News Desk
Malé, Maldives — Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal extended a warm welcome to Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who arrived in the Maldives with her family for a holiday. The Indian actress, known for her love of the island nation, is set to stay at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, a luxury resort.
Shilpa Shetty, a frequent visitor to the Maldives, has been a vocal admirer of its scenic beauty. Her arrival comes months after a significant meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his inaugural visit to India. In an interview following that encounter, Shetty praised the Maldives’ charm and its appeal as a tourist destination.
Tourism Minister Faisal, who also accompanied President Muizzu during the India visit, is credited with fostering ties between the Maldives and Bollywood celebrities. During his meeting with Shetty, Faisal encouraged the actress to continue promoting the Maldives, highlighting the nation’s appeal as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists.
Faisal’s efforts come against the backdrop of a delicate diplomatic landscape. Recent frosty relations between the Maldives and India, sparked by controversial remarks from junior members of the ruling party about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have required careful navigation.
Faisal’s strategic roadshows in India, particularly in Mumbai, and outreach to Bollywood personalities have been instrumental in rekindling goodwill.
Indian tourists, who were the first to return to the Maldives under a tourism bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic, have been pivotal in sustaining the industry when global borders were shut.
The Minister’s initiatives aim to strengthen this bond and reaffirm the Maldives’ reputation as a favored destination for Indian travelers.
As Shilpa Shetty enjoys her holiday, her presence adds another chapter to the Maldives’ growing appeal among Indian celebrities, underpinned by the steady efforts of its tourism leadership.
