Tour operators expect disruptions in Maldives travel plans amid cancellation calls

The Maldivian government has suspended 3 ministers for disparaging posts against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tour operators expect potential disruptions of holiday plans for the Maldives even though the the archipelago's government has suspended three ministers for their disparaging social media posts against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) expects that the effects of recent events and the call for a boycott to become evident over the next 20-25 days. Tour operators, however, deny reports of mass cancellations, saying those who paid for plane tickets and hotels in advance were unlikely to cancel plans.

Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid were suspended after their posts on X platform following Modi's  visit  to Lakshadweep triggered a backlash and boycott Maldives calls began to trend on social media.

More than 2 lakh Indians visit the country every year, making India one of the biggest drivers of tourism in the Maldives.

According to media reports, tour operators have observed a notable absence of new inquiries about the picturesque Indian Ocean archipelago. The decline is being associated with the recent developments that reportedly prompted potential travellers to reassess their plans.

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The three deputy ministers criticised Modi for his post on 'X' following his visit to Lakshadweep, suggesting it was an attempt to promote the union territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

Deep Kalra, the founder of Make My Trip, said there were no pattern of mass cancellation, as was being reported. The data collected by Make My Trip showed no evidence of a widespread shift in travel plans to the Maldives, he said.

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IATO president Rajiv Mehra said there was a sudden decline in inquiries for trips to the Maldives, expressing concerns about the potential impact on bookings. Those who had already made payments may not cancel  but new bookings could see a drop, news agency ANI reported him as saying.

The IATO is the national body for the tourism industry, representing over 1,600 members. Another tour operator echoed a similar sentiment, stating that statements made by politicians can influence people's choices regarding travel destinations.

(With inputs from agencies)