indian nationals declined by approximately 12% in 2023 compared to the previous year, India maintained its second position after Russia. China, on the other hand, secured the third spot in the November 2023 report. These changes in tourist patterns can be attributed to various factors, including the political alignments of the Maldivian government. The current President, Mohamed Muizzu, is considered pro-China, while the previous government was seen as close to India. This shift in dynamics has had a noticeable impact on tourism trends in the Maldives. As the Maldives continues to attract visitors from around the world, the rise of Indian tourists and the evolving relationship between India and China as well as India and Maldives will undoubtedly shape the future of tourism in this exquisite island nation.