Did you search Lakshadweep? Travel agency observe 3,400 % rise in searches for Lakshadweep

Did you search Lakshadweep? Worldwide, Google searches for Lakshadweep are at their highest in the last 20 years, that too by a huge margin reflecting a hockey stick graph.

Amid the rise in searches of Lakshadweep, Indian online travel company Make My Trip on observed a whopping 3,400 per cent increase in on-platform searches for beach destination Lakshadweep. 

This huge spark in interest for Lakshadweep could be linked to the outcome of PM Modi's overnight stay, followed by beach visits and some adventure activities he partook in the form of snorkelling.

The growing enthusiasm among potential tourists for Indian beaches has spurred the initiation of a 'Beaches of India' campaign on the platform. This campaign includes enticing offers and discounts aimed at encouraging Indian travelers to discover the breathtaking beauty of the country's coastal destinations.

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Taking to their Instagram timeline, Make My Trip wrote, "With over 450 beaches in India, India is any beach lover's paradise. Our 'Beaches of India' campaign is an ode to our love for our country's stunning coastlines. Keep watching this space to catch great discounts for your favourite beach destinations." 

A massive row that is triggered after Maldives deputy minister, along with other cabinet members and government officials, made disparaging and unsavoury references to PM Modi's Lakshadweep visit, also is likely to have raised people's interest in the archipelago.

Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, Prashant Pitti said, "...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."

"Around 3 lakh Indians go to Maldives every year, and they won't be able to travel facilities (to Maldives on Make My Trip). PM Modi has shown us that India has destinations which are better than Maldives..." Pitti said.

Indians, including cricketers and film celebrities, have since come out in open support in promoting local beach destinations and other tourist spots. They also voiced support for PM Modi's call for promoting beach tourism in Lakshadweep.

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The Maldives government has, however, distanced itself from the remarks made by its ministers. Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer said that these remarks against foreign leaders are "unacceptable" and do not reflect the official position of the Maldives government.