Tag: tourism

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Goa tourism minister Khaunte to lure international travellers at WTM London

Minister Rohan Khaunte is in London to attend World Travel Market, Rahul Laud reports

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Minister of Tourism who also holds other portfolios like  Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Printing & Stationery is leading a delegation, including Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Exposition of St. Francis Xavier). Kuldeep Arolkar, Tourism Deputy Director and Shawn Mendes, OSD to Minister for Tourism, at the World Travel Market – the annual Mecca for the global travel and tour trade.

The Goan delegation will speak to speak to the media, tour operators, and tourism trade in London to promote the Goan state.

Another paradigm shift is the new thinking that Goa is much more than Fish Fenny and football, and aims to move beyond its reputation as a beach destination.

Khaunte’s dynamic policy is to reach out to the global traveler that Goan hospitality is world class and its roots and essence are world-class in the hinterland, eco-tourism facilities and a regenerative tourism approach that is more than sustainable making it the first state in India with this tourist approach.

Khaunte is convinced and strongly believes that the environment, local communities, and the Goan economy will flourish through regenerative tourism practices:  In contrast to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to improve and restore ecosystems, communities, and cultures.

The regenerative approach aims to leave a positive impact, contributing to the well-being of destinations and fostering resilience,  Cultural and environmental preservation and restoration,  Community empowerment, and Inclusive tourism – a collaborative public-private participative approach.

Khaunte desires a serious solid long-term plan and strategy that goes beyond the glitz glitter glamour of the Casinos.

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India News London News Travel & Tourism

Goa tourism minister Khaunte to lure international travellers; next week in London

Minister Rohan Khaunte is all geared up to travel to London to attend World Travel Market, Rahul Laud reports

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Minister of Tourism who also holds other portfolios like  Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Printing & Stationery is leading a delegation, including Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Exposition of St. Francis Xavier). Kuldeep Arolkar, Tourism Deputy Director and Shawn Mendes, OSD to Minister for Tourism, to attend the World Travel Market the annual Mecca for the global travel and tour trade, in London.

The Goan delegation will speak to speak to the media, tour operators, and tourism trade in London to promote the Goan state.

Another paradigm shift is the new thinking that Goa is much more than Fish Fenny and football, and aims to move beyond its reputation as a beach destination.

Khaunte’s dynamic policy is to reach out to the global traveler that Goan hospitality is world class and its roots and essence are world-class in the hinterland, eco-tourism facilities and a regenerative tourism approach that is more than sustainable making it the first state in India with this tourist approach.

Khaunte is convinced and strongly believes that the environment, local communities, and the Goan economy will flourish through regenerative tourism practices:  In contrast to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to improve and restore ecosystems, communities, and cultures.

The regenerative approach aims to leave a positive impact, contributing to the well-being of destinations and fostering resilience,  Cultural and environmental preservation and restoration,  Community empowerment, and Inclusive tourism – a collaborative public-private participative approach.

Khaunte desires a serious solid long-term plan and strategy that goes beyond the glitz glitter glamour of the Casinos.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan CM unveils Investment Promotion Scheme at London investor roadshow

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Goa London News Travel & Tourism

Goa tourism minister Khaunte to lure international travellers; next week in London

Minister Rohan Khaunte is all geared up to travel to London to attend World Travel Market next week , Rahul Laud reports

Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Minister of Tourism who also holds other portfolios like  Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Printing & Stationery is all geared up with – Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Sandip Jacques, IAS, Secretary (Exposition of St. Francis Xavier). Kuldeep Arolkar, Tourism Deputy Director and Shawn Mendes, OSD to Minister for Tourism – to travel to Goa next week to attend the World Travel Market the annual Mecca for the global travel and tour trade.

The Goan delegation will speak to speak to the media, tour operators, and tourism trade in London to promote the Goan state.

Another paradigm shift is the new thinking that Goa is much more than Fish Fenny and football, and aims to move beyond its reputation as a beach destination.

Khaunte’s dynamic policy is to reach out to the global traveler that Goan hospitality is world class and its roots and essence are world-class in the hinterland, eco-tourism facilities and a regenerative tourism approach that is more than sustainable making it the first state in India with this tourist approach.

Khaunte is convinced and strongly believes that the environment, local communities, and the Goan economy will flourish through regenerative tourism practices:  In contrast to sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively seeking to improve and restore ecosystems, communities, and cultures.

The regenerative approach aims to leave a positive impact, contributing to the well-being of destinations and fostering resilience,  Cultural and environmental preservation and restoration,  Community empowerment, and Inclusive tourism – a collaborative public-private participative approach.

Khaunte desires a serious solid long-term plan and strategy that goes beyond the glitz glitter glamour of the Casinos.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan CM unveils Investment Promotion Scheme at London investor roadshow

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Indian Outbound Tourism to Hit $55B by 2034

Few emerging markets and opportunities for outbound travel include various Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Eastern European countries…reports Asian Lite News

India’s outbound tourism market is projected to reach over $55.3 billion by 2034, from the estimated more than $18.8 billion in 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4 per cent, a report showed on Wednesday.

The FICCI-Nangia knowledge paper also highlighted India’s online travel market, which consists of sales of travel services through online channels, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5 per cent between 2024-29 — from $17.24 billion to $28.40 billion.

Few emerging markets and opportunities for outbound travel include various Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Eastern European countries.

“India alone stands out as a key source market for Sri Lanka. The integration of the Indian UPI payment system with ‘LankaPay’ has simplified payment options for Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka,” said Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Commercial, High Commission of Sri Lanka in India.

The report said the government administration and the tourism industry stakeholders in India may undertake various strategic interventions to promote the outbound tourism market. These include bilateral engagement, improved connectivity, support to travel industry stakeholders, MSME development, marketing of international destinations, digital transformation, curated packages and hospitality partnerships.

Mary Mutuku, Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya to India, informed that currently, the India market is among the top 5 in Kenya’s key sources of tourists, and this has the potential to grow even further.

“With an increase in the number of flights between the two countries along with the opening of Nairobi Expressway, tourists will have more convenience travelling in Kenya. A new cruise terminal at Mombasa port is a major boost to cruise tourism,” she added.

According to Seitenov Darkhan, Deputy Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India, there has been a significant growth in the number of tourists coming to Kazakhstan from India which is also due to offering a 14-day visa-free regime for Indian tourists along with an increase in the number of direct flights.

“We invite major Indian investors to participate in implementing these initiatives in our country,” he added.

Ankush Nijhawan, Chairman, FICCI Outbound Tourism Committee, said the global travel and tourism industry is expected to reach $2.6 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.2 per cent. “The traveller preferences are becoming increasingly diverse, and demand tailor-made travel services. Demographic boost, government support, increased connectivity and niche segment growth are powering India’s outbound travel boom,” he added.

ALSO READ-Dubai’s longest public beach for eco-tourism

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UN charts future of tourism investments in Middle East

The UN Tourism focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and navigating tourism investments in the Middle East….reports Asian Lite News

UN Tourism made a resounding impact at the AIM Congress 2024 with two insightful side events, focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs and navigating tourism investments in the Middle East. The 2024 AIM Congress took place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi from May 7-9, 2024, acting as a convergence point for global leaders, international organizations, entrepreneurs from around the world.

On May 8th, UN Tourism hosted a dynamic session centred on “Investing in Innovation and Enabling Women Entrepreneurs.” The event, spearheaded by Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director of the Middle East, UN Tourism, aimed to address the pressing need for support and funding for women-led startups in the tourism sector across the region.

The highlight of the session was the launch of the second edition of the Women in Tech Middle East startup competition, emphasizing sustainability and inclusive growth. The competition garnered significant interest, showcasing the region’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit among women.

Distinguished speakers, including Dawood Al Shezawi, President of AIM Global Foundation, and Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, provided invaluable insights into fostering innovation and empowering women in the tourism sector. Panel discussions led by industry experts explored key challenges and opportunities, with a focus on bridging the gender gap and promoting sustainable practices.

Keynote speeches and panel sessions delved into the needs of women entrepreneurs, the role of public and private sectors in empowerment, and investment opportunities in sustainable tourism. The session also featured engaging pitching rounds, providing a platform for aspiring women entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas.

Building on this momentum, UN Tourism continued its impactful presence on May 9th with a compelling discussion on “Quo Vadis Tourism Investments: The Middle East Chapter.” Esteemed panelists, including industry leaders and experts, shed light on the evolving landscape of tourism investments in the region.

Insights shared during the session underscored the Middle East’s growing prominence as a hub for tourism investments, with notable greenfield FDI projects totaling USD 6.8 billion. Speakers emphasized the region’s resilience and strategic vision in driving tourism growth, highlighting initiatives to promote sustainable investments and economic diversification.

Peter Janech, Coordinator of Innovation, Education, and Investments at UN Tourism, reiterated the organization’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism practices and facilitating collaborative efforts for economic development. Alejandro Sabarich Scattaglia shared statistics showcasing the region’s robust FDI inflows and UAE’s emergence as a key investment destination.

Panelists provided valuable insights into exploring untapped destinations, promoting halal tourism, and leveraging technology to enhance visitor experiences. Discussions also centered on strategies to address challenges such as over-tourism and the importance of inclusive growth for local communities.

Lubna Bader Salim Al Mazroei, Manager of Economic Diversification Investments at Oman Investment Authority, highlighted Oman’s ambitious plans to attract investments worth 20 billion Omani riyals by 2040, emphasizing sustainable employment opportunities and support for SMEs.

As the AIM Congress 2024 draws to a close, UN Tourism reaffirms its commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable tourism growth in the Middle East and beyond. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative initiatives, UN Tourism continues to pave the way for a more resilient and equitable tourism sector.

AIM Congress 2024 hosted more than 150 high-level dignitaries, with 900+ speakers and over 12,000 participants from 175 countries around the world participating for three days from May 7-9 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. AIM Congress has also organized 27 joint events in cooperation with over 330+ local, international, and global partners.

Investment, trade partnerships

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, engaged in high-level talks and panel discussions at the recently concluded AIM Congress, exploring strategic investment opportunities and fostering partnerships with global stakeholders.

Al Zeyoudi stressed the importance of strategic partnerships, future-focused policies and bold economic initiatives to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future, highlighting how that approach has established the UAE as “a beacon of stability, a hub for global investment and a catalyst for progress.”

He emphasised how the country’s attractive investment climate, supported by a favourable regulatory framework and a thriving business ecosystem, has made the UAE the third-largest destination for FDI in 2023, attracting $23 billion across 1,277 projects spanning a wide range of industries.

ALSO READ: UAE mourns death of Sheikh Hazza

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‘Tourism to account for 12% of UAE’s GDP’

UAE Minister of Economy said that the tourism sector is anticipated to contribute 12 percent to the UAE’s GDP, equating to AED236 billion…reports Asian Lite News

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, stressed that the tourism sector contributed to the UAE’s economy, registering an 11.7 percent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, amounting to AED220 billion.

Speaking at the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, Al Marri said that the sector is anticipated to contribute 12 percent to the UAE’s GDP, equating to AED236 billion.

The 31st edition of ATM, being hosted at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until 9th May, discussed Gulf-wide collaboration, ease of inter-regional travel and infrastructure development.

Al Marri’s speech was followed by a panel discussion among Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; Azzan Al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The session was moderated by Dubai Eye presenter, Richard Dean.

During the in-depth discussion, the ministerial panellists explored the importance of inter-regional initiatives in elevating the GCC tourism industry to the next level, while striking the right balance between collaboration and competition between destinations and nations. The planned GCC Unified Tourist Visa was cited as a key facilitator for the region, alongside factors such as sustainability, infrastructure and culture.

Panellists said that the planned unified visa would allow member nations to present the GCC as a connected destination, boosting accessibility and driving key performance indicators (KPIs) such as length of stay, average spend and employment. Speakers noted they would continue to ensure that the travel industry positively impacts local businesses, communities and ecosystems, contributing to the long-term sustainability of tourism across the region.

Participants also explained that current and future infrastructure will complement the GCC Unified Tourist Visa by enhancing accessibility within and between Gulf nations. In addition to ongoing investment in new and existing airports and cruise terminals, the ministerial speakers highlighted the central role of the upcoming GCC Railway in facilitating and optimising region-wide access for both domestic and international visitors.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “While it’s clear that healthy competition will continue to play an important role in strengthening the GCC’s world-class tourism offering, it was also encouraging to hear how collaboration is enabling the region to become more than the sum of its parts in terms of attracting global travellers. We are immensely grateful to this year’s ministerial participants, who provided a diverse range of valuable insights into the region’s unified tourism future.”

ALSO READ: UAE Floating Hospital: Continuous efforts to support Palestinians

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Business Economy India News

India’s Tourism Set to Generate 58.2M Jobs

Serving as a vital source of foreign exchange, the travel and tourism sector contributed Rs 15.9 trillion ($191.25 billion) to the country’s economy…reports Asian Lite News

The travel and tourism sector in India, which registered remarkable growth post the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to add 58.2 million jobs by 2033 throughout the country, a new report said on Monday.

In the pandemic year 2020, the tourism sector accounted for 39 million jobs, constituting 8 per cent of the country’s total workforce. Talent demand in this sector registered a spike of 44 per cent in August last year, according to the global technology and digital talent solutions provider NBL Services.

Serving as a vital source of foreign exchange, the travel and tourism sector contributed Rs 15.9 trillion ($191.25 billion) to the country’s economy in 2022 and was estimated at Rs 16.5 trillion in 2023.

Among the job roles that will continue to be in demand experiencing (year-on-year) surges include sales (18 per cent), business development (17 per cent), chefs (15 per cent), travel consultants (15 per cent), tour operators (15 per cent), wildlife experts (12 per cent), transportation providers (15 per cent), and more, the report mentioned.

From a location perspective, the top five states attracting domestic tourists so far include Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

According to the report, the top cities driving the increase in hiring include Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Kochi.

Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Chandigarh are among the tier two cities. In the coming nine years, new jobs are also expected across emerging cities in Gujarat, Lakshadweep, and West Bengal, according to the report.

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Thousands protest against over-tourism in Canary Islands

The protests started at noon on Saturday (11:00 GMT), and an estimated 57,000 people participated, according to reports in Spanish media that cited the central government’s emissary in the islands…reports Asian Lite News

Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of the Canary Islands in Spain to call for changes to the mass tourism model that they claim is overtaking the Atlantic archipelago, according to Al Jazeera.

The protests started at noon on Saturday (11:00 GMT), and an estimated 57,000 people participated, according to reports in Spanish media that cited the central government’s emissary in the islands.

The demonstrators waved flags, as they crowded the streets of the main towns on each of the seven islands in the archipelago, holding signs with messages like “A moratorium on tourism,” according to Al Jazeera.

“Canary Islands are not up for sale,” and “Respect my home,” the slogans read.

Approximately twenty social and environmental organisations called for the protests, claiming that the overcrowding of tourists feeds an unsustainable business model that hurts both the environment and local people.

They have suggested an eco-tax to safeguard the environment, a tourism moratorium, and a crackdown on the sale of houses to non-residents in order to pressure the authorities into limiting the number of tourists.

Spain’s Canary Islands, an archipelago of 2.2 million people, were visited by nearly 14 million foreign tourists in 2023, up 13 per cent from the previous year, Al Jazeera reported, citing the official data.

The authorities in the islands are concerned about the impact on locals.

Meanwhile, the President of the Canary Islands Fernando Clavijo stated on Friday that he was “proud” of the area’s status as a top travel destination in Spain, but he also noted that additional restrictions were required as the industry’s growth is on a boom. (ANI)

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-Top News Abu Dhabi UAE News

Abu Dhabi to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030

H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said : “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved the new Tourism Strategy 2030 for the emirate. Spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ambitious blueprint signals a new era of expansion and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector.

The Strategy seeks to boost visitor numbers from nearly 24 million in 2023 to 39.3 million by 2030 (overnight and same-day), with a 7% year-on-year growth. Moreover, it plans to significantly elevate the tourism and travel sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP, raising it from approximately AED 49 billion in 2023 to AED 90 billion annually by 2030.

The Strategy will generate an estimated 178,000 new jobs by 2030 as the entire tourism infrastructure develops to meet this demand. It intends to almost double international overnight visitors from 3.8 million in 2023 approximately to 7.2 million in 2030, expand hotel room availability from 34,000 in 2023 to 52,000 by 2030, and further enhance the holiday home segment to diversify accommodation options.

H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said : “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution. Delivered alongside our key partners, the Strategy underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector. Through carefully crafted initiatives that will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future that transcends generations.”

Fostering sustainable growth across four strategic pillars

To achieve the Strategy’s goals, 26 key initiatives have been identified across four strategic pillars: Offering and City Activation; Promotion & Marketing; Infrastructure & Mobility; and Visa, Licensing, and Regulations. These pillars form the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive approach to realising its ambitious tourism targets and fostering sustainable growth in the sector.

The initiatives will be unlocked through the collective vision of DCT Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), and other key government and private stakeholders, who play a strategic role in bringing Abu Dhabi’s tourism vision to life.

The first pillar, Offering and City Activation, looks to further enhance the overall guest experience by unveiling additional cultural sites, theme parks, retails offerings and new hotel chains. Overall boosting the emirate’s events calendar of year-round concerts, festivals, and family events. The dining landscape will diversify significantly, offering expanded options including the introduction of culinary schools and training programmes.

DCT Abu Dhabi will also more than double its Promotion and Marketing efforts, expanding its international reach from 11 to 26 markets and enhancing synergy within Abu Dhabi’s tourism ecosystem. It will also establish strategic global partnerships with media outlets and well-known brands for high-profile collaborations, creating compelling, market-specific content across various touchpoints.

The Strategy’s Infrastructure and Mobility pillar will increase hotel room availability across various categories, including accessible and luxury options, glamping, and farm stays. Through valued collaborations, the emirate is set to enhance roads, public transport, and infrastructure, simplifying travel within and boosting visitor inflow through increased flight seat capacity with both local and international airlines.

Lastly, both visitor experience and tourism business operations will be greatly enhanced with streamlined Visa, Licensing and Regulation processes. In collaboration with relevant government agencies, enhanced platforms and processes will reduce time frames for all applications and permits, to improve the ease of doing business and attract investment.

Building on the success of 2023

In 2023, Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector saw a remarkable surge, welcoming nearly 24 million visitors. The 27% rise in hotel guests and 54% increase in international guests bolstered the economy with an approximate AED 49 billion contribution to the UAE’s GDP.

Arrivals from key international markets like India, Russia, United Kingdom, China and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in 2023, alongside the numbers attracted by the emirate’s vibrant array of over 150 events, its pristine beaches and natural landscapes, as well as its cultural sites such as Qasr Al Hosn, Qasr al Watan and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which attracted more than 8.7 million visitors. Offerings across museums, cultural festivals and art exhibitions saw record-setting attendance at Louvre Abu Dhabi and the inaugural Manar Abu Dhabi public art exhibition, underscoring the emirate’s diverse appeal.

Visitor numbers were further boosted by a 44% increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. With 960,000 delegates across 2,477 events exploring Abu Dhabi’s attractions and dining options, the food and beverage sector saw a resultant 21% revenue increase. In addition, flagship entertainment events like the MOTN Festival and Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, along with cultural milestones such as the Al Hosn Festival and the Liwa Festival, further solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for leisure and tourism.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

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Huge Decline In Indian Tourists To Maldives

This comes as the diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male continues to deteriorate.

The number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives has dropped by 33 per cent as compared to last year, Maldivian website Adhadhu reported, citing data from the Maldives Tourism Ministry.

This comes as the diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male continues to deteriorate.

According to Tourism Ministry statistics for 2023, 41,054 Indian tourists visited the Maldives by March 4 last year. The number of Indian tourists recorded as of March 2 this year was 27,224. This was 13,830 lesser than last year, Maldives-based Adhadhu reported.

In the same period last year, India was the second largest source market for tourists to the Maldives with a 10 per cent market share. However, India is now in sixth place on the list with a six percent market share.

The row erupted after three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over his pictures from the visit to Lakshadweep. PM Modi had called for the Indian island cluster to be developed as a destination for beach tourism and promotion of domestic tourism.

The matter snowballed into a major diplomatic row, with New Delhi summoning the Maldivian envoy and registering a strong protest against the viral posts.

The three deputy ministers were suspended and they remain under suspension with pay.

Earlier this year, Maldives tourism industry stakeholders expressed concern as the boycott campaign in India grew momentum and gained the support of popular Indian film stars.

(Pic credit: https://www.tourism.gov.mv)

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) conducted a survey to determine the impact of booking cancellations by Indian guests. But the findings were not made public, as reported by Adhadhu.

India remained the top tourist market for the Maldives through 2021-23 with more than 2,00,000 tourists each year.

However, China is the top market now with more than 54,000 tourist arrivals so far this year. (ANI)

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