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Indian tour firms have noticed a 40% drop in Maldives bookings

Indian tour firms have noticed a 40% drop in Maldives bookings, resulting in lower holiday package pricing. The continuing disagreement between India and the Maldives has reduced interest for the renowned vacation destination.

Indian tour operators have reported a sudden and considerable dip in demand for the Maldives, as well as dropping rates in Maldives holiday packages. The row, which began with three Maldivian politicians making 'derogatory' remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modiji and his visit to Lakshadweep, is now threatening the Maldives' tourism revenue.

While MakeMyTrip recorded a 3,400% increase in Lakshadweep inquiry on its website following the conflict between India and the Maldives, various media sources citing travel agents claim that Indian tour companies have noticed a 40% decrease in Maldives bookings.

The tour operators have reported a dramatic dip in inquiries and a big drop in rates for Maldives vacation packages despite repeated long weekends in January. A three-day package from Hyderabad to the Maldives, which formerly cost between ₹55,000 and ₹70,000, now costs ₹45,000.

According to the data, one-way airline tickets from here to Male now cost between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000, down from the previous average of ₹20,000.

The data from the Maldives' tourism ministry, Indian residents in 2023 accounted for 11.2 percent of total visitor arrivals—18.42 lakh—in the island nation, with Russia coming in a close second with share of 11.1 per cent

 

Travel agents have also stated that, despite decreased interest among Indians in the Maldives, there have been no cancellations.

EaseMyTrip, an Indian vacation booking company, also declared that it will suspend airline bookings from India to the Maldives.

There are roughly 60 flights per week between India and the Maldives, with Indian carriers operating approximately 50 of them. IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Air India Express currently fly between India and Maldives.

Despite the dispute between India and the Maldives, no Indian airlines have cancelled flights.

In the absence of Chinese international visitors, Indians emerged as the region's travel powerhouse in 2023, and they are expected to become the fourth largest worldwide travel spenders by 2030. According to a CNBC article, India drove $380 million in tourist to the Maldives last year, accounting for significant losses if the #BoycottMaldives continues.