Maldives Targets India for Top Tourism Market Revival, Says MMPRC CEO

Tuesday 6th of August 2024

Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), has announced the Maldives’ goal to reinstate India as one of its top three tourism markets. This comes after a diplomatic dispute had previously caused a decline in Indian tourist arrivals.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Shiuree discussed the Maldives’ “Welcome India” initiative, which aims to re-engage with the Indian market. The initiative includes a series of roadshows in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, led by Maldives Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal during his six-day visit to India.

Currently, India ranks sixth among the Maldives’ top ten markets, with China holding the top spot. As of late July 2024, 71,381 Indian travelers have visited the Maldives, making up 6.1% of the total tourist market share. The goal is to increase this figure and place India back among the top three markets.

To achieve this, the Maldives is using a data-driven approach to implement various promotional strategies, highlighting accommodations, services, and unique selling points. The country also aims to position itself as a year-round destination through strategic campaigns and attractive offers, emphasizing affordability and the appeal of a short-haul destination for Indian travelers.

In terms of connectivity, five airlines currently operate multiple flights weekly between India and the Maldives. The Maldives is exploring opportunities to increase flight connectivity by adding more direct flights from various Indian cities to different regions of the Maldives.

Shiuree also emphasized the reciprocal nature of tourism between the Maldives and India, with many Maldivians visiting Indian cities for medical tourism, leisure, and shopping.

The aim is not only to attract more Indian tourists to the Maldives but also to strengthen ties and promote reciprocal tourism between the two countries. Through concerted efforts and strategic initiatives, the Maldives seeks to re-establish India as a key tourism market, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship in the travel and tourism sector.