Encountering a series of travel adversaries, the bullish Indian outbound industry is back on its heels keenly exploring newer destinations. Topping the list of hot spots are Sri Lanka, Mauritius and now Maldives.

Confirming this shift, the ministry of tourism, Male’, Republic of Maldives recently held a timely roadshow at the Taj Hotel, Mumbai. Local agents, hoteliers and resort owners formed part of the Maldivies’ bandwagon that showcased the island paradise at the roadshow-cum-cultural evening. This initiative along with another in Bangalore is part of the tourism campaign to tap the new-found potential of the Indian outbound pie.

Revealed Hassan Sobir, minister of tourism, the ministry of tourism, Male’, Republic of Maldives, “For a long time, Maldives has been perceived as just a honeymooner’s destination but we have much more to offer. We have the most exotic beaches, resorts, hotels, so, we want to project Maldives as a complete family holiday destination. To compliment this, the direct Air Seychelles flight has only worked to our advantage.”

Having remained low profile for a while, the minister now has a strategic media campaign lined up for the Indian market. “In the last one year, we have received a sizable 25 per cent increase in tourist arrivals until April 2003. However, the major bulk that visit the Maldives is from the US and Europe, Indians form a very minuscule amount. We want to change these numbers. Global tourism is facing a slump at the moment but the outcome is an emergence of new players, providing tourists affordable options.

It is time for Indians to explore new destinations and Maldives should be one of them.”