Council concerned over tourism impact after tourist robbery

Fuvahmulah City Council has expressed concern over the theft of valuables from a tourist who visited the island while the council has been working hard to make Fuvahmulah a brand of Maldivian tourism. 

A video of a Brazilian tourist who was robbed of a drone and money on Sunday has gone viral on social media.

The Fuvahmulah City Council expressed concern over this issue. The council believes that this could pose further s challenge to its efforts to promote Fuvahmulah as a tourist destination.

"Theft happens on this island. However, if you steal from a tourist like this, the story will spread and tourism will be affected," Fuvahmulah Mayor Ismail Rafeeq said.

He said he would work with guesthouses to raise awareness among tourists not to keep expensive items in public places such as beaches.

"In the future, we will also work with the police to improve the crime environment. Introduce tourist police and solve problems such as dark, unlit roads and raise awareness among tourists," he said.

Police are investigating the theft of the drone and luggage from the tourist in Fuvahmulah, but no arrests have been made so far. Police said on Sunday that the suspects had been identified.

The tourist said the stolen items included his drone, phone, credit cards and MVR 1,500 and USD 200 in cash.

According to him, two boys had approached him and asked him about the price of the drone and other related questions while he was flying the drone on the beach at first. He estimated them to be 15 and 17 year old students.

According to him: