MAKING A DIFFERENCE

DestinationsIndian tourists cancel Maldives trips due to Maldivian minister's offensive remarks about Indian Prime Minister.

Indian travellers boycott Maldives

By Travel Weekly Asia

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Jan 08, 2024

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Many Indian travellers shared their cancellations on social media, urging others to boycott Maldives.

Many Indian travellers shared their cancellations on social media, urging others to boycott Maldives. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Jag_cz

A diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives sparked widespread Indian cancellations of trips to the tropical destination.

India’s prime minister Modi recently visited Lakshadweep in Kerala, India, sharing images of snorkelling and morning walks, which led to many Indian social media users likening it to the Maldives.

Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) council member Zahid Rameez mocked Modi's visit, dismissing India's ability to rival Maldives in tourism, igniting the dispute. Rameez ridiculed the idea of Lakshadweep matching Maldives' tourism standards, stating India's aspirations were "delusional”.

This controversial comment triggered a wave of cancellations among Indian travellers and the trending hashtag #BoycottMaldives. Online travel aggregator EaseMyTrip halted flight bookings to the Maldives in solidarity.

This backlash significantly impacts the Maldives' tourism, as Indian tourists were the highest in numbers until December 2023, contributing significantly to the island's tourism industry.

In response to the escalating situation, the Maldives government suspended three ministers responsible for the offensive comments. In an official statement issued on 7 January, the Maldives government emphasised the importance of responsible expression, urging a respectful relationship between the Maldives and international partners. The government vowed to act against those making derogatory remarks.

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