The government of the Maldives announced this week that it will ban Israelis from entering its territory following the war in Gaza. The Maldives is considered a popular destination for some Israelis, with nearly 11 thousand Israeli visitors in 2023, accounting for 0.6% of total tourist arrivals in the country. However, there has been a sharp decrease in demand for flights to the Maldives since October, with an 88% drop in the first four months of the year compared to the same period last year.
Dr. Jonathan Freeman, an international relations expert from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, explains that the decision to ban Israelis in the Maldives is influenced by local public opinion against Israel. The Maldives aims to express solidarity with Palestinians, especially under the current circumstances. However, Dr. Freeman believes that the policy may become more moderate after the war.
Prof. Alon Galbman, head of the international master’s program in tourism and hotel management at the Kinneret Academic College, notes that the Maldives heavily relies on tourism for its economy. The decision to ban Israelis may be part of a trend among countries with significant influence, especially since President Mohamed Moizu, who has radical Islamic views, was elected.
The tourism industry was not surprised by the Maldives’ decision and has already started looking for alternative destinations for Israeli travelers, such as Seychelles, Phuket, Mauritius, Thailand, Sicily, and Greece. While the Maldives’ decision poses concerns about other countries taking similar steps, Dr. Freeman believes that most nations do not share the same critical stance towards Israel. Despite diplomatic challenges, the world still values Israel’s role and support from allies.
The tourism industry continues to monitor the situation closely, acknowledging the impact of ongoing events on travel preferences. The Maldives’ ban on Israelis is seen as a part of broader diplomatic efforts against Israel amid the conflict in Gaza. Although the decision raises questions about potential sanctions from other nations, the industry remains resilient in finding alternative destinations for travelers.