New Delhi: The derogatory remarks made by politicians against PM Modi and
hotels of India could cost the archipelago dear economically. Since Covid India has
emerged as the largest source market for tourists but now things could change with
either Indian celebrities giving boycott Maldives calls or promoting desi destinations
like as the alternate.

Maldives has emerged as an Insta destination with people posting their holiday pictures
online. Indian celebrities have been charging hefty sums to do so since late 2020 to promote high end resorts or the tourism board. But today visitors from mainland India may not want to post their sunbathing-in-Maldives pictures online given the d evelopments. #Maldives is now treding for no go reasons in India. So you either quietly go and don’t make a splash about your trip, which may not appeal to many,” said multiple travel industry officials.

Asked if they are already seeing cancellations, they said that trend will become clear in the coming few days. “The unsavoury remarks have been made in last day or two and its fallout is being seen now. Let’s see how things pan out this week,” officials from leading travel agencies, both online and brick-and-mortar, and airlines that fly there said.

Travel Agents Federation of India VP Anil Kalsi said: “Responsible office holders should
keep Indian sensitivities in mind while making such comments because there could be an
impact.