On 29^th Sep, a small explosion took place at the entrance to the Sultan Park in Male’. This incident occurred at a time when there were some tourists visiting the park and the National Museum housed within the park premises.

This incident caused injury to 12 foreigners − 2 Japanese nationals, 2 British nationals and 8 Chinese nationals, according to a press release by MTPB following the event. The media was quick enough to spread the word “bomb” in Male’ and some sources even associated the incident directly as an act targeted to tourists. However, none of these claims are yet confirmed as the police (with the help of FBI) are investigating this sad incident. Local and international media are now reporting this incident in various angles. In view of the fact that a British couple sustained injuries as a result of the explosion, the incident was reported in the weekend’s press. UK has been recorded as the second highest generating tourist market to the Maldives.

Here is a summary of some headlines that appeared in the UK press:

“British honeymoon couple tell of nail-bomb attack” – Sunday Telegraph – front page & half page inside

“British honeymoon couple wounded in Maldives bombing” – Mail on Sunday – full page, pg 12

“Has Islamic terrorism arrived on holiday isles” – Sunday Telegraph – page 4

“Terrorist target Maldives” - The Observer, 1/3 page, pg 39 world news

“Britons injured in blast” – Sunday Express, small piece, pg 2

“Maldives bomb”, British tourists caught in blast” – The Sunday Times, mention on front page and column on pg 5 “Two British tourists injured in bomb attack on Maldives” – The Independent, approx 1/2 page, pg 4/5

Without a doubt, these negative PR will have some effect on the tourism industry of the country. It is too early to asses the implications, however MTPB says so far six bookings have been cancelled reasoning the incident of Saturday.

It is time for the tourism authorities to start a major campaign against those negative headlines – to reassure people and brand Maldives as a safe destination. A good opportunity would be to launch a “safe destination” campaign during World Travel Market 2007 in London, this November.