Boycott Maldives: Tourists Cancel Plans Amidst Political Storm

New Delhi: Maldives, once a popular tourist destination for Indians, is now facing a setback. Unfavorable comments by three Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi have significantly impacted the country's tourism sector. Indian tour operators claim a decline in new inquiries for Maldives trips, with many travelers canceling their bookings.

Leading online travel aggregator EaseMyTrip has halted flight bookings for Maldives. The CEO stated, "In solidarity with the nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings."

Three ministers suspended

Anti-Modi and anti-India remarks have strained relations between India and Maldives to an unprecedented low. In response, Maldives has suspended three ministers—Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Sharif, and Mahzoom Majid—in an attempt to control the damage.

Outrage among tourists

The ministers' actions have sparked outrage among people. Many Indians who had previously booked trips to Maldives announced cancellations on social media, sharing images of canceled flights and hotel bookings. Some cited the ministers' divisive comments as the reason for their decision.

For instance, Rushik Raval canceled his 3-week, ₹5 lakh booking at Palms Retreat, Fulhadhoo, Maldives, scheduled for February 2024. He expressed disappointment over the ministers' discriminatory comments.

Impact on Maldives

Due to the controversial remarks, #BoycottMaldives has become a top trending hashtag on social media platforms. Maldives' economy is expected to suffer from tensions between the two nations. Former Maldivian Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof urged the government to address the issue promptly.

According to the Ministry of Tourism in India, Indian tourists accounted for the highest number of visitors to Maldives until December 2023, with 2 lakh arrivals out of a total of 17.57 lakh tourists. The situation remains tense, with potential repercussions on the tourism-dependent economy of Maldives.