EaseMyTrip Pauses Maldives Trips In Protest Of Anti-PM Modi Remarks

In a notable development amidst the boycott Maldives campaign online, EaseMyTrip has chosen to suspend all flight bookings to the island nation. This decision follows derogatory comments made by now-suspended ministers directed towards India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his recent visit to Lakshadweep.

Nishant Pitti, co-founder and CEO of the Indian online travel company, voiced support for India by announcing on social media that, "In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings." Online travel solutions provider EaseMyTrip began visit Lakshadweep campaign by #ChaloLakshadweep.

In his post on X, he said, "Water & beaches of Lakshadweep are as good as Maldives/Seychelles We at @EaseMyTrip will come up with crazy special-offers to promote this pristine destination that our PM @narendramodi has recently visited! (sic).

Amid escalating tensions between India and the Maldives, the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained traction on social media, leading to Indian tourists canceling their planned trips to the Maldives. The controversy stemmed from derogatory remarks made by Maldivian politicians about PM Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, portraying the location as exclusive to Indians.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators foresaw a potential manifestation of the boycott sentiment within the next 20-25 days. Multiple individuals on social media confirmed canceling their Maldives vacations, expressing a reluctance to book future trips. Rajiv Mehra, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, noted a sudden decline in inquiries and anticipated a significant drop in bookings to the Maldives.

Moreover, the Maldives' popularity among Indian tourists was emphasized, but concerns arose that the recent political remarks might dissuade people from choosing it as a favored tourist spot. Statistics from the country's tourism ministry until December 2023 revealed that Indian tourists comprised the highest number of visitors to the Maldives, followed by visitors from Russia and China.

The issue stemmed from derogatory remarks made by Maldives deputy cabinet ministers against PM Modi on social media platform X, resulting in their suspension by the Maldives government. As tensions escalated, Indian film industry celebrities launched the #ExploreIndianIslands campaign to highlight Lakshadweep as a desirable alternative amidst strained relations.