All Eyes on Lakshadweep: India's Homegrown Island Wins Hearts Over Maldives

Online travel company MakeMyTrip on Monday announced the launch of a 'Beaches of India' campaign after seeing more than a 3,400 per cent jump in searches related to Lakshadweep since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the island.

“We have observed a 3,400 per cent increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since Honorable PM’s visit,” the travel company posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“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 country’s stunning beaches. Keep watching this space!."

Amid the online boycott Maldives campaign, the Delhi-based EaseMyTrip travel company has also opted to halt all flight bookings to the island nation.

Thie decision comes in response to derogatory remarks made by now-suspended ministers against India and Prime Minister Modi, stemming from his recent visit to Lakshadweep.

Established in 2008, EaseMyTrip was founded by Nishant Pitti, Rikant Pitti, and Prashant Pitti.


Insuretech platform InsuranceDekho on Monday announced that it has suspended the sale of travel insurance to the Maldives in "support of national interest".

"We at InsuranceDekho have decided to immediately stop issuance of travel insurance to the Maldives on our platform. We stand united with our country and align with our nation's interests," Yajur Mahendru, product head at InsuranceDekho, posted on LinkedIn.

"It's time to explore our own our island treasures, such as the beautiful Lakshadweep, that beckon with unparalleled beauty and charm," he added.


Earlier, EaseMyTrip suspended flight bookings to the Maldives.

"In solidarity with our nation, @EaseMyTrip has suspended all Maldives flight bookings #TravelUpdate #SupportingNation," the founder and CEO, Nishant Pitti wrote on X. Many Indian tourists also cancelled their upcoming tours to Maldives.

Bollywood celebs on Sunday urged their fans to explore Indian islands, and took to their social media accounts to promote Indian islands.


Joining the bandwagon, Big B re-shared former cricketer Virender Sehwag's tweet and wrote: "Viru paji .. this is so relevant and in the right spirit of our land .. our own are the very best .. I have been to Lakshadweep and Andamans and they are such astonishingly beautiful locations .. stunning waters beaches and the underwater experience is simply unbelievable .. ham Bharat hain, ham aatmanirbhar hain, hamari aatmanirbharta pe aanch mat daaliye.. Jai Hind".

Earlier, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Shraddha Kapoor and John Abraham promoted Indian islands.

The Maldivian government on Sunday suspended its three ministers for their derogatory remarks. - IANS