Prashant Pitti, founder of EaseMyTrip, has showcased strong leadership by boldly suspending flight bookings to the Maldives. Rooted in a sense of nationalism, his commitment to promoting domestic destinations and supporting India’s international image shines through, sending a message about the significance of respect in international relations and the potential impact of diplomatic incidents on the travel industry.
In a bold move, home-grown travel company EaseMyTrip has decided to suspend flight bookings for the Maldives following controversial remarks made by three Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The decision, rooted in a sense of nationalism, reflects the company’s commitment to promoting domestic destinations and supporting India’s international image.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, Prashant Pitti says, "…Our company is entirely homegrown and made in India. Amid the row over Maldives MP's post on PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, we have decided that we will not accept any bookings for Maldives…We want Ayodhya… pic.twitter.com/99EQ0kxGZM
— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2024
EaseMyTrip founder Prashant Pitti announced through a post on X (formerly Twitter), asserting, “Water & beaches of Lakshadweep are as good as Maldives/Seychelles. We @EaseMyTrip will come up with crazy special-offers to promote this pristine destination that our PM @narendramodi has recently visited!” The initiative aims to shift focus to Indian destinations, specifically highlighting the scenic beauty of Lakshadweep.
Supporting this stance, EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti confirmed the cessation of flight bookings to the Maldives. Prashant Pitti, in an interaction with news agency ANI, emphasized, “…Our company is entirely homegrown and made in India. Amid the row over Maldives MP’s post on PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, we have decided that we will not accept any bookings for Maldives…We want Ayodhya and Lakshadweep to turn out as international destinations…”
Speaking to Moneycontrol, Prashant Pitti reiterated the decision, stating, “As many as 2.9 lakh people from India visit Maldives annually, and we have decided not to serve them anymore. Nationalism is greater than any personal interest.”
The controversy that prompted this decision unfolded when Maldivian Minister Mariyam Shiuna posted derogatory remarks about PM Modi on social media. The post, which has since been deleted, featured pictures of PM Modi from his recent visit to Lakshadweep. Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, referred to the Indian prime minister as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel.’
The Maldives government swiftly removed the three ministers from their posts in response to the controversy. A government spokesperson stated, “All government officials responsible for the comments have been suspended from their post effective immediately.”
EaseMyTrip’s decision to suspend Maldives bookings not only reflects its dedication to nationalism but also sends a message about the importance of upholding respect in international relations. As the company shifts its focus to promoting Indian destinations, this incident highlights the potential impact that diplomatic incidents can have on the travel and tourism industry.
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