Sri Lanka Experiences a Surge in Indian Tourists Following Diplomatic Tensions Between India and Maldives

In January 2024, a diplomatic altercation between India and the Maldives triggered a significant shift in travel preferences among Indian tourists, prompting them to explore alternative destinations like Sri Lanka. This change led to Sri Lanka surpassing the Maldives in terms of tourist arrivals for the month. The dispute arose from critical remarks made by Maldivian ministers regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, prompting Indian tourists to initiate a ‘boycott Maldives’ movement. Consequently, Sri Lanka experienced a notable surge in tourist arrivals, with Indian visitors leading the influx.

The surge in Indian tourists visiting Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in driving the overall increase in tourist arrivals. The number of Indian visitors more than doubled from 13,759 in January of the previous year to 34,399 in January 2024. Conversely, the Maldives witnessed a decline in Indian tourists, with their numbers dropping from 17,029 to 15,006 during the same period.

Several factors contributed to the influx of Indian tourists to Sri Lanka. Firstly, the 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.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s proximity to India and the ease of travel, along with improved connectivity through direct flights, facilitated increased tourist arrivals from India. The hospitality sector in Sri Lanka has actively promoted 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.

In January, India emerged as the leading source of tourists for Sri Lanka, 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.