New Delhi, In a strategic move reflecting the influence of diplomatic relations on travel decisions, EaseMyTrip, a leading Indian online travel company, has announced the suspension of all flight bookings to the Maldives. This significant decision comes in response to the escalating tensions following derogatory remarks made by certain Maldivian ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in the aftermath of the Prime Minister’s visit to Lakshadweep.
Nishant Pitti, the CEO of EaseMyTrip, expressed the company’s solidarity with India through a social media announcement: “In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings.” This move aligns with the travel solutions provider’s ongoing #ChaloLakshadweep campaign, promoting Lakshadweep as an alternative pristine tourist destination.
The decision to suspend Maldives flight bookings follows the suspension of three Maldivian deputy ministers responsible for their derogatory social media posts against Prime Minister Modi. These posts implied that Lakshadweep was being presented as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
As the online #BoycottMaldives campaign gained momentum, reports emerged of Indian tourists canceling their planned vacations to the Maldives. Prominent Indian celebrities, including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Sachin Tendulkar, added their voices to the campaign, urging people to explore domestic tourist destinations instead.
Diplomatic tensions heightened following Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, where he highlighted the islands’ beauty and warmth in a social media post. The Maldivian government’s swift action in suspending the deputy ministers emphasized that the views expressed on social media did not represent the official position of the government.
EaseMyTrip’s decision to suspend Maldives flight bookings serves as a noteworthy example of the interplay between diplomatic incidents and the travel and tourism industry on an international scale.
