Male: Maldives has made Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif its global tourism ambassador. Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced Katrina's name on Tuesday. Maldives has chosen Katrina to promote its tourism and especially to attract Indian tourists. Last year, Maldives' Mohammad Muizzu government had taken some such decisions, due to which it had to face the anger of Indians. This has had a direct impact on Maldives' tourism industry. To save its tourism, now Muizzu government has taken the help of popular actress Katrina Kaif.
MMPRC Managing Director Thoyyib Mohammad has said that making Katrina Kaif our global brand ambassador is a proud moment for us. On the other hand
Katrina Kaif said that Maldives is a symbol of natural beauty, where peace meets beauty. I am honored to be chosen as the face of Sunny Side of Life.
Maldives-India relations
Katrina Kaif's name has been announced at a time when relations between India and Maldives are going through a delicate phase. After Mohammad Muizzu became the President of Maldives at the end of 2023, he showed a pro-China attitude. He gave slogans like India Out, which started souring his relationship with India. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep last year, some controversial statements came from Maldives, on which Indians showed anger and started a campaign to boycott Maldives. This worsened the relations between the two countries.
Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Maldives and a large number of tourists to the country are from India. The luxury resorts and quiet beaches of Maldives have been a favorite destination for Indian travelers but things have changed after the controversy. Indians chose other countries instead of Maldives, so Male has tried to fix things.
Maldives has made Katrina Kaif its ambassador and has also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi may visit Maldives soon. It is expected that efforts are being made to re-establish relations between New Delhi and Male. There may be big announcements on cooperation between the two countries during Narendra Modi's visit to Male.
