Maldives Minister Urges Indians to Visit As India Moves from Top Source Market to 6th
Skift Take
The Maldivian tourism minister's plea to Indian visitors highlights the critical role tourism plays in the country's economic framework. It also speaks volumes about India's outbound tourism potential.
It's been four months since the #BoycottMaldives trend started in India, and Maldives wants those tourists back.
“As the tourism minister, I want to ask Indians to please be a part of Maldives’ tourism," said Maldivian Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal to PTI Videos. "Our economy depends on tourism. Our people and the government will extend a warm welcome to Indian travelers.”
The tensions began when three Maldivian politicians made disparaging remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Indian arrivals have plummeted more than 40% since then — to roughly 44,000 so far this year.
