Katrina Kaif Named Global Ambassador For Maldives Tourism: Strategic Boost To India-Maldives Relations
Bollywood star and entrepreneur Katrina Kaif has been appointed as the Global Brand Ambassador for Maldives Tourism. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), which expressed enthusiasm about partnering with one of India’s most prominent celebrities.
This appointment aligns with MMPRC’s ongoing “Visit Maldives’ Summer Sale Campaign,” aimed at boosting international travel to the island nation. The campaign features exclusive seasonal deals on luxury resorts, guesthouses, and family-friendly accommodations, targeting travelers from key markets such as India, the UK, Russia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DACH), Italy, Spain, and Poland.
“Having Katrina Kaif as our Global Brand Ambassador is a moment of great pride for us,” said Thoyyib Mohamed, managing director of MMPRC. “Her popularity, combined with her influence in the global entertainment industry, will undoubtedly help us attract more visitors from across the world, especially from India.”
Kaif, who enjoys immense popularity in India and abroad, expressed her excitement about the role and the opportunity to represent the Maldives internationally.
“The Maldives represents the pinnacle of luxury and natural beauty, a place where elegance meets tranquillity. I’m honoured to be chosen as the face of the Sunny Side of Life. This collaboration is about bringing the finest travel experiences to global audiences, and I’m excited to help people around the world discover the unique charm and world-class offerings of this extraordinary destination.”
The announcement holds deeper significance in the context of recent diplomatic developments between India and the Maldives. Relations between the two countries had cooled after President Mohamed Muizzu, widely seen as leaning toward China, came to power campaigning on an “India Out” platform.
Tensions further escalated after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted Lakshadweep as an emerging tourism hotspot, sharing photos of himself enjoying the serene beaches and coral-rich waters of the Indian archipelago. The move was interpreted by some in the Maldives as an attempt to divert tourists from their nation.
However, a thaw in relations has since begun. President Muizzu’s visit to India in October signaled a shift toward renewed cooperation. In a show of support, India extended a $50 million treasury bill rollover to assist Maldives with fiscal reforms and alleviate debt pressures, an affirmation of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.
Katrina Kaif’s appointment, while symbolic of the Maldives’ global tourism push, also reflects an effort to deepen cultural and economic engagement with India, a key market for the country’s vital tourism sector.