TBM Staff - Mumbai In response to escalating tensions between India and the Maldives, the Aviation and Tourism Committee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce has urged its members, including prominent travel associations, to cease promoting travel and tourism to the Maldives. The committee, led by Dr. Subhash Goyal, has suggested redirecting travel inquiries to Indian destinations like Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. This recommendation is prompted by perceived anti-India sentiments expressed by Maldivian ministers.
Simultaneously, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has issued a call to domestic traders and exporters, urging them to temporarily refrain from business dealings with the Maldives as a means of expressing unity against the alleged behavior. CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal emphasized the importance of sending a strong message through this collective action.
The tourism industry is already witnessing repercussions, with the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) reporting a lack of new inquiries for travel to the Maldives. While existing bookings have not seen cancellations due to prior investments by travelers, IATO President Rajiv Mehra anticipates potential impacts in the next 15-20 days. Travel agencies such as Easemytrip have suspended Maldives bookings, redirecting inquiries to Lakshadweep, and Makemytrip is reportedly focusing on promoting Indian beaches.
In a related move, InsuranceDekho has announced the suspension of travel insurance sales to the Maldives in the “national interest,” aligning with the broader sentiments expressed by various entities in India.
