Tour packages for Maldives are experiencing a sharp drop in prices as Indian tour operators witness a significant decrease in demand. The conflict, triggered by derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian ministers about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visit to Lakshadweep, now poses a threat to Maldives' tourism revenue.
Following the escalation of tensions between India and Maldives, MakeMyTrip reported a staggering 3,400% increase in Lakshadweep-related inquiries on its website. However, various travel agents revealed a contrasting trend, indicating a 40% decline in Maldives bookings by Indian tour operators.
Despite multiple long weekends in January, tour operators noted a decline in inquiries and a notable reduction in prices for Maldives holiday packages. For instance, a three-day package from Hyderabad to Maldives, previously priced between Rs.55,000 and Rs.70,000, has now dropped to Rs.45,000 or even lower.
The Times of India report highlighted the decreased cost of one-way flight tickets from Hyderabad to Male, ranging from Rs.12,000 to Rs.15,000, down from the previous average of Rs.20,000.
Data analysis from the Maldives tourism ministry, as reported by The Indian Express, revealed that Indian residents constituted 11.2% of the total tourist arrivals in 2023, amounting to 18.42 lakh visitors. Russia closely followed with an 11.1% share.
Travel agents emphasized that despite the decline in inquiries from Indians for Maldives vacations, no cancellations have been reported thus far. EaseMyTrip, an Indian travel booking website, also announced the suspension of flight bookings from India to the Maldives.
Currently, there are nearly 60 flights per week connecting India and Maldives, with Indian carriers operating around 50 of them. Notable airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Air India Express maintain regular flights between the two destinations.
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