MakeMyTrip Sees 3400% Spike in Lakshadweep Searches As Indians Call For #BoycottMaldives

MakeMyTrip reported a remarkable surge of 3,400% in searches for Lakshadweep on its platform, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the islands. This surge in interest has prompted the travel platform to launch a ‘Beaches of India’ campaign, featuring special offers and discounts to encourage Indian travellers to explore the country’s beautiful beaches.

NewsFlash: We have observed a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since Honorable PM’s visit.

This interest in Indian beaches has inspired us to launch a 'Beaches of India' campaign on the platform with offers and discounts to encourage Indian travellers… pic.twitter.com/4CYb1iApZG

— MakeMyTrip (@makemytrip) January 8, 2024

Lakshadweep has gained popularity as a tourist destination, drawing comparisons to globally renowned beach spots like the Maldives and Seychelles. Notably, this trend coincides with social media comments from Maldivian ministers criticising PM Modi, leading to a diplomatic dispute between the two nations.

In response to derogatory social media posts, the Maldivian government suspended three deputy ministers, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, from the youth ministry. The Indian high commission in Male conveyed strong concern to the Maldivian foreign ministry about the disparaging remarks.

Back in India, the comments by the Maldivian ministers have faced strong backlash, with celebrities advocating for the exploration of domestic tourist destinations over trips to the Maldives.