Economic Crunch for Maldives? National Tourism Body Predicts Doomsday if Issue not Resolved Soon

New Delhi: Maldives’ economy will suffer immensely if a solution is not found to ongoing diplomatic row, opined All India Association of Tour Operators Rajeev Mehra. Mehra underlined that Indian tourists comprise of nearly 20 percent of revenue that Maldives generates through tourism and that if this issue is not resolved country in upcoming weeks will feel an economic dent in ir pockets.

“It is s that such a comment has been me against Prime minister of country. This should not have been done. reality is that India contributes to 20 percent income of Maldives that comes through tourism and if a negative sentiment against Maldives continue y are going to suffer heavily," Mehra told Republic.

Talking about cancellation of holiday bookings, he said that no cancellations have taken place but new bookings have dropped significantly. “No one will cancel expensive bookings, cancellations did not happen but yes, re is a significant drop in new bookings,” he said.

statement comes after row between Maldives and India continued to spiral after three Maldivian ministers me objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Modi, who h visited Lakshweep in past week and asked people of country to explore Indian Island.

Meanwhile Mehra also pointed out improvements that should be me to boost tourism in Lakshweep.

“Many more flight options, new hotels, better water sport equipment need to be introduced in Lakshweep to attract tourists. Island has a lot of potential. I am sure that y way Prime Minister Modi augmented construction of Ram Temple. Same way in just a year we will see Lakshweep reform,” he said.