Online travel giant MakeMyTrip revealed a remarkable surge in searches related to Lakshadweep, with a staggering 3,400% increase since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island on January 3. The company took to X (formerly Twitter) to share this data and announced plans to launch a special campaign promoting India’s “stunning beaches.”
The announcement, however, drew a mixed response from social media users, who, instead of celebrating the campaign, urged MakeMyTrip to suspend bookings to the Maldives. The calls came in response to derogatory remarks made by some Maldivian ministers against PM Modi, sparking an online backlash against the island nation.
MakeMyTrip’s post read, “We have observed a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since Honorable PM’s visit. This interest in Indian beaches has inspired us to launch a ‘Beaches of India’ campaign on the platform with offers and discounts to encourage Indian travelers to explore the country’s stunning beaches. Keep watching this space!”
While the post garnered over 3,000 views within an hour, a significant number of users demanded the suspension of Maldives bookings on the platform. Some users suggested they would switch to competitors like EaseMyTrip, which had earlier announced the indefinite suspension of bookings to the Maldives.
“Cancel flights and tickets to Maldives. That’s the only option you have, else switching to EaseMyTrip,” commented one user. Another user questioned MakeMyTrip’s commitment by asking if the company had the will to stop Maldives bookings or if it would continue while its smaller competitor had taken a bold step.
The controversy surrounding the derogatory remarks made by now-suspended Maldivian ministers against PM Modi coincides with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to China, marking a departure from the tradition of Maldivian leaders choosing New Delhi for their first international port of call. The ongoing developments reflect the intertwined nature of geopolitics and tourism in the region.
For more updates stay tuned to FELA News!
