January 09, 2024: In a growing wave of solidarity, Indians are actively participating in the #BoycottMaldives movement, sparked by offensive remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The social media hashtag is trending as citizens express their disapproval of the comments, leading to significant actions by prominent travel companies.
Online travel agency EaseMyTrip has taken a decisive step by suspending all flight bookings to the Maldives. Nishant Pitti, co-founder and CEO of EaseMyTrip, publicly announced the decision on social media, emphasizing their support for India. The move comes in response to derogatory comments made by Maldivian ministers regarding Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep. The company stands firm in its commitment to national interests, and the decision is expected to impact Maldivian tourism significantly.
Following EaseMyTrip’s lead, online insurance company InsuranceDekho has also joined the #BoycottMaldives movement. Yajur Mahendru, the product head of InsuranceDekho, announced the suspension of travel insurance services for the Maldives. In a LinkedIn post, Mahendru stated, “We stand in solidarity with our country and are united in our country’s interests. Unparalleled beauty and charm. It’s time to enjoy our islands like Lakshadweep showing.”
The impact of the boycott is evident, with over 8,000 hotel bookings and more than 2,500 flight tickets to the Maldives canceled so far. The campaign continues to gain momentum on social media platforms as Indians express their views on the matter.
In the wake of the controversy, Lakshadweep has emerged as a focal point for travelers worldwide. Make My Trip reports a staggering 3400 percent increase in searches for Lakshadweep on their platform since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Inspired by this surge in interest, Make My Trip has announced the launch of the ‘Beaches of India’ campaign, offering discounts to encourage Indian travelers to explore the country’s beautiful beaches.
The #BoycottMaldives movement highlights the power of collective action and serves as a testament to the strong sense of national pride among Indians. As the campaign gains traction, it remains to be seen how it will impact diplomatic relations and the tourism industry in the Maldives.
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