The CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip, Nishant Pitti, announced the suspension of all flight reservations to the Maldives in response to offensive comments made by Maldivian ministers targeting India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The dispute, tagged with #BoycottMaldives, gained momentum on social media, leading to Indian tourists canceling their trips to Maldives.
Maldivian politicians’ derogatory remarks about PM Modi and their ridicule of his visit to Lakshadweep fueled the controversy. The Indian Association of Tour Operators predicted an increase in the boycott campaign over the next 20–25 days. Social media posts indicate that many Indians have already withdrawn their plans for Maldives vacations, with celebrities and cricketers supporting the boycott.
The Maldives, a popular destination for Indian tourists, recorded 209,198 Indian visitors as of December 2023, making it the highest number of visitors from any country. In response to the controversy, Maldivian Ministers Mariyam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid faced suspension for their disrespectful comments about PM Modi.
The tensions between India and the Maldives prompted Indian celebrities to initiate a ‘Visit Lakshadweep’ campaign, using the hashtag #ExploreIndianIslands, gaining traction on social media. The boycott movement highlights the impact of political statements on tourism and the role of social media in shaping public sentiment.
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