Controversial Shift: Maldives Tour Cancellations Surge Amid Diplomatic Tensions
A wave of discontent has swept through the travel community as Indian tourists are opting to cancel their planned vacations to the Maldives. This unprecedented move comes in the wake of derogatory remarks made by a Maldivian minister regarding photos of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.
The online debate ignited by the disparaging comments has not only caused a surge in cancellations but has also led travel agencies to take drastic measures. Some agencies have gone so far as to remove the Maldives as a travel category from their websites, highlighting the tangible impact of the diplomatic row on the tourism industry.
Riaz Munshi, President of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), notes, “We have observed cancellations for the Maldives, coupled with a notable increase in interest for Lakshadweep. Certain travel agents have temporarily suspended bookings for the destination.”
EaseMyTrip, a major tour operator, took a bold step on Monday by excluding the Maldives from its portal, disabling users from selecting any packages for the destination. Prashant Pitti, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, asserts, “We will not accept any bookings for the Maldives. We are looking at building our own treasures; Lakshadweep will turn out to be an equivalent international destination.”
Interestingly, there has been a remarkable upswing in interest for Lakshadweep, with MakeMyTrip reporting a staggering 3,400% increase in on-platform searches since the Prime Minister’s visit. This surge has prompted the travel giant to launch a “Beaches of India” campaign, featuring special offers and discounts.
Neha Sudan, the digital creator behind Breathtaking Postcards on Instagram, views this shift as “a great boost for Lakshwadeep.” She anticipates positive impacts on the local economy and tourism development, urging people to explore lesser-known beach destinations like Lakshadweep instead of opting for the conventional choices of Maldives or Mauritius.
Influencer and travel vlogger Shenaz Treasury, just back from her trip to the Andamans, shares a similar sentiment, emphasizing the need to treat Indian destinations with the same respect as foreign nations. She suggests alternatives like Lakshadweep or Andamans, emphasizing the importance of responsible tourism and consideration for the local environment.
[…] response to recent diplomatic tensions with the Maldives, India is set to develop a new airport at Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep, catering to both military […]