India remains central to Maldives tourism as Maldives serves all budgets, says Yasir

Visit Maldives Corporation Managing Director and CEO Abdulla Yasir has described India as a crucial market for the Maldives’ tourism industry, noting that the country’s proximity and strong travel links make it an essential segment for future growth.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Indian travel newspaper T3, Yasir said the Maldives must always ensure opportunities for the Indian market as a neighbouring country with increasing outbound travel. He highlighted that India is the closest major market to the Maldives, and that short flight times from multiple Indian cities give travellers a significant advantage.

Yasir said Maldives’ tourism products are designed to cater to all budgets and traveller profiles today, despite the lavish branding the nation has maintained over the years. From guesthouses and mid-range hotels to premium and ultra-luxury resorts, he said the Maldives can meet the needs of visitors from all walks of life, making the destination accessible to a wide range of Indian travellers.

He also noted that the number of repeat Indian visitors has been rising, expressing confidence that interest in Maldivian tourism products will continue to grow in the coming months.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, 90,392 tourists visited the Maldives from India from January to September 29 this year, representing 5.8 percent of total arrivals. India is currently the sixth-largest source market for the Maldives.