MakeMyTrip, an online travel company, revealed a staggering 3,400% surge in searches related to Lakshadweep following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the island. In response to this interest in Indian beaches, the company announced the launch of a ‘Beaches of India’ campaign on the platform, featuring special offers and discounts to encourage travelers to explore the country’s stunning 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
However, social media users were quick to express dissatisfaction with the statistics, urging MakeMyTrip to suspend bookings to the Maldives. The calls for action stem from derogatory remarks made by some Maldivian ministers against PM Modi. While MakeMyTrip highlighted its campaign for Indian destinations, users demanded the removal of the Maldives as a booking option.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), MakeMyTrip shared the surge in searches and introduced its campaign. The post read, “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 to explore the country’s stunning beaches. Keep watching this space!”
Despite the company’s efforts to promote Indian destinations, users expressed their support for the decision made by EaseMyTrip to suspend Maldives bookings “indefinitely.” The controversy over derogatory comments by Maldivian ministers coincides with President Mohamed Muizzu’s first state visit to China from January 8-12, deviating from the tradition of most Maldivian leaders choosing New Delhi for their initial international visit.