In the aftermath of the war in Gaza, the Maldives has announced that it will ban Israeli visitors from entering its territory. The Maldives, a popular destination for some Israelis, had seen a sharp decline in demand for flights since October 2023. In the first four months of this year, there was an 88% drop compared to the same period last year.
The decision to ban Israelis stems from a number of factors, including local public opinion against Israel. Dr. Jonathan Freeman, an international relations expert from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, believes that the policy may become more moderate after the war. Meanwhile, Prof. Alon Galbman, head of the international master’s program in tourism and hotel management at the Kinneret Academic College, notes that the Maldives economy is primarily based on tourism.
The tourism industry in the Maldives was not caught off guard by the government’s decision to ban Israeli visitors. They had anticipated this moment and were preparing for it. Alternative exotic destinations for Israelis are now being identified, including Seychelles, Phuket, Mauritius, Thailand as well as nearby destinations such as Sicily and Greece.
The dramatic step taken by the Maldivian government raises questions about whether other countries may follow suit. Dr. Galbman believes that this may happen due to ongoing events and growing frustration. On the other hand, Dr. Freeman believes there may not be real danger but sanctions of a different kind could be imposed on Israelis who are no longer permitted to enter the Maldives.
In conclusion, while there is no denying that there is an extensive diplomatic effort against Israel because of the war in Gaza, it remains to be seen whether other countries will take similar steps to ban Israeli visitors from their territory or impose alternative sanctions on them for their actions during this conflict.
