The conflict between the Maldives and India is positively impacting Sri Lanka's tourism industry, according to the country's tourism minister.

The Tourism Minister of Sri Lanka, Harin Fernando, stated on Thursday that the call for Indian travelers to boycott the Maldives is "absolutely" benefiting Sri Lanka's travel industry.

Fernando stated to CNBC that the Maldives issue, which was a result of a social media row in January, has been beneficial in increasing the number of Indian visitors to the country this year.

In 2023, India was the Maldives' largest source market. However, it has now dropped to 6th place, surpassed by arrivals from China, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, as per Sri Lanka's Ministry of Tourism.

Despite a temporary increase in Sri Lankan visa prices in April 2024, the number of Indian travelers visiting Sri Lanka in the first quarter of that year still outpaced the same time period in 2023. In January 2024, nearly 34,400 Indian travelers went to Sri Lanka, more than double the 13,759 that visited in January 2023, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Additionally, Fernando pointed out the close bond between Sri Lanka and India, particularly in commerce and travel.

"India has a large market for Sri Lanka," he said. "Sri Lanka has more to offer … Sri Lanka has more value when it comes to India."

The Ramayana Trail, a series of sites mentioned in the Ramayana, an ancient Hindu epic, was referenced by him along with the country's beaches, casinos, and shopping.

Plus, the two countries are highly connected, he said.

"The trigger factor is connectivity," he stated. "Sri Lankan Airlines operates 80 flights per week into Indian airports."

India's growing travel power

According to Fernando, the prediction that Indian travelers will become the world's fourth-largest travel spenders by 2030 is "absolutely" good news for Sri Lanka's tourism industry.

According to Fernando, India is the fastest-growing economy, and Sri Lanka is benefiting from it, with Indian companies making substantial investments on the island.

"ITC, a renowned hotel chain, recently opened its first hotel outside of India in Sri Lanka. The property, located in Galle Face, is a stunning ocean-side area in Colombo's capital city. The hotel's opening was a remarkable achievement, according to the speaker, who stated that it was one of the best things he had ever seen."

A Maldives concept in Sri Lanka

Fernando expressed his hope that global brands would increase their investments in Sri Lanka, an opportunity that has been missed due to the country's 25-year civil war, which ended in 2009.

"We've invited a lot of foreign investment for our new water bungalows, which are inspired by the Maldives concept, as we are surrounded by the beach."

Fernando proposed plans to attract younger travelers by offering adventure activities such as hot air balloons, skydiving, and diving to explore over 100 nearby shipwrecks from World War II, he stated.

Sri Lanka aims to attract tourists through musical performances, as concert economics has boosted tourism, according to Fernando.

"He announced that Sri Lanka will become a popular entertainment destination, with many renowned artists set to perform there."