News Desk
MUMBAI— The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has intensified efforts to attract Indian tourists, hosting a high-profile event in Mumbai featuring over 100 celebrities and influencers. Held last weekend at the Four Seasons Hotel, the “Maldivian Night” aimed to promote the island nation as a premier travel destination for Indian travelers.
Timed alongside India’s largest travel trade exhibition, OTM Mumbai, the event drew prominent figures such as Bollywood director Farah Khan, actors Mouni Roy and Fardeen Khan, and digital influencers with a combined social media reach of over 200 million. MMPRC officials, including Chairman Abdullah Gias and Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuri, emphasized the strategic importance of India for Maldivian tourism.
“India is a key market for us, and strengthening these relationships with influencers, airlines, and tour operators will ensure the Maldives remains a top choice for Indian travelers,” Shiuri said.
India’s outbound travel sector has expanded rapidly in recent years and is poised for further growth. In the first half of 2024, 15 million Indians traveled abroad, a 13.7% increase from the same period in 2023. By August, the number had risen to 20 million. Projections suggest that Indian tourists will undertake 50 million international trips by 2030 and as many as 90 million annually by 2040 if trends follow China’s outbound travel trajectory.
Several factors are driving this surge:
- Rising Disposable Incomes: A growing middle class with increased spending power is fueling international travel.
- Improved Aviation Connectivity: More flight routes and enhanced air connectivity are making overseas travel more accessible.
- Influence of Social Media: Exposure to global destinations through digital platforms is inspiring more Indians to explore the world.
Geographically, Indian travelers favor nearby destinations, with 70% choosing locations within the region. The Middle East attracts about one-third of these tourists, followed closely by South Asian countries. The financial impact of this growth is also notable, with India’s outbound tourism market expected to reach $55.4 billion by 2034, reflecting an annual growth rate of over 11%.
The Maldives is looking to capitalize on this expanding market. More than 130,000 Indian tourists visited the island nation last year, and MMPRC has set a goal of attracting 300,000 in 2025. As part of its promotional efforts, the celebrities and influencers who attended the Mumbai event will visit the Maldives in the coming months, further amplifying its appeal among Indian travelers.
Shiuri expressed confidence in the campaign’s impact. “The Maldivian Night in Mumbai is proof of the importance we place on the Indian market. We are confident that our campaigns this year will yield remarkable results.”
With India’s outbound travel booming, destinations worldwide are vying for a share of this growing market. For the Maldives, leveraging celebrity influence and strategic partnerships may prove key to securing its position as a top choice for Indian tourists.
