The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), the country's leading tourism promotion board, has set an ambitious target to attract over 300,000 tourists from India in 2025. This initiative aims to bolster the nation's tourism sector, which has experienced significant growth in Indian arrivals since 2019.
Indian tourists have consistently ranked among the Maldives' top source markets from 2020 to 2023. The Maldives welcomed 62,690 Indian tourists in 2020, with the number surging to 291,787 in 2021. However, this upward trend reversed in subsequent years, with Indian arrivals dropping to 241,361 in 2022 and 209,100 in 2023. By 2024, the number further decreased to 130,328 Indian tourists.
To counter this decline, the MMPRC has implemented a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate Indian tourist arrivals, including targeted marketing campaigns and tourism promotions within India. "India is a vital market for Maldivian tourism," stated Ibrahim Shiuree, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the MMPRC.
To achieve the goal of attracting over 300,000 Indian tourists this year, MMPRC stated that it has launched several strategic marketing initiatives. These efforts include an upcoming summer campaign, collaborations with major Indian airlines, and partnerships with leading tour operators, according to the agency.
As the Maldives continues to draw Indian travellers, the MMPRC stated it is dedicated to curating unique experiences and strengthening partnerships to sustain the growth trajectory of Indian arrivals. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, 10,518 Indian tourists have visited the Maldives thus far in 2025. India currently ranks sixth among the top tourism source markets.