Online travel aggregator (OTA) EaseMyTrip resumed bookings to the Maldives on October 4, which were halted since January this year due to India-Maldives diplomatic row amid remarks posted on social media against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by a number of ministers of the Maldives.
The OTA, in a statement, said that after careful consideration looking at improved bilateral ties between both the governments and following a constructive discussion with the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives, it has resumed the bookings to the island nation.
“Basis positive developments in mending India-Maldives bilateral ties, by both governments, we are resuming bookings to the Maldives. This decision comes after careful consideration and follows a constructive dialogue with the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives delegation during their recent visit to India and our office. Being a nation-first company we are always in alignment with our government and support their vision. It is a progressive step towards the renewed friendship and mutual goals of enhancing tourism,’’ said Nishant Pitti, Co-Founder & CEO, EaseMyTrip.
A leading Maldives' travel body on January 9 had written to EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti, requesting him to reverse the decision to cancel flight bookings to Maldives through his platform.
"The bonds connecting our nations transcend politics. We consider our Indian counterparts not just as business associates but as cherished brothers and sisters," the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) said.
The Indian market remains an "indispensable force" in the success of the Maldivian tourism sector, providing vital support to guest houses and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that depend on the influx of Indian visitors, Abdulla Ghiyas, the president of the travel body, stated in the letter.
The India-Maldives row affected tourism in the island nation with many Indians cancelling their trip.
Indian tourists were the highest among visitors to the Maldives till December 2023, according to data from the country's tourism ministry.
Out of the total 17.57 lakh tourists who travelled to the island nation, India had the highest share in terms of a number of visitors at 2 lakh followed by countries like Russia and China.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to visit India from October 7 to 10, marking his first state visit to the country. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit is set to enhance cooperation and deepen bilateral ties between India and the Maldives.
During his visit, President Muizzu will travel to Indian cities Mumbai and Bengaluru for various business engagements. He is expected to hold high-level discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior Indian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.
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