SIPADAN, Malaysia (30 June 2000) -- The problem with tourist bureau announcements is that they have less credibility than press releases from tobacco companies claiming that it is safe to smoke cigarettes. When everything is running smoothly, when there is no trouble in "paradise," tourist boards have a role to play in the marketing of resort areas. But when things go wrong, government tourist bureaus, who are expected to filter out all the bad news, alienate the public with "official" announcements that ignore reality. In the midst of terrorist bombings and violence that spread to Manila shopping malls and the Manila International Airport, the Philippines Tourist Bureau issued the following official announcement: "The Department of Tourism strongly emphasizes that the terrorist acts of the Abu Sayyaf took place in ISOLATED SPOTS of Basilan and Jolo, two small islands located at the southwestern most tip of our national boundary." After violence in Fiji spread to the countryside, hotels shutdown, thousands of staff were layed off and business officials reported that Fiji's tourist industry was losing $1.3m per day, the Fiji Visitors Bureau issued the following announcement: "Tourism remains unaffected by recent events." The recent announcement by the Malaysia Tourist Bureau that "all is well" in Sipadan follows the same 'too-much-too-early' pattern. PRESS RELEASE SMELLS FISHY The press release quotes Steve Fish, a Sipadan photo shop operator, who claims that despite the abduction of 21 dive tourists and hotel staff, Sipadan is safe and ALWAYS HAS BEEN SAFE. We wonder how the hostages would respond to Steve's 'business-as-usual' comments. Fish also claims that the incident was an isolated one. The facts prove otherwise. Sipadan is one of hundreds of islands in a region flanked by the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia where pirates, smugglers and militants operate with the knowledge and often the cooperation of locals who allegedly share the take. Pirate attacks increased 40 percent in the area during the first six months of 2000 and despite increased patrols, government officials admit they cannot stop the attacks. There has been a pattern of violence, abductions and robbery in the Sabah region which includes Sipadan Island. | | Immediately after the rebel attack on Sipadan, 10 locals were arrested and interrogated on suspicion of helping the rebels. The island itself is at the center of a territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia which remains unresolved pending judgement by the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands. Fish alleges that increased security in the area has made Sipadan a safer destination. That may or may not be true. The real issue is whether dive travelers will be convinced that an island situated in the middle of a region that is so dangerous and unstable it must be surrounded by military patrol vessels is the best place to enjoy a relaxing, carefree and comfortable holiday. Finally Fish argues that an incident like this could not happen again because "instead of forcing concessions, they (the rebels) have just stirred up a hornet's nest in the region." In fact, the rebels have succeeded in forcing the Philippine government to make concessions such as protecting their fishing rights and increasing financial aid to the region. The "hornet's nest" of media coverage, which has brought pressure by foreign governments on the Philippine government to give in to rebel demands, has already netted the rebels a huge ransom payment and more are sure to follow. Marketing "paradise" can be a dangerous occupation. Tourist bureaus and resort operators such as Steve Fish who lie and deliberately filter out all but the colorful and captivating may sign up another travel agent or two, but lose touch with reality and irreparably damage their credibility. Editor's Note: Two months after Freeman Washington filed this CDNN report blasting Steve Fish's spin on the Sipadan kidnappings, rebels attacked a second island dive resort in the area. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
