According to recent research, Lakshadweep is becoming more popular while the Maldives is losing Indian tourists. Diplomatic tensions between the Maldives and India have increased since Mohamed Muizzu’s administration entered power in the country last year, leading to demands on social media for a boycott of the Maldives.
Indian Tourists Choose Lakshadweep: 10 Key Points To Know
- Lakshadweep’s Rising Popularity: Lakshadweep is gaining popularity among Indian tourists, while the Maldives is seeing a decline in Indian visitors.
- Diplomatic Tensions Impact: Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, especially after Mohamed Muizzu’s administration took power, have led to social media calls to boycott the Maldives.
- Prime Minister Modi’s Support: Prime Minister Modi’s support for Lakshadweep has contributed to its increased popularity among Indian tourists.
- Agatti Airport Growth: Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep saw a significant rise in passengers, with 22,990 passengers from April to June, compared to 11,074 in the same period the previous year.
- Increase in Flights to Lakshadweep: The number of flights to Agatti increased by 88%, with 786 flights this year compared to 418 the previous year, improving travel accessibility.
- The decline in Indian Visitors to Maldives: Indian visitors to the Maldives decreased by almost 50%, with only 28,604 arrivals between April and June this year compared to 54,207 in the same period last year.
- Rise in Chinese Tourism: The Maldives saw a rise in Chinese tourists, with 1.2 lakh Chinese arrivals in the first half of 2024, making China the top source of tourists to the Maldives.
- Indian Tourists Drop in Ranking: Indian tourists to the Maldives dropped to sixth place in terms of visitor numbers, with a 42.5% decrease compared to the previous year.
- Cruise Travel to Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep is becoming increasingly popular among cruise travelers, indicating a broader trend of Indian tourists exploring new destinations.
- Competition with Other Destinations: The Maldives faces stiff competition from other destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which offer similar beach experiences and more flexible travel options.
This change in attitude has had a big influence on Indian travel to the Maldives, especially in light of Prime Minister Modi’s support of Lakshadweep. While Lakshadweep’s popularity has increased, the Maldives has experienced a steep fall in Indian tourists as diplomatic ties have stabilized.
What does the figure imply?
Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep had 22,990 passengers in the April to June quarter, a significant rise from 11,074 in the same time the previous year and a high travel season for Indians. The increase in flight amenities and seat availability is to blame for this spike. There were 786 flights to Agatti overall this year, up from 418 the year before, an 88% increase in travel frequency. The frequency with which Alliance Air, IndiGo, and Fly91 currently operate from major Indian cities has increased the amount of tickets accessible to Lakshadweep.
On the other hand, the Maldives Ministry of Tourism’s statistics show a sharp decline in Indian visitors. Just 28,604 Indian visitors visited the Maldives between April and June of this year, compared to 54,207 during the same time the previous year—an almost 50% decline. Chinese travel has increased, with 1.2 lakh arrivals from China in the first half of 2024, making it the country that sends the most tourists worldwide. With 63,450 visitors, Indian tourists have dropped to sixth position, a 42.5% decrease. In the first half of 2024, the Maldives had a 9.2% rise in tourist arrivals overall, suggesting that the Indian boycott had a mixed effect.
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Lakshadweep is becoming more and more popular with cruise travelers. The rise in flights and cruises is indicative of a larger trend in Indian visitor exploration of new places. Indian tourists have more alternatives than ever because of the expansion of direct flights to destinations like Bali, Jakarta, Baku, and Tbilisi, as well as the increasing accessibility of visa-free or visa-on-arrival options.
Formerly a popular vacation spot for Indians, the Maldives is now up against fierce competition from countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia which provide comparable beach pleasures and more flexible travel schedules. The decrease in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives emphasizes how social and political variables influence travel patterns. Given that it is still drawing tourists from other areas, it is unclear whether the Maldives will ever again have the same level of appeal to Indian travelers.
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