Male [Maldives], June 10: Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif has been officially announced as the Global Brand Ambassador for Maldives Tourism, in a move aimed at reinvigorating international interest—especially from India—in the tropical island destination.
The Maldives National Tourist Board made the announcement on Tuesday via its official handle, stating:
“Visit Maldives Unveils Katrina Kaif as Global Brand Ambassador for the Sunny Side of Life.”
The appointment is seen as a strategic tourism initiative following a diplomatic row last year between India and Maldives, when derogatory social media posts by three Maldivian deputy ministers targeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his promotional visit to Lakshadweep.
That controversy led to strained bilateral ties and a 33% drop in Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives. In response, the Maldivian government had suspended the involved ministers, though they remain under suspension with pay.
In recent months, President Mohamed Muizzu has struck a reconciliatory tone, describing India as the Maldives’ “closest ally” and even requesting debt relief measures from New Delhi to help stabilize relations.
Katrina Kaif’s global popularity, especially in India, is expected to be instrumental in reviving Indian tourist interest in the Maldives.
On the film front, Katrina Kaif was last seen in Sriram Raghavan’s Merry Christmas opposite Vijay Sethupathi. She is set to appear next in Farhan Akhtar’s Jee Le Zara alongside Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra.