Maldives Seeks Three Hundred Thousand Indian Tourists in 2025: How PM Modi’s State Visit is Shaping New Tourism Strategies and Diplomatic Relations Between India and the Island Nation

Published on July 25, 2025

The Maldives has long been a favored destination for Indian travelers, boasting pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and a reputation for offering some of the world’s most exclusive holiday experiences. However, recent diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives led to a significant dip in the number of Indian tourists visiting the archipelago in 2024. But with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives in July 2025, there are signs of a potential rebound. As diplomatic relations between the two countries show signs of improvement, the crucial question remains: will Indian tourists return to the island nation?

Following a turbulent diplomatic period that included the launch of a ‘Boycott Maldives’ campaign, triggered by political remarks from Maldivian officials, the flow of Indian tourists to the Maldives saw a sharp decline in 2024. However, recent shifts in both political ties and tourism campaigns point to a promising future for travel between India and the Maldives. PM Modi’s official visit in July 2025, combined with proactive measures from the Maldivian government to rebuild relations, has set the stage for a potential recovery in tourism numbers. As the Maldives works to restore its appeal to Indian tourists, what can we expect from this key tourism market moving forward?

The Impact of Diplomatic Tensions on Indian Tourism to the Maldives

India and the Maldives have had a strong historical relationship, particularly in the tourism sector. The Maldives is one of the most popular international destinations for Indian tourists, thanks to its proximity, luxurious resorts, and reputation as a honeymoon paradise. However, the ties between the two countries soured in early 2024 when derogatory comments were made by Maldivian officials about Prime Minister Modi’s visit to India’s Lakshadweep islands. This led to a surge in the ‘Boycott Maldives’ movement, causing a significant decline in Indian arrivals.

By July 2024, Indian tourism to the Maldives had dropped by 42.5% compared to the same period the previous year. This decline marked a sharp contrast to 2023 when India was the largest source market for Maldivian tourism, contributing a substantial number of visitors. Despite this setback, the Maldives remained hopeful that the situation would improve, as the tourism sector is vital to the country’s economy, accounting for approximately 30% of its GDP.

Efforts by the Maldives to Revive Indian Tourism

In response to the decline in Indian arrivals, the Maldivian government and tourism bodies have taken multiple steps to reverse the trend. Since May 2024, following the cooling of political tensions, several diplomatic and tourism-focused initiatives have been introduced. Notably, the Maldives Foreign Minister, Moosa Zameer, visited India, emphasizing the importance of Indian tourists to the Maldivian economy and urging Indians to continue visiting the islands. In October 2024, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives publicly extended a warm welcome to Indian travelers, stating that India remained one of the Maldives’ largest tourism markets.

To bolster this effort, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) launched a targeted campaign in India. This included roadshows across major cities and collaborations with popular Indian travel agencies to encourage travel to the Maldives. The government has also ramped up its marketing efforts, including a high-profile campaign featuring an Indian brand ambassador to appeal to Indian tourists through national media channels.

The MMPRC is also working closely with airlines in India and the Maldives to expand flight routes from key Indian cities, such as Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai, making it more convenient for Indian travelers to visit. The Maldives’ tourism minister has stressed the need for Indian visitors not only during peak seasons but also in the off-season, helping maintain steady tourism traffic year-round.

The Role of PM Modi’s Visit in Rebuilding Ties

PM Modi’s state visit to the Maldives in July 2025 is a significant step in the restoration of ties between the two countries. Modi’s visit, timed with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, is seen as an important gesture aimed at signaling a reset in diplomatic relations. During the visit, both countries have expressed their intention to strengthen their ties, particularly in areas like trade, infrastructure, and tourism.

The visit has also provided a platform for the Maldives to reassert its commitment to maintaining strong cultural and economic ties with India, especially in the tourism sector. Both sides have indicated that they are committed to resolving any outstanding issues, with tourism expected to be a key area of focus.

Furthermore, PM Modi’s personal visit to a popular Maldivian beach is seen as a symbolic gesture to strengthen bilateral relations and encourage Indian tourists to rediscover the Maldives as a prime vacation destination. It is hoped that this gesture will help rekindle the affection of Indian travelers who have been hesitant to visit the country following the diplomatic spat.

The Maldives’ Tourism Strategy for 2025

Looking ahead, the Maldives government has set an ambitious target for 2025, aiming to attract 300,000 Indian tourists by the end of the year. This target comes as part of a broader strategy to rebuild tourism numbers and ensure the sustainability of the sector. The Maldives’ tourism industry is crucial to the economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and employment. With this in mind, the government is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to rejuvenate its tourism industry.

The Maldives is also looking to diversify its tourism offerings to attract a wider range of Indian visitors. The country has begun promoting eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and cultural tourism alongside its traditional luxury resort model. Additionally, the Maldives has introduced more affordable travel packages and experiences, ensuring that it caters to a broader demographic of Indian tourists.

A Positive Outlook for Indian Tourists

Despite the challenges faced in 2024, the Maldives remains an attractive destination for Indian tourists. The island nation’s beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and crystal-clear waters continue to be a major draw. Moreover, the diplomatic efforts to improve relations with India are already bearing fruit, as both governments are keen on fostering closer economic and cultural ties.

As we look to the future, the Maldives is well-positioned to recover its standing as one of the top international destinations for Indian travelers. The combined efforts of the Maldivian government, tourism authorities, and the reset in diplomatic ties with India indicate a promising outlook for the coming years.

The success of the Maldives’ tourism recovery will depend on continued diplomatic goodwill and targeted marketing campaigns that appeal to Indian tourists’ growing interest in international travel. If the current trend of improving relations continues, the Maldives is poised to see a strong influx of Indian visitors, returning to its status as a must-visit destination for Indian travelers.

For more information on the Maldives’ tourism initiatives and travel updates, visit the official website of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).