Geetasri Roy
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, recently visited the Lakshadweep islands, creating a thunderous buzz amongst social media users. After viewing the serene pictures of Lakshadweep, people are now asserting it to be a more attractive destination than the Maldives, an island nation whose economy relies on tourism.
Every year, a significant number of Indians are known to vacation in the Maldives. Travel enthusiasts are now suggesting that Indians visit Lakshadweep instead of the Maldives, with #BoycottMaldives trending on social media. Let’s explore the changes required in Lakshadweep for it to easily surpass the Maldives.
The controversy has turned out to be a blessing for Lakshadweep, with a remarkable surge in online searches about the islands. However, to be considered the best in the tourism business, some drastic changes are needed. The required changes are as follows:
Tourist Infrastructure
Maldives boasts a well-established tourist infrastructure catering to a wide range of budgets. Therefore, Lakshadweep needs to expand its tourism infrastructure to compete with the Maldives. It is crucial to create sea platforms and expand the size of the existing Agatti airport runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
Air Connectivity
All flights to Lakshadweep are fully booked until March, with Alliance Air operating all flights to Lakshadweep. It is evident that there is a lack of sufficient air connectivity to Lakshadweep. While Alliance Air operates a 70-seater turboprop ATR-72 daily between Kochi and Agatti, the Maldives provides nearly 60 flights per week from different Indian cities through domestic airlines. To surpass the Maldives, Lakshadweep must focus on increasing its air connectivity.
Accommodation and Tourism Facilities
Upgrading accommodation and other tourism facilities is essential to make Lakshadweep one of the best holiday destinations, similar to the Maldives, and cater to the growing number of visitors.
Online Travel Application
To provide tourists with a smooth travel experience, the permit application process should shift online, eliminating the need for applicants to visit a bank to pay a fee of Rs 200. This will expedite the process.
Internet Connectivity
Internet connectivity is poor in Lakshadweep, with all cellular networks except BSNL being non-functional. This causes issues for people making online payments.
Why Choose Lakshadweep Over the Maldives?
Some travellers prefer Lakshadweep over the Maldives for the following reasons:
Less Crowded: Compared to the Maldives, Lakshadweep is less crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of the islands.
Pristine Natural Beauty: Lakshadweep is known for its unchanged and undamaged natural beauty, offering excellent coral reefs, lagoons, and marine life for nature lovers and those interested in underwater activities.
Authentic Cultural Experience: Lakshadweep provides a more authentic Indian cultural experience, allowing visitors to engage with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.
Biodiversity: Home to a wide range of marine life, including different species of fish, coral, and turtles, Lakshadweep is a utopia for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Cost Considerations: Visiting Lakshadweep is more reasonable compared to international destinations like the Maldives, and it does not require an international flight.
Conclusion
To accommodate tourists and meet their needs, Lakshadweep must put in a significant effort. Success does not come overnight; it requires the necessary changes to make it attractive to travellers.
