The tourism industry in the Maldives is facing a decline in Indian arrivals, prompting the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators to take steps to reverse this trend. Following a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives, Indian arrivals have decreased by almost 40%, causing India to drop from the number 2 source market to number 6. In an effort to increase Indian arrivals, the association plans to host roadshows in three Indian cities, engage with Indian social media influencers, and work with the Maldives tourism board. While Maldives has seen record-breaking tourism arrivals overall, it still relies on the Indian market and is determined to rebuild this relationship.
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators is prioritizing the Indian market due to cultural ties between the two countries, such as similarities in food, language, and pop culture. The association recognizes the importance of not allowing unrelated matters to negatively impact the bond that has been built over the years. They recently met with the Indian High Commissioner in Maldives to explore collaborative efforts to boost tourism initiatives. The meeting was described as positive, with the High Commission offering assistance to the association in developing concrete plans to increase Indian arrivals.
The Maldives has seen an increase in overall tourist arrivals, with almost 694,000 tourists visiting from January to April, up from 606,395 arrivals during the same period last year. However, Indian arrivals have declined significantly, with almost 39,000 Indians visiting during the first few months of the year, compared to 64,250 arrivals during the same period last year. The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators aims to narrow down the 40% decline in Indian arrivals and rebuild the relationship with the Indian market.
To boost Indian arrivals, the association plans to host roadshows in Indian cities with direct connectivity to the Maldives, engage with social media influencers, and work closely with the Maldives tourism board. They also have plans to conduct another round of roadshows towards the end of the year, targeting Tier 2 cities that may not have direct flights to the Maldives but represent an important market. Despite the record-breaking tourism arrivals overall, the association recognizes the importance of the Indian market for properties and resorts in the Maldives and the long-term impact of the decline in Indian arrivals.
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators recognizes the impact of the decline in Indian arrivals on properties and resorts that heavily rely on the Indian market. The association sees the need to engage with the Indian market to avoid long-term negative effects on the industry. They emphasize the cultural ties between India and the Maldives as a reason to prioritize rebuilding the relationship with the Indian market. By fostering cooperation with the Indian High Commission and developing concrete plans to boost tourism initiatives, the association is working towards reversing the trend of decreasing Indian arrivals and strengthening ties with the Indian market.
In conclusion, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators is determined to reverse the decline in Indian arrivals and rebuild the relationship with the Indian market by hosting roadshows, engaging with social media influencers, and collaborating with the Maldives tourism board. Despite record-breaking tourism arrivals overall, the association recognizes the importance of the Indian market for properties and resorts in the Maldives. By fostering cooperation with the Indian High Commission and emphasizing cultural ties between the two countries, the association aims to narrow down the 40% decline in Indian arrivals and ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry in the Maldives.
