Online travel company MakeMyTrip reported a massive 3,400% increase in searches for Lakshadweep on its platform after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the union territory.
In a tweet, MakeMyTrip said, “We have observed a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since the Honorable PM’s visit.”
To capitalize on the heightened interest in Indian beach destinations, the company has launched a “Beaches of India” campaign offering deals and discounts to encourage travelers to explore the country’s stunning coastline.
Raj Rishi Singh, Chief Marketing and Business Officer at MakeMyTrip, confirmed the over 3,000% rise in Lakshadweep searches post PM Modi’s tour. He said this inspired them to build a beach-focused promotional campaign to boost domestic beach tourism.
The surge in demand comes after PM Modi shared images of his Lakshadweep visit on social media, including his experience of snorkeling in the island’s idyllic waters. His posts were aimed at placing Lakshadweep on the global tourism map.
In solidarity with the ongoing calls for #BoycottMaldives after insults against PM Modi by some Maldivian ministers, travel portal EaseMyTrip also announced the suspension of all flight bookings to Maldives.
EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti stated that “country comes before business” while making the decision. He urged more Indian travel firms to take similar steps to uphold national dignity over profits.
NewsFlash: We have observed a 3400% increase in on-platform searches for Lakshadweep ever since Honorable PM’s visit.
— MakeMyTrip (@makemytrip) January 8, 2024
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
The remarks by junior Maldivian ministers over social media had sparked widespread public outrage in India. While Male issued an apology and suspended the ministers, some damage was already done. Several Indians canceled their Maldives trip plans as backlash.
PM Modi’s promotion of Lakshadweep combined with the boycott calls against Maldives seem to have rerouted Indian tourists towards homegrown beach destinations. Domestic firms like MakeMyTrip are gearing up to make the most of this shift in the post-pandemic world.
