In a recent post on social media, MakeMyTrip shared that searches for Lakshadweep have shot up by a whopping 3,400% after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. The travel company is excited about this interest and is launching a campaign to encourage people to explore India's beautiful beaches.
However, not everyone is thrilled. Some users took this chance to ask MakeMyTrip to stop booking trips to the Maldives. They are upset about derogatory remarks made by some Maldivian ministers about PM Modi.
MakeMyTrip's post said, "We've seen a 3400% increase in searches for Lakshadweep since the Honorable PM's visit. This interest in Indian beaches inspired us to launch a 'Beaches of India' campaign with special offers. Stay tuned!"
But some users weren't having it. They quickly commented, "Cancel flights to the Maldives. That's your only option, or I'm switching to EaseMyTrip." Another user tagged MakeMyTrip's CEO, asking if the company will follow its competitor's bold step in stopping Maldives bookings.
This all comes as EaseMyTrip decided to suspend Maldives bookings indefinitely, as announced by their co-founder and Executive Director, Prashant Pitti.
Tourism is a big deal for the Maldives, and both India and Russia send lots of visitors there. Nearly a third of the Maldives' economy depends on tourism, says the World Bank.
This controversy also happens right as Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu heads to China on a state visit from January 8-12, a change from the usual first international stop in New Delhi for Maldivian leaders.
MakeMyTrip now finds itself caught between people's opinions and international tensions. Will they change their stance on Maldives bookings? We'll have to wait and see.
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