EaseMyTrip, a leading India-based travel and tourism services provider, announced the halt of all flight reservations to the Maldives, as the boycott campaign against the Islands gains momentum in the wake of offensive comments made by Maldivian ministers towards India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Nishant Pitti, the CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip, also announced the suspension of Maldives flight bookings through a post on social media platform X.
“In support of our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings,” he said in the post.
The Indian travel portal’s move comes amidst the hashtag #BoycottMaldives gained momentum on social media as Indian tourists began canceling their previously arranged trips to the archipelago.
Controversy arose when Maldivian politicians made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and mocked his visit to Lakshadweep, portraying the region as a mere tourist spot for Indians.
The Indian Association of Tour Operators anticipated that the boycott movement would become more evident in the next 20-25 days.
Numerous individuals on social media from India have also said that they have withdrawn their plans for vacations to the Maldives.
The Islands has emerged as a sought-after tourist destination, particularly popular among Indian travelers.
As of December 2023, data from the Maldives’ tourism ministry showed that Indian tourists constituted the highest number of visitors to the country.
With a total of 209,198 visitors, India surpassed other nations in terms of tourist arrivals, followed closely by Russia with 209,146 visitors and China with 187,118 visitors.
Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid – the three Maldivian ministers at the centre of the controversy – faced suspensions due to their comments.
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