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‘Please be a part of Maldives’ tourism’: Why island nation is urging Indian travellers to return

On Tuesday, Maldives’ tourism minister appealed to Indians to return to the island nation. This request comes after data reveals a significant drop in Indians travelling to the archipelago — from 73,785 arrivals in the first four months of 2023 to 42,638 this year. After a diplomatic standoff between the two nations, Indian travellers boycotted the holiday destination en masse read more

“Please be a part of Maldives’ tourism. Our economy depends on tourism,” appealed Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal amid the ongoing India-Maldives spat.

The request came after Indian tourists shunned the island nation after Maldivian officials made derogatory remarks about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.

How badly was Maldivian tourism hurt by Indians? We explore more.

Plea to return

Ibrahim Faisal, Maldives’ tourism minister, on Monday (6 May), in a PTI news interview said: “We have a history. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the tourism minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives’ tourism. Our economy depends on tourism.”

The plea comes after Indians tourists visiting the archipelago began dwindling following the Indo-Maldives spat, which began early in January when three leaders belonging to President Mohamed Muizzu’s government made offensive remarks about India as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indians shun the Maldives

Maldivian government data has revealed that the number of Indian tourists has dipped in the first four months of this year. The island nation welcomed a total of 43,991 tourists from India as of 4 May. Moreover, between January and April, Maldives received 42,638 Indians. Compare this to last year, Maldives recorded 73,785 tourist arrivals from India.

Statistics show a total of 12,792 Indians visited the island nation in January 2024. In February, a total of 11,522 Indian tourists visited the Maldives, as compared to a total of 19,497 the same month last year. In March this year, only 8,322 Indians visited the nation, as compared to a total of 18,099 during the same month in 2023.

Indian tourists are among the highest foreign visitors to the Maldives. In 2023, of the total 17 lakh tourists who visited the island nation, more than 2,09,198 visitors were Indians, followed by Russians — 2,09,146 — and China with 1,87,118 tourists.

In 2022, the number of Indian visitors was more than 2.4 lakh while in the previous year, 2021, the number of Indians flying to the island nation was over 2.11 lakh.

And with Indians shunning the island nation, the tourism industry is feeling the pinch. News portal Sun.mv explaining the significance of Indian tourists said: “Indian travellers have a counter-travel pattern to European travellers; meaning Indian visitors frequent to the Maldives during hot seasons, which coincides with a drop in European market arrivals. In other words, India is the most significant ‘filler’ for the Maldives tourism off-peak season.”

Seeing the importance of the Indian tourists, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) also met with Munu Mahawar, the Indian high commissioner to the Maldives in April “to explore collaborative efforts in tourism promotion”.

On 9 April, the MATATO also said that plans were underway to woo Indian tourists back to the island-nation, including carrying out comprehensive roadshows across key cities in India as well as roping in influencers and conducting media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the coming months.

The economy of the Maldives is driven by tourism – 25 per cent of its GDP directly and 75 per cent from secondary sources. So if Indian tourists boycott the country en masse, it is likely to hurt.

Why Indians are bidding adieu to Maldives

But what exactly is the cause of Indians shunning the beautiful island nation. The answer stems from the Maldives itself.

President Mohamed Muizzu , who came to power in the Maldives in September last year, has been a proponent of the ‘ India Out ’ campaign and is pro-China. In fact, soon after he assumed charge, he kept his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.

Moreover, in January three ministers in his government took to X and passed offensive remarks about PM Modi as well as the country. Mariyam Shiuana, a deputy minister in the Maldivian Cabinet, called Modi a “puppet of Israel” and a “clown” on X. Her two other colleagues too joined in, posting derogatory comments about the prime minister and Indians.

The comments, which have since been deleted, angered many Indians, who then called for a boycott of the island nation . Many celebrities, for whom the Maldives has been a preferred holiday destination, also jumped on to the bandwagon, urging people to explore India’s own. Actor Amitabh Bachchan promoted travel to Lakshadweep in a post on X, while Akshay Kumar also batted for the same.

The boycott was further fuelled when EaseMyTrip, one of the country’s leading online travel platforms, declared it wouldn’t be accepting any bookings for the Maldives. However, since then, they have changed their stance, accepting bookings.

However, deteriorating ties with Maldives isn’t the only reason for the dip in Indian tourists to the archipelago. Some tour operators note that other global markets opening up for Indian travellers could also be the reason for a drop in numbers. For instance, several countries such as Kenya, Thailand, Malaysia are granting visa-free travel to Indians.

With inputs from agencies

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Who Is The Present Tourism Minister Of India

Published: December 12, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Sybyl Chau

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Introduction

The tourism industry plays a significant role in the economic growth and development of a country. India, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and historical landmarks, has emerged as one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations. To oversee and promote the tourism sector in the country, the role of the Tourism Minister is crucial. The Tourism Minister of India is responsible for formulating policies, implementing initiatives, and promoting India as a preferred tourist destination both domestically as well as internationally.

The tourism sector in India has seen remarkable growth in recent years, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP and employment generation. It has also become an essential source of revenue and foreign exchange earnings. To harness this potential, the Tourism Minister plays a critical role in planning and implementing strategies to attract more tourists, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall tourism experience.

In this article, we will explore the role and importance of the Tourism Minister in India, highlight the achievements and initiatives of the current Tourism Minister, and discuss the challenges faced by the tourism sector in the country.

Role and Importance of the Tourism Minister in India

The Tourism Minister in India holds a vital position in shaping the tourism industry of the country. The minister is responsible for formulating and implementing policies, strategies, and programs to promote tourism, both domestically and internationally. Let’s take a closer look at the role and importance of the Tourism Minister:

• Promoting India as a tourism destination: The Tourism Minister plays a crucial role in showcasing India’s diverse cultural heritage, historical monuments, scenic landscapes, and vibrant traditions to attract tourists from around the world. By promoting India as a must-visit destination, the minister helps boost tourism revenue and employment opportunities.
• Policy formulation: The minister is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to tourism growth, infrastructure development, sustainable tourism practices, and tourism marketing. These policies provide a framework for the effective management and promotion of tourism in the country.
• Infrastructure development: Another key role of the Tourism Minister is to focus on infrastructure development in tourist destinations. This includes developing and improving transportation networks, accommodations, tourist facilities, and amenities. The minister works closely with relevant government departments and private stakeholders to ensure tourists have a smooth and enjoyable experience in India.
• Promoting domestic tourism: While international tourism is important, the Tourism Minister also plays a significant role in promoting domestic tourism within the country. By encouraging Indians to explore their own country, the minister helps boost local economies, spread tourism benefits to lesser-known destinations, and foster a sense of national pride.
• Collaboration and partnerships: The Tourism Minister collaborates with various stakeholders, including travel associations, tour operators, hoteliers, and other industry players, to foster partnerships and collaborations that drive tourism growth. This involves working closely with state tourism boards, foreign embassies, and international tourism organizations to enhance India’s presence in the global tourism market.

Overall, the Tourism Minister plays a critical role in shaping the tourism sector, driving economic growth, and creating employment opportunities in India. Their efforts in promoting India as a tourist destination and implementing policies for sustainable tourism development contribute to the country’s overall growth and prosperity.

Previous Tourism Ministers in India

Over the years, several esteemed individuals have held the position of Tourism Minister in India. They have played a crucial role in promoting tourism, enhancing infrastructure, and bringing about positive changes in the Indian tourism industry. Let’s take a look at some of the notable previous Tourism Ministers in India:

• Sardar Buta Singh (1980-1982): Sardar Buta Singh was the first dedicated Tourism Minister in India when the Ministry of Tourism was established as an independent entity. During his tenure, Singh focused on promoting India’s cultural heritage and historical sites, as well as developing infrastructure to support tourism growth.
• Shri Jagmohan (1982-1984): Shri Jagmohan is remembered for his efforts in promoting heritage tourism and conservation of historical monuments. He initiated the “Save the Monuments” campaign, emphasizing the need for preserving India’s rich architectural heritage.
• Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao (1984-1985): While serving as the External Affairs Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao took charge of the Tourism Ministry for a brief period. He initiated steps to simplify visa procedures, making it easier for foreign tourists to visit India.
• Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar (2004-2009): Mani Shankar Aiyar introduced several innovative initiatives during his tenure as the Tourism Minister. He emphasized rural tourism, community participation, and sustainable tourism practices. Aiyar also focused on promoting India as a health and wellness tourism destination.
• Shri Subodh Kant Sahai (2009-2011): Under the leadership of Subodh Kant Sahai, efforts were made to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism services across the country. His tenure witnessed the formulation of a National Tourism Policy and the launch of various campaigns to promote domestic and international tourism.
• Shri K.J. Alphons (2017-2019): K.J. Alphons, a former bureaucrat, brought in significant changes during his tenure as the Tourism Minister. He focused on promoting India as a preferred tourist destination, enhancing digital initiatives for tourism promotion, and driving initiatives for sustainable tourism development.

These are just a few examples of the notable individuals who have served as Tourism Ministers in the past. Each of them has contributed in their unique way to the growth and development of the Indian tourism industry, leaving behind a lasting impact.

Current Tourism Minister of India

The current Tourism Minister of India is Shri G. Kishan Reddy. He assumed office on July 7, 2021, as a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet reshuffle. Prior to his role as the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs. Let’s take a closer look at the profile and background of the present Tourism Minister:

Shri G. Kishan Reddy is a prominent leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a Member of Parliament from Secunderabad constituency in Telangana. He has a strong political career and a background in public service. His appointment as the Tourism Minister reflects the government’s focus on bringing in experienced and capable leaders to shape the future of the tourism sector in India.

As the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy is entrusted with the responsibility of formulating and implementing policies to promote the tourism industry in the country. He is expected to work towards enhancing India’s tourist attractions, developing tourism infrastructure, and supporting initiatives that boost both domestic and international tourism.

Under the leadership of Shri G. Kishan Reddy, it is anticipated that there will be a renewed focus on leveraging technology and digital platforms for tourism promotion, as well as implementing sustainable tourism practices. The minister’s experience in the field of governance and public administration will likely contribute to the formulation of effective policies and strategies for the growth of the tourism industry in India.

Additionally, Shri G. Kishan Reddy is expected to collaborate with various stakeholders, including state tourism boards, travel associations, and industry professionals, to drive tourism growth and enhance India’s image as a preferred tourist destination. His role also extends to fostering partnerships with foreign governments and international organizations to promote India’s tourism potential on a global scale.

Overall, as the current Tourism Minister of India, Shri G. Kishan Reddy assumes a crucial role in guiding and shaping the tourism sector in the country. With his experience, leadership, and commitment to public service, he is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Indian tourism industry.

Achievements and Initiatives of the Present Tourism Minister

Since assuming office as the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy has demonstrated his commitment to promoting and developing the tourism industry in India. He has spearheaded various initiatives and achieved notable milestones in his tenure. Let’s explore some of the key achievements and initiatives of the present Tourism Minister:

• Digital initiatives for tourism promotion: Shri G. Kishan Reddy has emphasized the use of digital platforms and technology to promote tourism in India. Under his leadership, initiatives like e-visa facilities, online tourism promotions, and digital campaigns have been launched to enhance the reach and accessibility of India’s tourism offerings.
• Promotion of domestic tourism: Recognizing the potential of domestic tourism, the Tourism Minister has focused on promoting domestic travel within India. Through campaigns like “Dekho Apna Desh” (See Your Own Country), he encourages Indians to explore the beauty and diversity of their own country, thus stimulating local economies and spreading tourism benefits to lesser-known destinations.
• Sustainable tourism practices: Shri G. Kishan Reddy has emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices for long-term growth and conservation. Initiatives such as promoting eco-tourism, encouraging responsible travel behavior, and supporting the conservation of natural and cultural heritage sites have been key focal points of his tenure.
• Enhancing tourism infrastructure: To improve the tourism experience in India, the present Tourism Minister has worked towards enhancing tourism infrastructure. Efforts have been made to develop and upgrade tourist amenities, safety measures, accommodation facilities, and transportation networks, thereby ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors.
• Promoting India as a MICE destination: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism is an emerging segment with immense potential. Shri G. Kishan Reddy has actively promoted India as a preferred MICE destination, showcasing its state-of-the-art convention centers, world-class hotels, and diverse offerings for business and professional events.

These are just a few examples of the achievements and initiatives undertaken by the present Tourism Minister to promote and develop the tourism industry in India. By leveraging technology, focusing on sustainability, enhancing infrastructure, and diversifying tourism offerings, Shri G. Kishan Reddy aims to position India as a leading global tourist destination.

Challenges Faced by the Tourism Minister in India

While the role of the Tourism Minister in India is crucial in driving the growth and development of the tourism sector, there are several challenges that they face. These challenges can have an impact on the implementation of policies, promotion of tourism, and overall progress of the industry. Let’s explore some of the key challenges faced by the Tourism Minister:

• Infrastructure development: One of the major challenges faced by the Tourism Minister is the need for comprehensive infrastructure development. While there have been efforts to improve transportation networks and accommodation facilities, there is still a need for further investment in developing world-class infrastructure across various tourist destinations.
• Marketing and promotion: Effective marketing and promotion are vital for attracting tourists to India. The Tourism Minister faces the challenge of reaching out to a diverse range of potential tourists through targeted marketing campaigns and creating a compelling brand image for India as a tourist destination.
• Sustainable tourism practices: Balancing tourism growth with sustainable practices is a significant challenge faced by the Tourism Minister. It involves implementing measures to protect the environment, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the well-being of local communities while still promoting tourism and economic growth.
• Safety and security: Ensuring the safety and security of tourists is of utmost importance. The Tourism Minister must address issues related to tourist safety, including crime prevention, emergency response systems, and the establishment of tourist police units in popular destinations.
• Quality of services: Maintaining high standards of services, including hospitality, transportation, and tour operations, is essential to provide an exceptional tourism experience. The Tourism Minister faces the challenge of ensuring consistent quality across different tourist destinations and service providers.

Additionally, external factors such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, economic downturns, and global health crises pose additional challenges that can adversely affect the tourism sector. The Tourism Minister must navigate through these challenges and implement strategies to mitigate their impact on the industry.

Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between the government, tourism industry stakeholders, local communities, and international partners. It is essential for the Tourism Minister to address these challenges proactively and implement sustainable solutions to foster the growth and resilience of the Indian tourism industry.

Future Plans and Outlook for the Tourism Sector in India

The future of the tourism sector in India holds immense potential for growth and development. Under the leadership of the Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, several plans and strategies are being formulated to shape the future of the industry. Let’s explore the future plans and outlook for the tourism sector in India:

• Promotion of sustainable tourism: The focus on sustainable tourism practices is expected to continue in the future. The Tourism Minister aims to promote responsible travel behavior, eco-tourism initiatives, and conservation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector. This includes initiatives to protect natural habitats, preserve cultural heritage sites, and encourage community participation in tourism development.
• Digital transformation: Technology will play a crucial role in the future of the tourism sector in India. The Tourism Minister aims to leverage digital platforms, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance tourism promotion, improve visitor experiences, and streamline administrative processes. This includes initiatives such as developing smart tourism destinations, enhancing online booking systems, and utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technologies for immersive tourism experiences.
• Enhancing infrastructure: The development of tourism infrastructure will continue to be a priority. The Tourism Minister plans to invest in upgrading transportation networks, improving connectivity to remote areas, and developing tourist-friendly amenities and facilities. This includes the development of new airports, railway connections, and the promotion of sustainable modes of transportation.
• Promotion of niche tourism: To diversify tourism offerings, niche tourism segments such as adventure tourism, wellness tourism, cultural tourism, and religious tourism will receive increased attention. The Tourism Minister aims to develop niche tourism products, create specialized itineraries, and promote unique experiences to attract specific target markets and cater to diverse traveler interests.
• Partnerships and collaborations: Collaborations with international tourism organizations, foreign governments, and private sector stakeholders will be crucial for the future growth of the tourism sector. The Tourism Minister aims to build strategic partnerships to promote India as a preferred tourist destination, attract more international tourists, and enhance cultural exchange and tourism cooperation with other countries.

The outlook for the tourism sector in India is optimistic, with a focus on sustainable growth, technological advancements, and diversification of offerings. As the Indian tourism industry continues to evolve, it is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange with the rest of the world.

However, it is important to address the challenges faced by the sector, such as infrastructure development, marketing, safety, and quality of services, to ensure a sustainable and competitive tourism industry. By implementing robust policies, fostering collaborations, and embracing innovation, the future of the tourism sector in India looks promising and poised for continued success.

The role of the Tourism Minister in India is pivotal in shaping the growth and development of the tourism sector, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy. The current Tourism Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, has been actively involved in promoting India as a preferred tourist destination, implementing sustainable tourism practices, and enhancing tourism infrastructure.

Through digital initiatives, emphasis on domestic tourism, and promotion of niche tourism segments, the Tourism Minister is working towards diversifying India’s tourism offerings and attracting a wide range of travelers. The focus on sustainability, technology, and collaboration with key stakeholders sets the stage for a promising future for the Indian tourism industry.

However, challenges such as infrastructure development, marketing, safety, and service quality need to be addressed to ensure the sustainable and competitive growth of the sector. By tackling these challenges head-on and implementing effective policies, the Tourism Minister can create an enabling environment for the tourism industry to thrive.

Looking ahead, the future of the tourism sector in India holds immense potential. With the Tourism Minister at the helm, there is a clear vision to leverage technology, promote sustainable practices, enhance infrastructure, and forge strategic partnerships. The future plans and outlook for the Indian tourism sector signal a positive trajectory, allowing the country to capitalize on its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and diverse tourism offerings.

The continued growth of the Indian tourism industry will contribute to economic prosperity, employment generation, and cultural exchange. It is through the collective effort of the Tourism Minister, government entities, tourism stakeholders, and the support of the people that India can establish itself as a sustainable, inclusive, and globally recognized tourism destination.

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Shri G Kishan Reddy takes charge as Union Tourism Minister

Shri ajay bhatt also took charge as minister of state in the ministry of tourism.

Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy  took charge as Union Culture Minister at ShastriBhavan in New Delhi today. Simultaneously, Shri Ajay Bhatt also took charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism. The other new Minister of State for Tourism,  Shri ShripadYessoNaik was also present on the occasion.

Sh. G. Kishan Reddy @kishanreddybjp , new Union Minister for Tourism, Culture & DoNER took charge of office today at Ministry of Tourism in presence of Sh @prahladspatel . New ministers of state for tourism Sh @AjaybhattBJP4UK and Sh @shripadynaik were also present. #Govt4Growth pic.twitter.com/Rg3UPoAnpg — PIB Tourism (@PIBTour) July 8, 2021

ShKishan Reddy has also been assigned the charge of Union Minister of Culture as well as Development of North-Eastern Region. He was earlier holding the charge of Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Speaking to media, Sh. Reddy said that the Ministry will work to fulfill the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘New India’ by investing in strengthening our cultural roots and promoting the Tourism sector.

Shri G Kishan Reddy  was elected as a Member of Parliament to 17th Lok Sabha in 2019, from Secunderabad Constituency, Telangana.

Sh Reddy has led several unique  initiatives like his work for the child-heart patients which became a movement and  won him the Best Child-Friendly Legislator Award in theAP Legislative Assembly by UNICEF (United Nations).He also started a campaign against terrorism and organised International Youth Conference against Terrorism (IYCT) in New Delhi in which over 193 delegates participated from over 54 countries. He also conducted "Seema Suraksha JagaranYatra and  ‘Telangana PoruYatra’.

Sh Reddy has also received  the Outstanding Youth Leadership Award for the year2009 by Maryland India Business Round Table (MIBRT), USA and  Conferred a medal by Union of Bulgarian Commandos for his contribution towards Global Peace at Sophia, Bulgaria.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, who people affectionately and respectfully refer to as ‘Kishananna', is a live example of what one can achieve through sheer determination and hard work. He has travelled extensively across the world representing India and its young leadership in various fora which includes his visits to USA, Israel, China, Nepal, France, U.K., Canada, Morocco, Malaysia, Bulgaria, Singapore, Egypt, Thailand, Hong Kong.

Shri Ajay Bhatt is an advocate by profession and has been a Member of various important committees at National Level. He is from Uttarakhand and elected to 17 th Lok Sabha from Nainital Udhamsingh Nagar Constituency.  He is Widely travelled and has got keen interest in social and cultural activities.

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• Cabinet expansion: G Kishan Reddy is the new Tourism Minister & Jyotiraditya Scindia gets aviation

Gen VK Singh has been appointed the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, while Shripad Yesso Naik, who has earlier served as the tourism minister, is now the Minister of State for Tourism. The Tourism & Culture ministries have also been upgraded into Cabinet stature.

• ETTravelWorld
• Published On Jul 7, 2021 at 11:06 PM IST

Union Cabinet expansion: Can Prahlad Singh Patel buck the trend?

Transport Bhavan, the HQ of the Union Tourism Ministry, has seen 11 ministers since the new millennium. No tourism minister has remained in office for more than three years. Modi Government 1.0 had seen heads at Transport Bhavan changing three times in five years. Now with a rejig impending, will we see a new tourism minister at the helm of affairs?

I express my deep sense of gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @NarendraModi for the trust reposed in me.… https://t.co/VgCPbOj9pR — G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) 1625671403000

• Updated On Jul 7, 2021 at 11:06 PM IST

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PM addresses G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet

“India’s approach to tourism is based on the ancient Sanskrit verse ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’ which means ‘Guest is God’”

“India’s efforts in the tourism sector are centered on preserving its rich heritage while creating a world-class infrastructure for tourism”

“In the last nine years, we have placed special emphasis on developing the entire ecosystem of tourism in the country”

“India is also recognizing the relevance of the tourism sector for the speedy achievement of Sustainable Development Goals”

“Collaboration among governments, entrepreneurs, investors and academia can accelerate technological implementation in the tourism sector”

“Terrorism divides but Tourism unites”

“The motto of India’s G20 Presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ can itself be a motto for global tourism”

“You must visit the festival of democracy in the mother of democracy”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet held in Goa via video message today.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister invoked the spirit of Incredible India and said that the tourism ministers rarely get a chance to be tourists themselves even though they are handling a sector worth over two trillion dollars globally. Noting that the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meet is taking place in Goa, one of the major tourist attractions in India, the Prime Minister urged the dignitaries to take out some time from their serious discussions and explore the natural beauty and the spiritual side of Goa.

The Prime Minister said that India’s approach to tourism is based on the ancient Sanskrit verse ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’ which means ‘Guest is God’. Shri Modi emphasized that tourism is not just about sightseeing but it is an immersive experience. “Be it Music or Food, Arts or Culture, the diversity of India is truly majestic”, the Prime Minister continued, “From the high Himalayas to dense forests, dry deserts to beautiful beaches, adventure sports to meditation retreats, India has something for everyone.” The Prime Minister informed that India during its G-20 presidency is organizing nearly 200 meetings in 100 different locations all over the country making every experience different from the other. “If you ask your friends who have already visited India for these meetings, I am sure that no two experiences will be alike”, he added.

The Prime Minister underlined that India’s efforts in the tourism sector are centered on preserving its rich heritage while creating a world-class infrastructure for tourism. Noting that India attracts pilgrims of every major religion of the world, the Prime Minister emphasized the development of spiritual tourism as one of the focus areas. He informed that the infrastructure upgrade in the eternal city of Varanasi, one of the major spiritual centers, led to a ten-fold increase in pilgrims taking the number to 70 million today. He also underlined that India is creating new tourist attractions and gave the example of the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, which attracted about 2.7 million tourists within a year of its inauguration. In the last nine years, the Prime Minister said, we have placed special emphasis on developing the entire ecosystem of tourism in the country. “From transport infrastructure to the hospitality sector to skill development, and even in our visa systems, we have kept the tourism sector as a focal point of our reforms”, Shri Modi said. He highlighted that the hospitality sector has great potential for employment generation, social inclusion and economic progress while employing more women and youth compared to the other sectors. The Prime Minister expressed happiness that India is also recognizing the relevance of the tourism sector for the speedy achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the five inter-connected priority areas of Green Tourism, Digitalization, Skill Development, Tourism MSMEs, and Destination Management reflect the priorities of India as well as the Global South. Shri Modi suggested greater use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality to drive innovation and highlighted that India is working towards artificial intelligence enabling real-time translation of various languages spoken in the country. He expressed confidence that collaboration among governments, entrepreneurs, investors and academia can accelerate such technological implementation in the tourism sector. The Prime Minister also suggested working together to ease business regulations for tourism companies and assist them in increasing their access to finances and investing in skill development.

“Terrorism divides but Tourism unites”, the Prime Minister remarked. He said that tourism has the potential to unite people from all walks of life thereby creating a harmonious society. Shri Modi expressed happiness that a G20 Tourism dashboard is being developed in partnership with UNWTO which will be a first-of-its-kind platform bringing together best practices, case studies and inspiring stories. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the deliberations and the ‘Goa Roadmap’ would multiply the collective efforts to realize tourism’s transformative power. “The motto of India’s G20 Presidency, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ can itself be a motto for global tourism”, he added.

The Prime Minister highlighted the upcoming Sao Joao Festival in Goa and said that India is a land of festivals. Referring to the General Elections to be held next year, the Prime Minister urged the dignitaries to witness the festival of democracy in the mother of democracy where nearly a billion voters will be taking part for over a month re-affirming their abiding faith in democratic values. “With more than a million voting booths, there will be no shortage of places for you to witness this festival in all its diversity”, the Prime Minister said. He concluded the address by extending an invitation to visit India during the festival of democracy.

LIVE. PM @narendramodi 's remarks at the G20 Tourism Ministers' Meeting. @g20org https://t.co/EhD5WJ9SI1 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 21, 2023

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About The Ministry

The Ministry of Tourism, is the nodal agency for the formulation of national policies and programs and for the co-ordination of activities of various Central Government Agencies, State Governments/UTs and the Private Sector for the development and promotion of tourism in the country. The Ministry is headed by the Union Minister for Tourism and Ministers of State.

The administrative head of the Ministry is the Secretary (Tourism). The office of the Director General of Tourism provides executive directions for the implementation of various policies and programs. Directorate General of Tourism has a field formation of 20 offices within the country and one sub-ordinate office/project i.e. Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM)/ Gulmarg Winter Sports Project. The field offices in India are responsible for providing information service to tourists and to monitor the progress of field projects. The activities of IISM/GWSP have now been revived and various Ski and other courses are being conducted in the J&K valley.

The Ministry of Tourism has a public sector undertaking, the India Tourism Development Corporation Limited and the following autonomous institutions:

• Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) and National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS)
• National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and the Institutes of Hotel Management.

Role and Functions of the Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism functions as the nodal agency for the development of tourism in the country. It plays a crucial role in coordinating and supplementing the efforts of the State/Union Territory Governments, catalyzing private investment, strengthening promotional and marketing efforts and in providing trained manpower resources. The functions of the Ministry in this regard mainly consist of the following:

All Policy Matters, including:

• Development Policies.
• Incentives.
• External Assistance.
• Manpower Development.
• Promotion & Marketing.
• Investment Facilitation.

Planning & Co-ordination with other Ministries, Departments, State/UT Governments., Regulation:

Infrastructure & Product Development.

Human Resource Development

• Institutions.
• Setting Standards and Guidelines.

Publicity & Marketing:

• Strategies.
• Co-ordination.

Research, Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation

International Co-operation and External Assistance

• International Bodies.
• Bilateral Agreements.
• Foreign Technical Collaboration

Legislation and Parliamentary Work, Establishment matters, Vigilance matters, Implementation of official language policy, Implementation of official language policy, Budget co-ordination and related matters, Plan-coordination and monitoring

The Functions of Attached Office viz. Directorate General of Tourism are as under:

Assistance in the formulation of policies by providing feedback from the field offices and Monitoring of Plan Projects and assisting in the Plan formulation

Coordinating the activities of field offices and their supervision, Regulation:

• Approval and classification of hotels and restaurants.
• Approval of travel agents, Inbound tour operators and tourist transport operators, etc.

Inspection & Quality Control

• Guide service
• Complaints and redressal.

Infrastructure Development:

• Release of incentives.
• Tourist facilitation and information.
• Field publicity, promotion & marketing.
• Hospitality programs.
• Conventions & conferences.

Assistance for Parliamentary work.

Establishment matters of Directorate General of Tourism

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• Intergovernmental Support
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• Strengthening Institutions
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Opening Remarks 7TH G20 Tourism Ministers meeting

Mr. Li Jinzhao, Chairman of China National Tourism Administration,Mr. Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of World Tourism Organization,Excellencies,Distinguished Participants,Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to address the opening ceremony of the 7 th session of the G20 Tourism Ministers Meeting. I want to express my gratitude to the Chinese Presidency of the G20 and to the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) for convening the 7th Meeting of the G20 Tourism Ministers. I also want to express my appreciation to the organizers for focusing on tourism as an effective tool for inclusive development. This focus bears testimony to the changing paradigm in the tourism industry. Tourism used to be characterized by an emphasis on leisure and service to attract customers. While that emphasis is essential to the industry, increasingly, tourism is expanding its horizon to serve as an engine for advancing sustainable development across the world and across sectors. We wholeheartedly welcome this transformation. Let us look at tourism from the economic, social and environmental dimensions – that is, from the lens of sustainable development. In economic terms, tourism has become one of the fastest growing sectors of our times. Accounting for an estimated $7 trillion, or 10% of the world’s GDP, the global tourism sector has played an increasingly critical role in spurring growth, reducing poverty, creating jobs and generating incomes. This trend will continue. World tourism is on track to experience sustained growth in the coming years, reaching 1.8 billion international tourist arrivals in 2030, up from 1.2 billion in 2015, according to UNWTO. In many countries, tourism is also becoming a driving force for social inclusion, benefitting youth and women, small and medium-sized enterprises, local communities and rural populations. In this sense, tourism is generating significant multiplier effects on social inclusion and economic empowerment. In a positive trend, both tourism operators and tourists themselves are also becoming increasingly environmentally friendly, as seen in the growth in eco-tourism. Across the globe, the tourism sector has become a critical pillar within national development planning and policies. Sustainable tourism has a unique ability to connect sectors and to advance sustainable development. In adopting the 2030 Agenda, Member States stressed the importance of tourism and included a specific target on tourism in SDG 8 - By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.   2015 was also a special year for tourism as the United Nations General Assembly decided to declare 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. In the future, I believe we will see an acceleration of the current trends in the direction of sustainable tourism, in both developed and developing countries. In all sectors of tourism - from transport, to water and energy consumption, to the protection of natural resources, to job creation and poverty reduction - I hope to see both the tourism industry and tourists themselves practice sustainable tourism. Excellencies, It is time to promote sustainable tourism, to create income opportunities for local populations, to enhance understanding and friendship between nations, to increase environmental awareness and protect the natural and cultural heritages of the destination countries. To this end, we should strive to maximise the potential of tourism for eradicating poverty, by developing appropriate sustainable tourism strategies in co-operation with all stakeholders. This Ministerial meeting affords us the opportunity to discuss this and other related issues and to promote dialogue among all involved stakeholders. I wish you the best in your deliberations and I look forward to the successful outcome of this meeting. Thank you. File date:  Friday, May 20, 2016 Author:  Mr. Wu

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New Zealand tourism minister makes pitch to the rich as he spurns ‘$10-a-day’ travellers

Stuart Nash says NZ to ‘unashamedly’ target wealthy tourists ahead of those who ‘travel around our country eating two-minute noodles’

New Zealand’s tourism minister has again expressed his aversion to budget travellers, saying the country will not seek to attract those who “travel around our country on $10 a day eating two-minute noodles”.

Stuart Nash said the country would unashamedly continue to focus on “high quality” big spenders, despite one expert saying such visitors typically had a much higher environmental footprint and didn’t necessarily contribute more to the economy.

At an announcement on Wednesday about plans to bolster the tourism workforce as the country’s borders reopened, Nash said the country would continue to focus on “big spender” visitors. “​​In terms of targeting our marketing spin, it is unashamedly going to be at … high-quality tourists,” he said.

“We are going to welcome backpackers … [but] we are not going to target the people who put on Facebook how they can travel around our country on $10 a day eating two-minute noodles.”

While the minister has said backpackers and lower-budget visitors were still welcome in New Zealand, his focus on rich tourists has been controversial in the past.

In 2020, Nash said the country would “unashamedly” target the super wealthy, and seek to attract the kind of tourist who “flies business class or premium economy, hires a helicopter, does a tour round Franz Josef and then eats at a high-end restaurant”. The proposals attracted some heat, with one commentator calling them “snobby, elitist and out of touch.”

The assumption that “high net worth individuals” contributed more to New Zealand than budget travellers wasn’t necessarily backed up by the research, said Prof James Higham, a professor of tourism at Otago University. “I’ve seen no evidence for that,” he said.

“The trend over recent decades globally has been for tourists to travel further, travel faster, produce more CO2, stay shorter and spend less at the destination,” said.

The result, he said, was often “very wealthy people destroying the planet in the process of not contributing to destinations as we might have expected or hoped”.

“Big spenders are often the most environmentally damaging, and because they tend to have … regular repeat high carbon travel with low length of stay … they’re not particularly beneficial, particularly to far flung destinations made in New Zealand.”

Tourists who tend to be on a lower income – such as international students and backpackers – often stayed for longer in the country, and length of stay was directly correlated with cumulative in-country spending, he said.

Cruise ship visitors, for example, were typically affluent, but made up only 3% of visitor spend, despite being 9% of visitors. “The economic contribution of cruise passengers is dismal compared to students who come here to study,” he said.

Budget travellers were also often repeat visitors – those who came as backpackers might return as workers, or as tourists later in life, Higham said.

Nash’s comments come as New Zealand is attempting to rebuild its tourism workforce and industry after a year spent closed off from the world by pandemic protections.

Before Covid-19, international tourism made up a huge chunk of the country’s economy – its direct and indirect contribution is 9.3% of GDP – but increasing visitor numbers had also prompted growing concerns about environmental degradation, overcrowding and pressure on infrastructure.

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Hong Kong tourism minister refutes claims of ‘pandering,’ expensive tourism policy

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Hong Kong’s tourism minister has slammed a political commentator’s “fallacious” assertion that the city’s tourism policy had driven out high-value establishments and yielded weak economic returns.

Citing tourism figures, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung said more than 760,000 tourists from mainland China crossed the border in Hong Kong over the Labour Day “Golden Week,” with more than 190,000 visiting on May 2, marking a record high for single-day arrivals this year

“This has brought business to the tourism sector and other related industries, and though not every business has been able to benefit, we understand that those trades are generally satisfied,” he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

The tourism chief also hit back at the assertion that the government policy of pandering to low spenders from mainland China was not a cost-effective strategy, and would drive out “good money” in Hong Kong.

‘Fallacies’

“These are all fallacies. We all know that every 1.5 million tourists bring a 0.1 per cent increase to Hong Kong’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and this Golden Week has brought in more than HK$2 billion to Hong Kong” he said without naming the author of the piece, nor the newspaper it was published in.

Yeung also said the authorities were aware of new tourism trends of “conscious spending” and “citywalks” – referring to prudency and new modes of travel among young mainland Chinese in the post-pandemic era.

The arguments singled out by Yeung were made in an opinion piece penned by scholar and political commentator Derek Yuen in local paper Ming Pao.

Over the Labour Day Golden Week, most mainland tourists were not shopping, and would go so far as to save on the cost of a cup of coffee – an indication that the government’s tourism policy was a wasted effort, Yuen said.

“The economic returns have been meagre, which makes one wonder: who is [the government] working so hard for?” he said, citing former chief executive Leung Chun-ying’s earlier remark that appealing to low spenders in Hong Kong, an upmarket tourist destination, was a bad fit.

Hong Kong has been facing an uphill battle to reinvigorate its tourism sector after it reopened its borders last March following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tourism strategy

While the  number of mainland tourists has recovered more rapidly  than international visitors, spending among daytrippers has gone down 73.5 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2018.

Yuen argued that the government’s policy of “pandering” to mainland tourists in order to retain their patronage by any means possible “only gives the impression that there is no bottom line.”

See also: Hong Kong says it listens to locals, as well as mainland tourists, as lawmaker says gov’t disregards residents’ demands

Basing the city’s tourism strategy on trends popularised on Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu would only bring in “bad money” from low spenders, resulting in a “paradoxical” phenomenon whereby high-value establishments are driven out, he argued.

The city needed to play to its strengths, for instance by promoting its Michelin-starred restaurants and cocktail bars, many of which are among Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Yuen said. “These are achievements that other places can only envy, and yet we don’t see the government paying any attention to them or developing strategies.”

A more serious and far-reaching problem for the tourism industry is that Hong Kong is gradually losing its identity, Yuen said. “That would be a path of no return, of degradation.”

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Maldivian minister appeals Indians to be part of Maldives tourism

"Please be a part of the Maldives' tourism. Our economy depends on tourism," Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal recently appealed to Indian tourists amid a significant decline in tourist arrivals from India since the diplomatic row between the two countries erupted in January.

Indian tourists to the Maldives dipped by 42% in the first four months of this year in comparison to the same period in 2023.

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Maldives urges Indians to ‘please be part of its tourism', says 'our economy depends…'

Emphasizing on the history shared by india and maldives, tourism minister ibrahim faisal said the newly elected government wants to work with india..

Amid a strained bilateral ties following derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Maldives' minister has urged Indians to “be a part of their tourism" as their economy “depends on it". Emphasizing on the history shared by India and Maldives, Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal said the newly elected government wants to work with India.

The Maldives' minister said, “We have a history. Our newly elected government also wants to work together [with India]. We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the Tourism Minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives’ tourism. Our economy depends on tourism."

Hundreds of Indians had dropped their plans to visit the Maldives after three Maldivian officials made derogatory comments on India and PM Modi after the latter posted photos of Lakshadweep Islands on his X handle. Since January, the number of tourists visiting the island nation declined by 42 per cent. Last year, the number of Indians visiting the Maldives from January to May stood at 73,785 as compared to 42,638 during the same time in 2024.

India slipped to sixth spot on the 'Top 10 Markets' list of Maldives Tourism , as per a daily report released by the island nation's Ministry of Tourism on March 4. India's rank on Maldives Tourism charts has been dropping ever since Mohamed Muizzu became Maldives' President.

Meanwhile, India and Maldives held a bilateral meeting to discuss the replacement of the Indian military personnel, going forward with “India Out" campaign which was promised by President Mohamed Muizzu during the election campaign.

"Discussions were held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defence cooperation. Both sides noted with satisfaction that the Government of India will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10, and all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule," the press release added.

(With agency inputs)

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Minister of Economy meets with Italian Tourism Minister, President/CEO at World Travel & Tourism Council

D UBAI, 8th May, 2024 (WAM) – Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, met with Daniela Santanchè, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Italy, and Julia Simpson, President/CEO at World Travel & Tourism Council, to strengthen prospects for joint tourism cooperation.

This came on the sidelines of their participation in the 31st edition of the Arabian Travel Market, being held in Dubai from May 6 to 9, 2024.

Bin Touq and the Italian Minister explored ways to strengthen tourism cooperation between the UAE and Italy, leveraging their existing economic partnership. Their discussions focused on creating new investment opportunities in hospitality, aviation, and travel for Emirati and Italian businesses. Additionally, they explored the development of innovative tourist and recreational programmes to encourage a greater exchange of tourist delegations between the two countries.

Bin Touq affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the vision and directives of its wise leadership, is keen to strengthen tourism relations with various countries of the world in all fields and tourism sectors, exchange the best practices, and build bridges of partnership with international tourism organisations.

During his meeting with the President/CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, Bin Touq was briefed on the latest developments in the tourism sector globally, modern trends to enhance the growth of this vital sector, and strengthen its contribution to the global economy's GDP. They also discussed the importance of exchanging expertise and information on sustainable tourism policies.

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Government of Canada to announce new support for Indigenous tourism during Indigenous Prosperity Forum

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Media advisory

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, will announce a new federal initiative to support Indigenous tourism and promote reconciliation. Minister Ferrada will be joined by Shannin Metatawabin, Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA). This announcement will take place during NACCA’s Indigenous Prosperity Forum.

May 8, 2024 – Gatineau, Quebec

A media availability will follow the announcement.

Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024

Time: 12:30 pm (ET)

Location: Gatineau, Quebec

Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

Media representatives interested in one-on-one interviews with Minister Ferrada can reach out to Marie-Justine Torres.

Marie-Justine Torres Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec 613-327-5918 [email protected]

Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [email protected]

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Ministry of Tourism to Name New Junior Minister of Tourism

NASSAU, Bahamas (3 May. 2023) – The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will name a new Junior Minister of Tourism on Thursday, 4 May 2023, during the Ministry's Speech Competition Finals, the last qualifying component of the program. Some 14 students representing their respective islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, and San Salvador will vie for the prestigious title during the competition at Bahamas Harvest Church's west campus.

The Junior Minister of Tourism Program, organized by the Industry Training Department, was launched in 2002 and is now in its 19th year. Its long-range goal is to generate a talent pool of young professionals to service the tourism industry. 

Students will each deliver a three-to-five-minute speech on "Reimagining Tourism: 50 Years and Beyond." Finalists will also be expected to answer a mystery question and will be given one minute to respond. The mystery around mimics the format of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) Youth Congress, where the winner will attend and debate with other Junior Ministers/Commissioners of Tourism from other Caribbean countries on tourism-related issues. 

Winners will be selected based on a 60% score from the prepared topic and 40 % from the mystery topic.

Samantha Cartwright, Coordinator of the program, said, "The Junior Minister of Tourism Program is important because it provides a platform for youth expression on tourism matters. The Junior Minister will speak on the Ministry of Tourism executive team's behalf throughout the country and the region. He or she will advise the Minister of Tourism on behalf of the youth."

This year's winner will succeed Kelvin Archer, the current Junior Minister of Tourism, and a St. Annes High School student in New Providence. Competitors for the 2023 title are Tianna Bootle, Patrick J. Bethel High School, Abaco; Aneko Smith, Acklins Central High School; Radisha Dawkins, Central Andros High School; Desirae Turner, Louise McDonald High School, Bimini; Marcus Thacker Jr., Arthur's Town Comprehensive School; McHala Smith, Admiral Ferguson High School, Crooked Island; Kezia Johnson, North Eleuthera High School; Travez Neymour, L. N. Coakley High School; Layla Leather, Grand Bahama Academy of Seventh Day Adventist; Angel Arnett, Inagua All-Age School; Jude Knowles Jr., N.G.M. Major High School, Long Island; Patton Collie, Mayaguana Comprehensive School; Jasmine Rolle, St. Anne's School, New Providence and D'Avyon Ashe, San Salvador Central High School, 

The prizes to be awarded to the winner include the Patrick S. Bain Scholarship (tenable at the University of The Bahamas), provided by the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA); an all-expense paid trip to CTO Youth Congress and a $500 cash prize.

The winning school will also receive $500 and a floating trophy. The second and third-place winners will receive a $300 and $200 cash prize and an award, and their schools will receive cash prizes and a plaque. All students will receive a Junior Director of Tourism pin and certificate. 

Sponsors for this year's competition are Aliv, Cable Bahamas Ltd, Micronet Computers Limited, and Bahleaf Premium Teas, Islands of The Bahamas Logo store, who have donated prizes for the first, second, and third place winners. 

For more information, visit www.bahamas.com or  www.tourismtoday.com   

PRESS INQUIRIES:

Danielle Bodie

General Manager

Domestic Communications

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

[email protected]

Copyright © 2022 Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

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New Delhi: Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar in the national capital Thursday, where a host of issues — regional security, debt relief, tourism, disaster relief mechanisms, among others — were discussed.

Zameer is currently visiting India, marking the first high-level trip from Male to New Delhi, since Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu came into power last year after leading an ‘India-out’ election campaign.

Zameer’s visit coincides with the departure of the last batch of Indian military personnel from Maldives, stationed to support three aviation platforms in the archipelago country. These military personnel are scheduled to leave on 10 May. Their withdrawal from the Maldivian territory was a major demand of the ruling Muizzu government, which is increasingly being viewed as pro-China.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Thursday that roughly 70 Indian military personnel in Maldives have been replaced with technical personnel from India.

“Both Maldives and India have been engaged for quite some time to see how best to continue the operation of the aviation platforms… The first and second batch… have come back,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told the media in a press briefing Thursday.

“I can confirm that the deputation of the competent Indian personnel has taken place. These platforms provide medevac and humanitarian services to Maldives,” he added.

Asked about the issues discussed in talks between the two foreign ministers in New Delhi, the MEA said that regional security issues, debt relief, development programmes and cooperation, capacity building and training, and disaster relief mechanisms were discussed.

Focus on tourism, economic partnership

A readout from the Maldivian foreign ministry noted that both ministers acknowledged the “fruitful economic partnership”, and progress of projects facilitated through Indian grant assistance and line of credit initiatives. Maldives owes India approximately $400 million across various initiatives.

Tourism projects and human resource development were also discussed, according to the readout.

Earlier this week, Maldives Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal had highlighted the importance of Indian tourists for the country’s economy. “I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives’ tourism. Our economy depends on tourism,” Faisal had said.

The Maldivian foreign minister also thanked India for its “steadfast support” in advancing economic, trade and investment ties with his country, and for New Delhi’s role in the socio-economic advancement of Maldives.

In April, the Indian government renewed the quota to enable Maldives to import essential commodities from the country for the 2024-2025 period — a move that Zameer had publicly thanked India for.

In his remarks during the meeting, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar reiterated that India has been a key provider of development assistance to the Maldives.

“They range from infrastructure projects and social initiatives to medical evacuation and health facilities. We have also extended financial support on favourable terms in the past. India has been a First Responder on numerous occasions for Maldives,” he said.

He added that with India’s help, Maldives has been able to enhance its security through equipment provisioning, capacity building and training, and other activities.

That said, the Muizzu government has refused to renew an agreement that allows India to conduct hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters. Meanwhile, India has been ‘watchful’ of a Chinese vessel that docked in Maldives earlier this month. Under Muizzu, Male also signed a slew of new defence agreements with China in March.

In his remarks , the Indian foreign minister also noted the importance of close partnerships with neighbours amid a “volatile and uncertain” world. “As close and proximate neighbours, the development of our ties is obviously based on mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity,” he said.

(Edited by Mannat Chugh)

Also Read: No ‘evidence shared yet’ on Nijjar killing, extremists given ‘political space’ in Canada, says MEA

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