Sri Lanka witnesses an influx of Indian tourists post India-Maldives’ diplomatic row

In January 2024, a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives led to Indian tourists shifting their travel preferences towards Sri Lanka, resulting in Sri Lanka surpassing the Maldives in tourist arrivals for the month. The rift stemmed from critical remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, prompting Indian tourists to initiate a ‘boycott Maldives’ movement. As a consequence, Sri Lanka experienced a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with Indian visitors leading the influx.

The spike in Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka was cited as a primary factor contributing to the surge in tourist arrivals, with the number of Indian visitors more than doubling from 13,759 in January of the previous year to 34,399 in January 2024. In contrast, the Maldives witnessed a decline in Indian tourists, with their numbers dropping from 17,029 to 15,006 during the same period.

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Indian tourists are flocking to Sri Lanka for several reasons. Firstly, a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives prompted Indian travelers to seek alternative destinations, leading to a shift in preferences towards Sri Lanka. Additionally, Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of attractions, including stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes, making it an appealing destination for Indian tourists seeking leisure and exploration.

Also, Sri Lanka’s proximity to India and the ease of travel, coupled with improved connectivity through direct flights, have facilitated increased tourist arrivals from India. Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector has also been actively promoting the country as a tourist-friendly destination, offering various packages and experiences tailored to Indian visitors’ preferences, such as culinary tours, wellness retreats, and cultural festivals.

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India emerged as the leading source of tourists for Sri Lanka in January, while its position in the Maldives shifted from being the top tourist group to the fifth position. The top source countries for tourists visiting the Maldives in January were Russia, Italy, China, and the UK, with India slipping to the fifth position. Over the past three years, Indian tourist arrivals in the Maldives had consistently surpassed 2 lakh annually post-Covid but experienced a decline in recent weeks, with only 13,989 Indian tourists recorded in January 2024.