In a notable shift within Indian tourism trends, Lakshadweep is witnessing a surge in popularity, while the Maldives is experiencing a significant decline in Indian visitors. This transformation is largely influenced by recent political developments and diplomatic tensions.
Since Mohamed Muizzu’s government assumed power in the Maldives last year, relations between the Maldives and India have become strained. Diplomatic friction, marked by increased calls for boycotts on social media, has influenced travel preferences. Consequently, Indian tourists have begun to pivot from the Maldives to alternative destinations, with Lakshadweep emerging as a prime beneficiary of this shift.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep has played a crucial role in this migration. The Indian government’s push to highlight the region’s beauty and potential has resonated with travelers seeking new experiences. This momentum has been reflected in the latest travel statistics.
During the peak travel period from April to June, Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep reported a substantial increase in passenger traffic, handling 22,990 travelers compared to 11,074 in the same period last year. This growth can be attributed to a significant expansion in flight services and seat availability. The number of flights to Agatti surged by 88%, with 786 movements recorded this year, up from 418 in the previous year. Airlines such as Alliance Air, IndiGo, and Fly91 have bolstered their services, facilitating more frequent connections from major Indian cities and thereby expanding the travel options to Lakshadweep.
Conversely, data from the Maldives Ministry of Tourism underscores a stark decline in Indian tourist arrivals. Between April and June of this year, only 28,604 Indian tourists visited the Maldives, a drastic drop from 54,207 during the same period last year. This near 50% decrease is a significant blow to the Maldives’ tourism industry, which has seen a rise in visitors from other regions, particularly China. In the first half of 2024, Chinese tourists topped the charts with 120,000 arrivals, surpassing Indian tourists, who fell to sixth place with 63,450 arrivals, marking a 42.5% decline.
Despite the overall increase in tourist arrivals to the Maldives by 9.2% in the first half of 2024, the decrease in Indian visitors highlights the impact of political and social factors on travel behavior. Indian travelers are increasingly exploring new destinations, and Lakshadweep’s enhanced connectivity is clearly capturing their attention.
Additionally, Lakshadweep’s appeal is further boosted by the rise in cruise tourism. The region’s growing attractiveness is part of a broader trend where Indian travelers are discovering new and diverse travel options. With direct flights expanding to destinations like Bali, Jakarta, Baku, and Tbilisi, and an increasing number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival options, Indian tourists have a broader array of choices than ever before.
The Maldives, once a top destination for Indian tourists due to its idyllic beaches and luxury resorts, now faces stiff competition from alternatives such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These destinations offer similar beach experiences with greater travel flexibility and, in some cases, less political baggage.
Whether the Maldives will regain its former popularity among Indian travelers remains to be seen. As diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives evolve, the tourism dynamics may shift once again. In the meantime, Lakshadweep stands out as a burgeoning destination, benefiting from changing travel trends and the proactive efforts of Indian leadership to spotlight its unique offerings.
