From Maldives to Lakshadweep: Cancel your trip, get free chole bhature
PTC Web Desk: In a surprising turn of events, holiday bookings to Lakshadweep are now accompanied by an unexpected bonus – a complimentary plate of 'chole bhature.' This unique offer stems from the #BoycottMaldives movement in India, where travellers are cancelling their Maldives trips in response to derogatory remarks made by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A restaurant chain in Noida and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has seized the opportunity to attract tourists to Lakshadweep. They are offering a free plate of their 'special chole bhature' for anyone who books a trip to Lakshadweep or cancels their Maldives visit. The owner, Vivek Mishra, stated that the initiative aims to promote tourism in Lakshadweep and show support to the country's tourism sector.
The idea originated after PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, where images of the pristine landscape were shared, triggering increased interest in the region. Subsequently, derogatory comments from Maldivian lawmakers led to the suspension of Maldives flight bookings by a travel portal. This situation prompted creative ad campaigns, including the 'chole bhature' offer, as businesses strive to showcase their patriotism and capitalise on the growing interest in Lakshadweep.
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Another intriguing offer comes from a real estate firm based in Hyderabad, which promises a free trip to Lakshadweep for those who buy a farm plot or book a flat in Telangana. The firm's chairman, Ramesh, revealed that the response to the campaign has been impressive, with 50 flats already sold, and plans to take these buyers on a tour between January and March.
The trend extends beyond the hospitality and real estate sectors. Searches for Lakshadweep on Google reached their highest point in the last 20 years after PM Modi's visit. MakeMyTrip, a popular travel portal, reported a staggering 3,400% increase in searches for Lakshadweep on its platform. As a result, businesses are getting creative in their marketing strategies to attract tourists to the picturesque islands.
A digital marketing agency has joined the movement by offering to set up websites for Lakshadweep hotels for just Re 1 as part of its 'Maldives Out, Lakshadweep In' campaign. The aim is to enhance the visibility of existing hotels and resorts online, catering to the surge in demand for accommodations.
In addition to these initiatives, Paytm has announced a 10% discount, up to Rs 1,500, on flight tickets to Lakshadweep. The company responded to a 50-fold increase in searches for travel to Lakshadweep on its platform.
As a result, if you decide to cancel your Maldives reservation, you not only get a refund, but also have the chance to explore the serene beauty of Lakshadweep – and perhaps enjoy a plate of free 'chole bhature' in select regions of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, or Uttarakhand. It appears that Lakshadweep has become the new focal point for businesses and travellers alike, embracing the momentum generated by recent events.
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