In the aftermath of derogatory comments made by a Maldives minister against Prime Minister Modi, Indian travelers are canceling their trips to the popular travel destination, dealing a blow to the Maldivian tourism industry.
Online travel aggregator EaseMyTrip has taken a stand by suspending all flight bookings to the Maldives in solidarity with the nation. The move comes after the Maldives minister, Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, made controversial remarks claiming India faces challenges in competing with the island nation in beach tourism.
Social media platforms witnessed a surge in posts from Indians who had previously booked Maldives trips, showcasing canceled flights and hotel reservations. The diplomatic tension has ignited the hashtag #BoycottMaldives, becoming one of the top trends.
Rushik Rawal, who had a Rs 5 lakh booking for a 3-week stay at Palms Retreat, Fulhadhoo, Maldives, announced the cancellation, citing the minister’s racist comments. Dr. Falak Joshipura canceled her birthday trip plans to Maldives, expressing disappointment over the offensive tweet.
The impact of this diplomatic row on the Maldivian economy is a cause for concern, with leaders expressing worry about the potential long-term consequences. Former Maldives sports minister Ahmed Mahloof urged swift government action to resolve the issue, acknowledging the significant contribution of Indian tourists to the Maldives economy.
Indian tourists constituted the highest number of visitors to the Maldives until December 2023, with 2 lakh visitors out of a total 17.57 lakh tourists. The Maldives government, responding to the controversy, suspended three deputy ministers on January 7, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
As the diplomatic tension unfolds, the economic repercussions and strained relations between the two nations underscore the far-reaching consequences of derogatory remarks in international relations.
