As Chinese outbound tourism gradually regains momentum and South Asia seizes new opportunities, the China–Sri Lanka–Maldives Tourism Forum officially opened on 16 June in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The forum brought together more than 120 participants — including government officials, tourism stakeholders, and media representatives from the three nations — to explore new models for regional tourism cooperation.
In her speech, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya remarked, “We look forward to a more connected and collaborative South Asia — where tourism is not only a driver of economic growth, but also a bridge for cultural understanding, people-to-people exchange, and regional solidarity.”
1. “The Maldives Is Not Just for the Wealthy”
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, we interviewed Adam Azim, the Mayor of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. With a calm and personable demeanour, Mayor Azim repeatedly stressed one central message: “The Maldives doesn’t just belong to the wealthy. It belongs to everyone.”
He highlighted that the country’s tourism model is undergoing a significant transformation. “The Maldives has long been associated with luxury resorts. But today, visitors can also choose to stay on local inhabited islands in guesthouses or modern hotels — experiencing the same crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, but with an added layer of cultural and everyday life.”
Azim pointed to the city’s geography — often misunderstood by visitors. Malé, he explained, is more than just its historic core. It is a municipality comprising three islands: Malé Island, Hulhumalé, and the island that hosts Velana International Airport. One satellite island in particular, Villimale, has become notable for its eco-conscious development. Connected to the city via ferry, the island promotes eco-tourism and residential living. “Villimale has almost no motor vehicles. Visitors can snorkel in natural waters and observe vibrant coral reefs and marine life in an unspoiled environment,” he said.
He also proudly referenced the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge, a significant infrastructure project funded by China. “When you’re riding the waves, you not only feel the force of nature — you also see the strength of our friendship with China.”
Malé itself is a compact yet highly urbanised island city, serving as the political, economic, cultural and population hub of the country. Despite covering just 9.3 square kilometres, it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Its winding alleys offer the feel of a living folk museum, dotted with vibrant cafés and local life.
“The Maldives has history, culture, and the rhythm of a modern city. Malé warmly welcomes every traveller from China — we’ll greet you with our best hospitality,” Azim added.
2. Chinese Payment Systems Help Connect South Asian Tourism
Facilitating ease of travel is essential for deepening regional tourism cooperation. At the forum, Hu Binghan, Manager of UnionPay International’s Southeast Asia Division, noted that Chinese interest in Sri Lanka and the Maldives is rebounding — and with it, the demand for reliable electronic payment solutions.
“From transaction volumes and payment data, we’re seeing a clear recovery in both Chinese visitor numbers and their spending power in Sri Lanka and the Maldives,” Hu said.
In Sri Lanka, UnionPay has partnered with local payment platform LankaPay, enabling widespread ATM withdrawals and QR code payments. “Chinese travellers can now withdraw cash at almost all ATMs in the country and use QR code payments wherever the LankaPay logo is displayed,” he explained.
In the Maldives, UnionPay has launched QR code payment services in collaboration with local partners — with transaction volumes now reaching scale. “This means more Chinese tourists can travel across South Asia cash-free, making their journeys easier and more convenient,” Hu added.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), approximately 132,000 Chinese tourists visited the country in 2024 — a 79% increase compared to nearly 74,000 in 2023. In the Maldives, various official and media sources indicate that China has also emerged as the top source market, with around 262,166 Chinese arrivals recorded by 25 December 2024, accounting for 13.1% of the total.
3. Tourism Cooperation: Not Just Addition, But Elevation
In his address, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has described tourism as “a bridge for disseminating civilisation, exchanging cultures, and deepening friendships.” Ambassador Qi underscored that cooperation between China, Sri Lanka and the Maldives is “not merely an addition of strengths, but a synergy that elevates all sides.” He described the forum as a milestone in trilateral cooperation.
Shi Zeyi, Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation under China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, also spoke at the event, emphasising the strategic value of tourism in promoting regional peace and mutual trust. He called for the development of a “convenient travel circle,” a “quality tourism chain,” and a “cultural tourism map” as critical steps toward a win-win future for all three countries.
Geographically, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are separated by a flight of just 1.5 hours, and many international flights to the Maldives already transit through Colombo. Both countries currently offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies for Chinese travellers — among the most accessible in the South Asian region.
In fact, Sri Lanka had previously proposed the idea of a “unified tourism zone” with the Maldives. With multilateral tourism cooperation now gaining momentum, that vision may once again be poised for revival.