The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators has formally requested EaseMyTrip to reinstate flight bookings to the island nation, underscoring the pivotal role of tourism as the economic cornerstone of the Maldives. The appeal comes in the wake of EaseMyTrip's decision to suspend flight bookings to the Maldives following a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives triggered by derogatory social media posts targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to Lakshadweep.
In a letter addressed to the CEO of EaseMyTrip, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators expressed the importance of fostering positive relations and dispelling any potential misunderstandings. The letter emphasized the significance of tourism to the Maldives, constituting over two-thirds of the nation's GDP and sustaining around 44,000 Maldivians employed directly in the tourism sector. The travel agents' body highlighted the potential detrimental impact on tourism, which could have severe repercussions on the Maldivian economy, affecting the lives and well-being of many.
The founder of EaseMyTrip, Nishant Pitti, had previously announced the suspension of flight bookings to the Maldives "in solidarity with our nation." EaseMyTrip co-founder Prashant Patti further emphasized the company's commitment to promoting Ayodhya and Lakshadweep as premier international destinations, reinforcing the company's dedication to supporting domestic interests amid the diplomatic tensions.
