After making objectionable remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a round of reactions is going on from Maldives. Now Maldives Association of Tourism Industry or MATI has condemned the statements given by the three ministers.
Also remembered the help given by India. MATI has described India as the ‘biggest market for Maldives’. Also expressed the desire to maintain relations between the two countries.
According to the statement issued by MATI on Monday, ‘Maldives Association of Tourism Industry strongly condemns the derogatory comments made by some Deputy Ministers regarding the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi.
India is our closest neighbor and ally. India is the first to react to any crisis that befalls us. We are grateful to the governments and people of India for maintaining this relationship.
It was further said, ‘It has helped us a lot in recovery after opening the border during COVID-19. Since then, India has remained our biggest market in Maldives.
It was said, ‘We wish that the close relationship between our two countries continues for generations to come. We avoid such actions or statements which can have a bad effect on our good relationships.
New inquiries are not coming for travel to Maldives
Amid the diplomatic dispute between India and Maldives, domestic tour operators’ organization IATO on Monday said that no new inquiries are coming for travel to Maldives.
Rajeev Mehra, president of tour operator body Indian Association of Tour Operators (IOTO), said, “We have not seen pre-planned travel being canceled as people have invested money in travel-related bookings.
But we may see some effect in 15-20 days. Along with this, Mehra said, ‘No new inquiries are coming from Indian tourists to Maldives.’
Jyoti Mayal, President of Travel Agents Association of India, said that India is the leading tourism market for Maldives.
In such a situation, if Indians start boycotting the trip to Maldives after the recent controversy, then it can create a big problem for the island country.
Mayal told PTI, ‘Most of the people traveling to Maldives are Indians. In such a situation, such derogatory comments will not be good for them.
Indian tourists played a major role in the revival of Maldives’ hotel sector after Covid. “Some of our travel operators have informed us that they have seen an increase in cancellations of hotel bookings in the Maldives,” he said.
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