Maldives’ Strategic Move: Banning Israeli Passports to Woo Palestinian Protesters and Fill the Gap Left by Indian Tourists
The Maldives has long been a popular destination for tourists with near perfect sandy beaches and seven star hotels and once a paradise for Israelis now it has declared ‘No Israelis, No Israeli passport holders for the Maldives’. This action, considered similar to having sided with the Palestinian issue, is just one move by the government of the Maldives to seek improved relations with the Muslim world and regain the losses from the decline in visitors from India.
Changes in the flow of Tourists
The Maldives has faced sharp revenue reduction from Indian tourists particularly in the recent past even though this has remained as one of the key source market. This decline could thus be attributed to challenges such as the unfavorable economic conditions within the Indian market, availability of more attractive products in the global tourism market, and internal challenges within Maldives whereby it has had to grapple with issues of over tourism and degradation of the brand of luxury holidays that is synonymous with tourism in Maldives.
The Palestinian Connection:
A strategic move is chosen from one of the four general strategies of competition that are nature competition, intensity competition, substitute competition , and friction competition.
Due to the recent upheaval in Gaza the government of the Maldives has chosen to deny entry to those with Israeli passports. This action is deemed as a social uprising with the other party of Palestinians as well as a symbolic act of support to the Muslim nations. The decision has been highly acclaimed by the Palestinian people and protesters, as well as human rights organizations that see it as an act of the ongoing struggle against Israel’s aggressiveness.
The Impact on Tourism
Bearing this in mind, the ban on Israeli passport holders is going to significantly affect the Minor Maldives and its tourism sector. With the current few arrivals from India, it becomes pertinent for the Maldives tourist authority to increase the range of tourist traffic from the region. Flying – Ban on Israeli passport holders is justified as an endeavour to establish the Maldives as not just another tourist destination but one that caters for new breed of tourists who are politically conscious of the Palestinian issue.
The Economic Benefits
The measure to ban the potential holders of the Israeli passports is also believed to bring massive economic impacts on the Maldives. The positive aspects of this decision are simple – having attracted a new category of tourists who are ready to support the position of the Maldives regarding the Palestinian issue, the country guarantees an increase in tourism inflows and revenue. Also, the ban is likely to help the country to be branded as a protector of human rights and the Palestinian people, thus helping to attract investment among other things, to boost trade.
The Angle:
It can be considered a strategic move to fill the gap in particular between the government and large entities with control of large amounts of taxpayers’ resources.
Finally, it is also important to note that the refusal for entry to Israeli passport holders is in line with a long-term move to tap into other markets which have been left unexplored due to the decline in Indian tourists. Thus, the Maldives’ adoption of the Palestinian narrative can help direct attention to a newly important audience of like-minded tourists who will be willing to visit the country out of sympathy with its decision. Although the decision to ban electricity for the construction of Israeli structures can be viewed as possessing numerous merits to the economy of Maldives, it remains a powerful statement against the Israeli violent aggression and a proof of devotion to human rights and social justice principles in the country.
Key Points:
- The Maldives has experienced a decline in Indian tourists, traditionally one of its largest source markets.
- The ban on Israeli passport holders is seen as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a way to demonstrate the Maldives’ commitment to the Muslim world.
- The decision is part of a larger strategy by the Maldivian government to strengthen its ties with the Muslim world and fill the gap left by the decline in Indian tourists.
- The ban is expected to have significant economic benefits for the Maldives, including increased tourist arrivals and revenue.
- The Maldives is attempting to differentiate itself from other tourist destinations by positioning itself as a champion of the Palestinian cause.
- The ban is a powerful symbol of opposition to Israeli aggression and a testament to the country’s commitment to human rights and social justice.
References:
“Maldives bans Israeli passport holders amid Gaza conflict” – Al Jazeera
“Maldives bans Israeli passport holders in solidarity with Palestine” – The Times of India
“Maldives bans Israeli passport holders, citing Gaza conflict” – The Hindu
“Maldives sees decline in Indian tourists, looks to diversify tourist base” – The Economic Times
“Maldives bans Israeli passport holders, citing human rights concerns” – The Guardian
