According to data released by the Maldives Tourism Ministry, India has remained the largest tourist market for the country in 2023. The highest number of visitors to the Maldives were from India, with 209,198 arrivals, followed by Russia in second place with 209,146 arrivals, and China in third place with 187,118 arrivals.
In 2022, India remained the top Maldives tourism market, with 240,000 arrivals. Russia followed closely in second place with 198,000 tourists, and the United Kingdom ranked third with over 177,000 arrivals.
However, this travel hotspot for Indians is now facing backlash after three ministers from the Maldives cabinet made derogatory comments against Prime Minister Modi, which has led to many Indian travellers canceling their trips to this overseas destination. The ministers are now suspended from the ministry.
Also Read | Maldives row: Travel demand takes a hit as Indians cancel trips to island nation
PM Modi last week went snorkelling and shared his “exhilarating experience” of the islands in the Arabian Sea.
As a debate erupted on social media on whether Lakshadweep is more serene than Maldives, the three Maldivian ministers used inappropriate language to target Modi.
Earlier, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said they were aware of the "derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals".
"These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives," it said.
The Maldivian government said it believes that the freedom of expression should be exercised democratically and responsibly, and in ways that do not spread hatred, and negativity, and hinder close relationships between the Maldives and its international partners.
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