Times News Network
New Delhi: The backlash against Maldivian politicians’ “derogatory” remarks about PM Narendra Modi’s Lakshadweep trip may have more than temporarily dented the island nation’s allure as an Insta-worthy destination for potential visitors, say travel operators as they brace for last year’s India tourist tsunami to reduce to a trickle.
Although there isn’t data on cancellations, if any, travel agencies and airlines believe the trend will become clear over the next few days.
“People in the office should keep Indian sensitivities in mind while making comments as there could be an impact,” said Anil Kalsi, VP of Travel Agents’ Federation of India.
Indian tourists constituted the largest chunk of visitors to the Maldives until December 2023, according to the island nation’s tourism ministry. Of the 17.5 lakh tourists it hosted last year, 2.09 lakh were Indians. Russia was a close second, followed by China. Almost all Indian airlines have flights to Male from various cities.
“Maldives has emerged as a go-to Insta destination for aspirational Indians, reflected in pictures posted on the platform. “Indian celebrities have been charging hefty sums since late 2020 to promote high-end resorts there or the tourism board,” said a travel industry official. “Given that #Maldives is trending for the wrong reasons, visitors from India may not want to post their sunbathing-in-Maldives pictures online. You can go quietly and not make a splash about your trip, but that may not appeal to many.”
New Delhi: The backlash against Maldivian politicians’ “derogatory” remarks about PM Narendra Modi’s Lakshadweep trip may have more than temporarily dented the island nation’s allure as an Insta-worthy destination for potential visitors, say travel operators as they brace for last year’s India tourist tsunami to reduce to a trickle.
Although there isn’t data on cancellations, if any, travel agencies and airlines believe the trend will become clear over the next few days.
“People in the office should keep Indian sensitivities in mind while making comments as there could be an impact,” said Anil Kalsi, VP of Travel Agents’ Federation of India.
Indian tourists constituted the largest chunk of visitors to the Maldives until December 2023, according to the island nation’s tourism ministry. Of the 17.5 lakh tourists it hosted last year, 2.09 lakh were Indians. Russia was a close second, followed by China. Almost all Indian airlines have flights to Male from various cities.
“Maldives has emerged as a go-to Insta destination for aspirational Indians, reflected in pictures posted on the platform. “Indian celebrities have been charging hefty sums since late 2020 to promote high-end resorts there or the tourism board,” said a travel industry official. “Given that #Maldives is trending for the wrong reasons, visitors from India may not want to post their sunbathing-in-Maldives pictures online. You can go quietly and not make a splash about your trip, but that may not appeal to many.”