The number of Indian visitors to the Maldives continues to decline as Lakshadweep gains popularity. (Image: iStock)
Maldives has been losing Indian visitors as Lakshadweep According to a new report, Lakshadweep is becoming increasingly popular among travellers. This all started when Mohamed Muizzu’s government assumed power in the region, which increased diplomatic tensions with India and led to calls on social media for a boycott of the Maldives. This was accompanied by the promotion of Lakshadweep by Prime Minister Modi.
In the April-June quarter, Agatti, Lakshadweep’s only airport, handled 22,990 passengers, compared to 11,074 passengers in the same period last year, meaning the footfall has doubled.
This increase has been attributed to an increase in flight services and seat availability. The number of flights to Agatti increased by 88%, with a total of 786 movements compared to 418 in the previous year. Alliance Air, IndiGo and Fly91 now offer more frequent services from major cities in India, significantly expanding the number of seats available to Lakshadweep.
On the other hand, data from the Maldives Ministry of Tourism reveals a drastic drop in the number of Indian tourists. Between April and June this year, only 28,604 Indian tourists visited the Maldives. This was a huge drop from 54,207 in the same period last year. This was a 50% decrease. Meanwhile, Chinese tourists have been on the rise, with China becoming the top source of visitors with 120,000 arrivals in the first half of 2024. Indian tourists have fallen to sixth place, with 63,450 arrivals, a 42.5% decrease.
Around 60 flights depart every year from various parts of the Maldives. And last year, Indian tourists accounted for 11% of the total international visitors to the archipelago. However, some time ago, travel Agencies in Hyderabad said they have seen a significant decline in enquiries. Prices have come down accordingly.
A three-day tour package to the Maldives from Hyderabad earlier cost between Rs 55,000 and Rs 70,000, including airfare, accommodation, meals and sightseeing. The entire package now costs just around Rs 45,000, according to a report in the Times Of India.
Meanwhile, at least one major online travel booking agency has decided not to allow bookings to the Maldives. This happened at the time of the controversy. EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti has announced that the company has decided not to accept bookings to the Maldives “in solidarity” with the country.
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