By Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu appealed to China during his state visit to “intensify” efforts to send more tourists to his nation. This comes as the Maldives faces a tourism dip due to a diplomatic row with India and its subsequent boycott by Indian tourists.
China: a “closest ally” and tourism target: Despite the ongoing tensions with India, Muizzu called China one of the Maldives’ “closest allies and development partners,” praising the Belt and Road Initiative and urging China to regain its pre-pandemic position as the top tourist source for the Maldives.
India remains king of tourism: Though the Maldives seeks to woo Chinese tourists, data shows India was still the top source in 2023, followed by Russia and then China. However, in 2022, India held a more comfortable lead, with China facing challenges due to domestic lockdown policies and economic slowdown.
