Maldives Tourism Industry Condemns Anti-PM Modi Posts, Says “India Has Always Been A First Responder…” (image-twitter/matimaldivesmv)
The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) on Monday has come in support of India and strongly condemned the comments made by some deputy ministers against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media platform, after his visit to Lakshadweep. The MATI in their statement said that India has always been a “first responder” during crisis throughout their history.
A massive row was triggered last week following the disparaging and unsavory comments passed by the cabinet members and government officials referring to PM Modi’s Lakshadweep visit.
The official statement released on Monday read, “India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the Government as well as people of India have maintained with us.”
The statement then stressed that ‘India has also been a consistent and significant contributor to the Tourism industry of Maldives’.
Amid calls of boycott of travel to the island nation, over two lakh Indians visited Maldives annually in the last three years, the highest from any country post covid-19 pandemic, reports Business times.
MATI stated, “Since then, India has continued to remain as one of the top markets for the Maldives.”
The statement comes as EaseMy Trip, one of India’s biggest online travel platforms suspended flight bookings to Maldives. India being the major visitors to the island country, the spat now threatens the key sector of the economy of Maldives.
The National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives also expressed their condemnation against the discriminatory comments passed by the ministers. Commenting on India”s effort in boosting international tourism, they extended their heartfelt congratulation to the people of India for taking up initiatives promoting the Lakshadweep island. The statement read, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Indian people for their commitment to regional progress and look forward to further strengthening the ties that bind our two nations.”
While, Maldives Association of Yacht Agents welcomed the visitors of the neighbouring country irrespective of nationalities “by any means regardless of a political stand nor views”. National Boating Association of Maldives too expressed their condemnation and called it an “irresponsible act”. “NBAM is concerned by the spread of hatred, negativity, and unpopular comments by a few activists and hopes it would not reflect the long-standing relationship between our neighboring countries and the rest of the world,” they stated.
The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators underscores the importance of refraining from hateful comments and calls on all parties to promote messages of unity and cooperation and also highlighted that efforts to develop and foster Lakshwadeep island”s tourism sector will not have any discernible negative effect on the Maldives” tourism industry.
Many Indians, including celebrities and cricketers has come out in support of promoting the local beach destinations and other tourist spots.
However, the Maldives government has distanced itself from the remarks made by the ministers. The Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer said that these remarks against foreign leaders are ‘unacceptable’ and do not reflect the position of the government.
On January 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and shared photos, including an ‘exhilarating experience’ of him trying his hand at snorkelling.
Sharing a series of images on social media, he wrote, “for those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep has to be on your list.” In the post now deleted, the Maldivian Deputy Minister of youth empowerment, Shiuna, made a mocking and disrespectful reference to PM Modi. According to the Maldivian media reports, the deputy ministers who made derogatory remarks against India was suspended over their posts.
