The diplomatic row between India and the Maldives earlier this year led to a significant decline in demand for the archipelagic state among Indian outbound travellers. However, the relationship between the two countries has since then improved, highlighted by India’s External Affairs minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to the Maldives.
A section of industry stakeholders shared with TTG India that they are already seeing improvement in the sentiments from the Indian outbound tourism market.
Maldives is confident that more Indian travellers will return to the destination
Roshan Radhay, vice president – sales & marketing, Maldives & GCC, The Lux Collective said: “We are delighted to observe a notable resurgence in interest from the Indian market, fuelled by recent improvements in India-Maldives relations. This renewed confidence is reflected in the healthy rise in both inquiries and confirmed bookings from Indian travellers. We are optimistic that this upward trend will continue, further establishing the Maldives as a premier destination for discerning Indian guests seeking exceptional luxury experiences.” Radhay expressed confidence that by year’s end, demand from India will return to pre-tension levels.
The sharp decline in India’s standing as a key market for the Maldives is evident from the numbers. India was the top international source market for the Maldives with 209,198 arrivals last year. However, as of August 17 this year, India has fallen to sixth place, with only 77,326 arrivals.
Deepa Manuel, general manager, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives said: “With a push from the government towards rebuilding ties with India in a positive manner and increased marketing and sales outreach from our end, the demand is showing signs of improvement, and the bookings from India are coming in as we expect an uptick during the upcoming festive and wedding season.”
Segments like honeymooners and luxury FIT are helping to revive the demand. “Moreover, we are seeing a rise in family bookings, as more Indian families are attracted to our family-friendly packages, activities, and amenities,” added Radhay.
Additionally, initiatives such as a three-city roadshow organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) in collaboration with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM), covering New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore between July 30 and August 3, are expected to boost outbound demand from the Indian market.
However, Indian travel agents believe that it will still take a while for the Maldives to reach the high growth it witnessed in the previous years.
“During the pandemic, the Maldives secured a strong presence in the Indian market by remaining open to tourism. However, demand took a hit following unwarranted remarks made by some Maldivian politicians about Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. While demand is gradually recovering, it will take time for a significant rebound,” said Guldeep Singh Sahni, managing director, Weldon Tours & Travels.
There is also a segment of travellers who have shifted to alternate destinations. “We are not noticing any jump in the demand for the Maldives. Our clients are increasingly seeking experiential travel. For instance, we recently had a family visit Hawaii, exploring islands like Maui, O‘ahu, and Kauai. They participated in a variety of activities, including volcano tours, helicopter rides, zip-lining, scuba diving, and bike tours,” shared Aditya Tyagi, founder, Luxe Escape.
The diplomatic row between India and the Maldives earlier this year led to a significant decline in demand for the archipelagic state among Indian outbound travellers. However, the relationship between the two countries has since then improved, highlighted by India’s External Affairs minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to the Maldives.
A section of industry stakeholders shared with TTG India that they are already seeing improvement in the sentiments from the Indian outbound tourism market.
Roshan Radhay, vice president – sales & marketing, Maldives & GCC, The Lux Collective said: “We are delighted to observe a notable resurgence in interest from the Indian market, fuelled by recent improvements in India-Maldives relations. This renewed confidence is reflected in the healthy rise in both inquiries and confirmed bookings from Indian travellers. We are optimistic that this upward trend will continue, further establishing the Maldives as a premier destination for discerning Indian guests seeking exceptional luxury experiences.” Radhay expressed confidence that by year’s end, demand from India will return to pre-tension levels.
The sharp decline in India’s standing as a key market for the Maldives is evident from the numbers. India was the top international source market for the Maldives with 209,198 arrivals last year. However, as of August 17 this year, India has fallen to sixth place, with only 77,326 arrivals.
Deepa Manuel, general manager, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives said: “With a push from the government towards rebuilding ties with India in a positive manner and increased marketing and sales outreach from our end, the demand is showing signs of improvement, and the bookings from India are coming in as we expect an uptick during the upcoming festive and wedding season.”
Segments like honeymooners and luxury FIT are helping to revive the demand. “Moreover, we are seeing a rise in family bookings, as more Indian families are attracted to our family-friendly packages, activities, and amenities,” added Radhay.
Additionally, initiatives such as a three-city roadshow organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) in collaboration with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM), covering New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore between July 30 and August 3, are expected to boost outbound demand from the Indian market.
However, Indian travel agents believe that it will still take a while for the Maldives to reach the high growth it witnessed in the previous years.
“During the pandemic, the Maldives secured a strong presence in the Indian market by remaining open to tourism. However, demand took a hit following unwarranted remarks made by some Maldivian politicians about Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. While demand is gradually recovering, it will take time for a significant rebound,” said Guldeep Singh Sahni, managing director, Weldon Tours & Travels.
There is also a segment of travellers who have shifted to alternate destinations. “We are not noticing any jump in the demand for the Maldives. Our clients are increasingly seeking experiential travel. For instance, we recently had a family visit Hawaii, exploring islands like Maui, O‘ahu, and Kauai. They participated in a variety of activities, including volcano tours, helicopter rides, zip-lining, scuba diving, and bike tours,” shared Aditya Tyagi, founder, Luxe Escape.