The Tourism Legacy of
ALAIN ST.ANGE
Mauritius Minister speaks out on carnival in Seychelles
Apr 28, 2014
The 'TODAY' Newspaper in the Seychelles has reported that there has been an irregularity which is why they were not present at the Carnaval International de Victoria. The absence of Mauritius was the talked about subject by many of the press who were in Seychelles for the 2014 edition of the carnival that saw this year the participation of some 26 international delegations and 24 local floats.
The Mauritius Minister for Culture, Mr Mookhesswur Choonee is reported to have said in the local press in Mauritius that the Mauritius Minister responsible for Tourism, Mr Michael Sik Yuen that their had been some kind of irregularity surrounding the organisation of the carnival. Minister Choonee, it is reported, went on to say that this was why he had been cry careful. Minister Choonee was unable to star what the irregularity was but said instead that Mauritius had other priorities.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture laughed when asked about what Mauritius had seen about the carnival being organised in Seychelles and that was being co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal.
"The only irregularity I know is the number of popular Mauritius artists who have called asking how they could be present at the carnival because they needed the exposure and visibility" Minister Alain St.Ange said.
Mauritius is a member of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and has put its candidature for the position of President of the Vanilla Islands when the mandate of Minister Alain St.Ange comes to its end in May. Two other islands (La Reunion and Madagascar) are also contesting the Presidency bid. La Reunion, Madagascar and Mayotte Islands were all joint co-hosts of the Carnival alongside Seychelles and all three addressed the 'Dialogue with the Press' with Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles. They were also present at the prize giving ceremony and even presented prizes to the best floats alongside Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Vanilla Islands.
The decision for the next President of the Vanilla Islands is expected to be finalised in the Madagascar event of the Vanilla Islands, their Tourism Trade Fair of mid May. The Carnival International de Victoria (April) in Seychelles, the Cultural and Gastronomic Fiesta of Comoros (August), the Festival Liberte Metisse of La Reunion (December) are also events of the Indian Ocean appearing on the Vanilla Islands Calendar of Events alongside the Madagascar Tourism Trade Fair (May).
The big question is can Mauritius receive the support of the other islands of the Indian Ocean for their bid for the Presidency by being conspicuously absent at the organisations main events. It could not be confirmed if Minister Michael Sik Yuen, the Candidate for the Vanilla Island's Presidency, had personally attended any of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands events appearing on the Organisation's Calendar of Events.
The big losers are the artists and performers of Mauritius who tried hard to get to Seychelles to perform and get visibility for themselves as they wanted to perform in front of the large number of International Press who were covering an event but two hours away from them.They were also saddened not be have been given the opportunity to perform alongside other performers from the World and in so doing build the friendship artists believe in.
Mauritius Ambassador accredited to Seychelles H.E. Madame Marie France Roussety was in Seychelles and represented the Government of Mauritius at the Carnival Opening Ceremony and at the Carnival Parade. Press gathered here the Mauritian Ambassador congratulating the Seychelles Minister for staging a great event in the Indian Ocean.
When he was pressed to try to explain the irregularity Minister Choonee of Mauritius was referring to Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles said to tell the the two Mauritius Ministers to come out and say what the irregularities were. "The press from Mauritius have been asking what is bugging Mauritius and I can only say that when I next transit Mauritius I will meet the press and work with them to give the Mauritians answer to queries being raised by Minister Choonee and Minister Sik Yuen.
Seychelles Carnival's unique press relations event
Apr 28, 2014
The Seychelles Carnival’s annual press conference, labeled for the fourth edition, “Dialogue with the Press,” was tagged by the Seychelles local press as “a clever way of getting the press relation side of things done.”
The 2014 press conference was taken removed from its conventional venue of a hotel conference room, and taken onboard the Seychelles’ fast inner-island ferry, the “Cat Cocos.”
There were 151 international members of the press and 34 international dignitaries including Carnival co-hosts La Reunion island, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu-Natal, along witih 58 international float delegations, local float delegations, and sponsors that boarded the Cat Cocos for a sunset cruise.
The vessel cruised slowly to the stunning bay of Beau Vallon to watch the stunning Seychelles sunset over Silhouette Island before coming back to drop anchor at the Sainte Anne Marine National Park for the “Dialogue with the Press.”
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, made a remarkable speech about the Carnaval International de Victoria of the Seychelles showcasing the diversity of color and culture and how this concept of togetherness would show to the world that people from a kaleidoscopic mix of cultures could still come, even in 2014, and be together in unity. Minister St.Ange said that Seychelles in itself is a “good example of this concept.”
“With all due respect to our co-host South Africa, who calls itself a rainbow nation, we in Seychelles are living as the rainbow people,” said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture.
Minister St.Ange reiterated the importance of inviting the press to Seychelles to cover the carnival.
“Every tourism destination fights to get the attention of good press when it goes to tourism trade fairs. At these tourism trade fairs, many doctor their glossy brochures to try to create an impact. Here in Seychelles at the annual Carnaval International de Victoria, it is not glossy brochures that tourism destinations are showcasing, but their culture, and in so doing, their people,” said Minister St.Ange.
Carnival co-hosts La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu-Natal also took the floor speaking about their countries and their tourism policies.
Minister St.Ange also thanked Guillaume Albert of Cat Cocos Ferries and of the DMC (Destination Management Company) Creole Travel Services for having put one of their company’s boats at the disposal of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and of the Seychelles Tourism Board for hosting the event. He also thanked Air Seychelles and Etihad for being airline carnival partners and for flying most of the journalists to Seychelles.
Seychelles Carnival International de Victoria 2014: A resounding success
Apr 27, 2014
Seychelles carnival parade of the island's 2014 Carnaval International De Victoria and the 26 International Delegations with the 151 members of the International Press present has given it the thumbs up saying that it was bigger and better that the previous editions. This year's edition of the carnival in the Indian Ocean was being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar , Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal. The Seychelles contingent in the carnival with some 24 floats had also raised they game and they proudly paraded alongside the carnival giants such as Notting Hill Carnival of the UK, the Brazil Carnival, the Carnival from Trinidad and Tobago, the Carnival from Indonesia and the Carnival from Italy. Many foreign dignitaries were also in the Seychelles to see for themselves this carnival of carnivals that is now appearing on the calendar of world events.
It was Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture who had the honor to open the carnival and he was surrounded by press personalities from right across the world as the carnival parade closed. The press gave Seychelles the thumbs up saying that the islands had probably not yet realized how big and important what they were staging was for the world at large. All the press were overtaken by the diversity of culture present in the carnival which remained one of the key elements that helped propel the events to be counted in the list of top five carnivals of the world.
Minister Alain St.Ange was heard saying to the press that he was thrilled with this 2014 edition of the carnival that is set to be seen as a catalyst for Unity in the region and for South-South Cooperation as it also gets the North-South dialogue to also kept alive. "Seychelles has successfully staged what many tried to do. Seychelles is an example because Seychelles is staging this carnival for the world and implicating the world to be performers themselves. So Congratulations is in order for the Seychelles" the press said.
Nothing can stop the Carnival of Carnivals in the Seychelles
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 27, 2014
The sweeping rain which lashed Victoria yesterday morning caused all sorts of contingency plans to be dusted and readied and when driving into the city at 13.30 hrs, the sky was still dark and the clouds continued to offload their wet cargo on Victoria. The few journalists and photographers who had made it into town at that time, took pictures of the rain, and were ingenious in staying dry, sort of anyway.
Word came around that the parade may have to be delayed and just as those words were put into context with the bucketing rain and its potential effect on the floats and participants, did a shy sunray emerge above. The rainclouds were suddenly blown away and the skies above smiled upon us in an almost mocking way, as if to ask ‘Now that gave you a scare, yes?.
Yes it did give everyone involved in the Carnival International de Victoria a bit of a worrisome morning, but as on all the previous occasions, when the parade eventually kicked off at 15.35 hrs yesterday, shortly after President James Alix Michel had arrived at the VIP dais, it was all pure sunshine as the juggernaut waltzed and strutted into Victoria.
The parade was opened by a float ‘wo-manned’ by the current Miss Seychelles and other contestants, as this Miss contest has become part of the islands’ calendar of events and the title holder is closely involved in promoting the ‘Brand Seychelles’ and help promote tourism to the archipelago. She was then followed by a record number of local floats and troupes from the archipelago, this year showing vast improvement in creative design and craftsmanship as well as costumes made for the occasion which added flair and funk to the displays.
In fact the performance of the local participants was a clear indication that the archipelago’s tourism industry and supporting businesses have at this fourth edition fully embraced the idea and taken ownership of the event in a way which few could have imagined at any of the previous carnival festivals. Yesterday’s parade was an almost perfect mix of local and international participants and the turnout of Victorians, others from across Mahe and even as far as Praslin and La Digue, besides the tourists who flocked to line the streets of Victoria was more than impressive considering that it rained the proverbial cats and dogs until just an hour before the scheduled start of the parade.
After seeing the floats, displays, costumes and performances it is understandable that the Seychelles’ Carnival International de Victoria has indeed made it to the global 5th best carnival spot, a sign that the event is not just here to stay but has established itself during the short 4 years as a frontrunner of festivals to be seen and ‘ticked off the list’ by ‘Carnivalistas’ from all over the world.
It is arguably only here in the Seychelles, that spectators can see such a variety from around the globe and be close up and personal with the performers during the opening night, the parade and the closing day ceremony. Yesterday truly was an extraordinary achievement for Tourism Seychelles, which included persuading the rain gods to smile upon Victoria for the duration of the parade, rather than rain on it.
For more information about the destination and the regular events staged on the islands, visit the following website www.seychelles.travel
Zambia & Seychelles Tourism Ministers discuss cooperation plans
Apr 26, 2014
Minister Jean Kapata, the Zambia Minister responsible for Tourism and Arts and Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture met on the sidelines of the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria to assess avenues for cooperation. Minister Jean Kapata was accompanied by the Zambian High Commissioner accredited to Seychelles and an important delegation of Officials from her Ministry.
The two Ministers agreed to move forward on the points covered in an MOU signed during the UNWTO General Assembly in Zambia last year. Discussions centered on joint promotion exercises, on a cultural event for Zambia, on training and more.
Both Minister Kapata and Minister St.Ange are heading to Angola after the Carnaval International de Victoria for the CAF Meeting of Tourism Ministers from Africa.
Minister Alain St.Ange has thanked his Zambia counterpart for being in Seychelles for the Carnival saying that he was honored that the maiden trip for the Minister after her appointment as Minister responsible for Tourism and the Arts has been to Seychelles. "We hope Zambia has seen the benefits of being part of the carnival in Seychelles and that this would be annually on the calendar of the the Zambia Tourism Authorities" Minister Alain St.Ange said.
SEYCHELLES MINISTER ST.ANGE OPENS THE VANILLA ISLANDS CARNIVAL IN THE SEYCHELLES
You may say I'm a dreamer: Opening Speech for the Seychelles Carnival 2014
Apr 26, 2014
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one" said the Seychelles Minister as he opened the 2014 carnival using the words of John Lennon
In the presence of Mr James Michel, the President of the Republic of Seychelles Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, had the honor to officially launch the the 2014 edition of the Caraval International de Victoria. Minister St.Ange delivered his address after Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board had welcomed everyone to the 1st event of the carnival that is this year being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal.
When he took to the podium, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture delivered a passional address where he thanked the 21 International Delegations participating in this years carnival parade and also the local participants. He had but words of appreciation for the 151 members of the International Press fraternity who had flown to Seychelles to cover the 2014 edition of the Carnival of Carnivals as the event was now called by the press because it remains the only carnival able to attract all the best and most known carnivals to parade together followed by cultural troupes from the Community of Nations.
Victoria Carnival defies rain to open with a glitz and glamour peformance
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 26, 2014
Dark clouds were hanging much of Friday over Victoria and rain at times bucketed down as if there were no tomorrow but right on the dot did the sun break through and by 18.30 hrs the sky over the Stade Popilar in the heart of the Seychelles capital was clear enough to kick off the 2014 edition of what has truly become the Mother of all Carnivals.
The two speakers, Sherin Naiken of the Seychelles Tourism Board and the brain behind the carnival idea, Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St. Ange, talked of new superlatives and the record numbers of visitors from abroad, who came to participate, or just see, the festival’s opening, the main parade through the city on Saturday and the finale with the Kiddies Carnival and an evening closing party as the countdown starts already for 2015.
President James Alix Michel once again graced the occasion, accompanied by members of his cabinet, the Chief Justice – a Ugandan no less – and even the leader of the opposition was at hand in a spirit of Seychellois unity brought about by the carnival, an event which according to Alain St. Ange sees the world descend on the main island of Mahe, beyond political affiliation, beyond religious beliefs, beyond the colour of one’s skin and beyond ethnic origin. ‘Here people are people and it is the only world event staged for the community of nations where everyone is respected as a person. Even in the General Assembly of the United Nations, when some world leaders stand to delivery their address, some delegates walk out, but here respect for everyone is and will remain the key to the ties of friendship and togetherness’ did the minister tell the crowd and assembled international media, while also appealing for the 2015 event to bring Seychellois from around the world back to the country next year for a visit and to participate.
And then did the stage lights brighten up the night as did laser beams reaching high into the sky as troupe after troupe and performer after performer showcased themselves to a record crowd in the stadium, with the section of the local spectators no doubt the most vocal one, clapping, shouting, whistling and singing along when Seychellois artists stood in the spotlights. The Brazil Carnival but also the performers from Trinidad & Tobago, from China and South Korea certainly earned their keep when they thrilled the crowd, giving a sneak preview of what can be expected when the juggernaut makes its way on Saturday afternoon through Victoria with, as in past years, the streets lined 10 and more deep to catch a glimpse of the costumes and the dance moves.
The hour and a half of performance flew by as there was not a dull moment to be remembered and the brief and light rain-shower did little to dampen the mood but kept everyone on their feet or in their seats. No doubt this was the most spectacular opening night yet to be seen over the past four carnival festivals and the great outdoor atmosphere under star lit skies and with a warm breeze only served to enhance this unique experience of lights, colours and sounds. Coming up next, the main juggernaut, aka the Carnival Parade, this Saturday afternoon through Victoria, so keep watching this space for more video uploads to YouTube and more pictures and reports, which however are a mere spot insight into what unfolds live in front of the eyes of thousands and thousands of spectators and over 150 international media personnel.
TOURISTS AND LOCALS DELIGHT IN THE ANNUAL CARNIVAL
4th edition of Carnaval International de Victoria in full swing
Apr 25, 2014
This Friday, April 25, 2014 saw the official opening of the Carnaval International de Victoria in the Seychelles archipelago. With two co-hosts - South Africa and Reunion Island - Seychelles intends to make this “carnival of carnivals” a major event of the Vanilla Islands, and Reunion Island is taking its role to heart.
The opening of the Carnaval International de Victoria kept its promises for glitz and glamor, being honored with the attendance of actress Angelique Gerber, Miss Reunion 2011 Marie Payet, and Seychellois singer Michelle Marengo acting as mistresses of ceremony. Each of these ladies performed their orations in their original languages of English, French, and Seychellois Creole, respectively.
Seychelles paid particular attention to the visibility of the 2014 carnival with the presence of 151 international journalists, giving participating destinations the opportunity to highlight their cultural wealth to this grand presence of global media. This year, Reunion Island is positioned as a loyal partner of Carnaval International de Victoria with a large delegation of artists: the Sacred Drums, Eric Benjam Pounouss, and singers. A delegation dressed in traditional costumes also strolled through the streets of the Seychellois capital at the procession of floats on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Rounding out the extent of the cultural diversity of Reunion Island at this year’s carnival, the island’s gastronomy was also given an important place on the promotion agenda – a great Vanilla Islands event delighting the taste buds of the lucky attendees.
Vanilla Islands presidency undecided - three candidates compete for post
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 25, 2014
The meeting of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Island organization yesterday in Victoria reported a stalemate over the nomination and election of a new president, who would see the organization into the next phase after incumbent Alain St. Ange, Minister of Tourism and Culture of the Seychelles, who served two terms, expressed his intent to step down and make way for another member country to carry on the torch.
It was learned earlier today that during the meeting, which dealt with an extensive agenda, members failed to agree on the nomination of one consensus candidate, after Reunion had put forward the President of the Regional Council Mr. Didier Robert for the presidency, only to see Mauritius rush into the fray and nominating their Minister for Tourism. Madagascar then too threw their hat into the ring it was learned when the largest of the Vanilla Islands suggested their own tourism minister be selected for the one year presidency. No representation was recorded from either the Comoros or from the Maldives.
During interaction with fellow observers of the Indian Ocean scene who are also present in Victoria for the Carnival Festival, it was swiftly concluded that fence sitter Mauritius clearly had an agenda of her own though it was appreciated that, should Minister Michael Yuen Sik become the successor of Alain St. Ange for the next year, perhaps Mauritius would after all have to make sure that real integration and cooperative action had to take place. It was also noted however that neither the Mauritius tourism minister nor the CEO of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, one Karl Mootoosamy, were present in Victoria as they had instead sent a Destination Management Executive from MTPA, fueling further suspicion about their commitment to the organization and more so even to the Carnival Festival in the Seychelles, for which several leading members of the Mauritius press are present but no official representative nor even a participating troupe. The word ‘boycott’ was mentioned more than once in the morning exchange of messages, mails, calls and one on one interaction, and while maybe harsh did express the underlying sentiments spot on.
Reunion, one of two French Indian Ocean regions besides Mayotte, was expressly thanked by outgoing Vanilla Island President Alain St. Ange for their financial support to the Vanilla Island Organisation and it was learned that Reuion Island has in fact benefitted from being a member through the influx of more tourist visitors attributed to the promotional activities under the Vanilla Island banner.
The next meeting of the organisation will take place prior to the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madagascar, which is also a Vanilla Island Event, and indications are that intense consultations will take place prior to that meeting to try and determine who will take over the presidency. As the saying goes, do watch this space for future updates and the announcement in Madagascar who will take on the mantle of Vanilla Island Organization President.
Ministerial Vanilla Islands meeting in Seychelles
Apr 25, 2014
The April Ministerial Meeting of the Vanilla Islands took place yesterday under the Chairmanship of Alain St.Ange, the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and Minister of Tourism and Culture of the Seychelles. Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Vanilla Islands and Derek Savy, the Organization's Director of Marketing were also present at the meeting attended by Virginie K'Bidi, the Vice President of La Reunion, Attoumani Harouna, the Vice President of the Tourism Committee of Mayotte, Eric Koller, the Chairman of the Madagascar Tourism Office, Robin Ramessur, the Destination Management Executive for Mauritius, R. M. Franchette Gaspard Pierre Louis , the Deputy Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues, Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ariane Loupy, the Managing Director of the La Reunion Tourism Board.
The main point of this April Ministerial Meeting was to decide on the way forward to seek a consensus on who would be the next President of the Vanilla Islands as the mandate of Alain St.Ange had come to an end. Two islands had already nominated their Minister in the case of Mauritius and President of the Regional Council in the case of La Reunion as candidates for the position. During the meeting Madagascar formally introduced the candidature of the island''s Minister to also be a candidate for the position of President of the Vanilla Islands. It was resolve at the meeting that a consensus needed to be reached before the May Ministerial Meeting in Madagascar as it was expected that the new President is expected to be addressing the Tourism Trade Fair of Madagascar, an event falling on the Calendar of Events of the Vanilla Islands.
During the discussions Minister Alain St.Ange suggested that the representatives of the islands present at the meeting to impress on their Ministers and the President of the Region that the position's responsibility is that the elected person represents the organization and not their CEO or PS, and that time would need to be allocated for work of the Vanilla Islands.
The Ministerial Meeting of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands also heard from the CEO of the Organisation on the activities of the past year and on his proposed plan of action for the coming year. The proposals received the approbation of all the islands at the meeting.
The question of funding was also discussed and Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles wanted to place on record his appreciation of La Reunion making available necessary funds to pay for the running costs of the organization.
Cat Cocos High Speed Ferry venue to introduce Seychelles Carnival Partners and Sponsors
Apr 25, 2014
When Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture and outgoing President of the Vanilla Island Organization, yesterday evening welcomed nearly 150 journalists, invited guests, key sponsors and representatives of the Carnival co-hosts on board of the Cat Cocos, the famous catamaran high speed ferry normally linking Mahe with Praslin, he was swift to recognize the sponsors and co-hosts of the annual event.
National airline Air Seychelles and partner Etihad, which donated both cargo space and over 100 tickets to bring journalists from across their network to the Seychelles, had cabin crew on board of the ship ‘flying’ their colours high. The owners of Cat Cocos, also owners of Creole Travel, were equally present and both, together with other sponsors, where given an enthusiastic applaus for their role in making this 4th edition of the Seychelles Carnival another success story.
Reunion Island, the first co-host from the inaugural edition of the carnival in 2011, was again present with a very large delegation, led by Pascal Viroleau, CEO of the Vanilla Island Organization and also head of IRT, and had brought a choir along to entertain guests with traditional songs and music from their home island.
Alongside were fellow Vanilla Island members Madagascar and Mayotte showcased, as was South Africa’ Kwa Zulu Natal, who had all come on board to benefit from the huge publicity the event now generates around the world.
A three day period of merry making and a potpourri of nations, colours and cultures is now underway in the Seychelles capital of Victoria and when the show formally goes on the road this evening at the Stade Popilar in the presence of President Michel it will be a nonstop party until Sunday night, when the lights go out and this year’s Carnaval de Carnivals, the Carnival International de Victoria is over. Now ranked as the 5th most popular Carnival Festival in the world, a ranking incidentally bestowed upon the Seychelles by fellow Carnival giants, speaks for itself how the country has created a global platform to bring the world of carnivals together. Seychelles, truly Another World and one shared with the likes of Reunion this week.
Reunion Island celebrates at the Carnival International de Victoria
Apr 25, 2014
The 4th edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria this year runs from April 25 to 27, 2014 and has become a showcase for each participating country. This annual event aims to enable participating countries to showcase their culture through their people, their traditions, and especially to the international press invited for the occasion. The carnival festivities go on for three days, during which time these international destinations will take part in a procession of floats with carnival delegations bedecked in colorful costumes.
Recognized by international news agencies as the “carnival of carnivals,” this annual gathering of carnivals from around the world takes place on the island of Mahe in the Seychelles capital of Victoria, where 84-151 journalists from around the globe are expected to gather. The carnival has been listed on the calendar of events for the Vanilla Islands (Reunion Island, Seychelles , Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte, Comoros, and Maldives).
During the three fun-filled days, the “carnival of carnivals” will be covered by international media from Canada, the USA, the UK, Italy, France, Belgium, Ireland, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Denmark, The Netherlands, the Czech Republic, India, South Africa, Australia, South Korea, Japan, China, Australia, Mauritius, Dubai, and Reunion Island.
The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, urged countries worldwide to participate in the Carnaval International de Victoria - an invitation for which the answer was not long in coming as carnival delegations signed up right away from the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, Bhutan, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sweden, India, and Reunion Island. From Friday, April 25, 2014, guests will become the protagonists of this annual event and witness the unfolding of this “carnival of carnivals” before their very eyes, along with their hosts and the group of international journalists.
With the official opening of the carnival upon us, the date has already been set for the fifth edition of this major annual Vanilla Islands events, which will be held from April 24 to 26, 2015. If you can’t make it this year, mark your calendars and make your plans for next year!
CARNIVAL PROGRAM
Day 1 - Official Opening
The official opening of the carnival will be held once again in Victoria, the afternoon of the first day of the event in the presence of invited international and local brands, and also Seychellois sector tourism and various representatives of local businesses. Live concerts and various events will set the tone of the carnival, and the restoration will not be forgotten, with a variety of stalls offering typical dishes of many countries. Colorful twinkling lights will complete this picturesque setting, making Victoria the perfect stage to host the carnival throughout the 3 days of exuberance.
Day 2 – Carnival Parade
The colors and the reputation of the true meaning of a "melting pot of cultures" of the Seychelles archipelago will be honored at the spectacular parade of carnival floats through the streets of the capital. As was the case in the first edition, the floats of many participating countries are expected to join those of local communities to form a colorful procession through Victoria. An impressive crowd of people, tourists, and crews of ships calling at the port of Seychelles should also add to the success of a show designed to surpass that of the first edition in terms of quality shows and entertainment.
Day 3 – Family Day Celebration
The third and final day of the carnival will be an ideal recreational day for families, in an explosion of color, shows, and music that will last all day and continue into the night and include a Kiddies’ Carnival! Hoteliers and local caterers will offer their specialties to the public at various stands, while orchestras in the region and further afield will follow one another to ensure a festive atmosphere throughout the day and night of family entertainment. This is an opportunity for the public to have an unforgettable time with participants from different carnival groups and fully enjoy the carnival atmosphere.
The Chinese have landed…in Seychelles for the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria
Apr 24, 2014
The Chinese have landed…in Seychelles for the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria.
Delegation after delegation are arriving in Seychelles for the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria, the event that is now known as the Carnival of Carnivals. Yesterday it was the turn of the Chinese delegation to land in Seychelles and they said as that landed that Seychelles is in for a big surprise with the performance they have come with.
China has been a faithful partner of the Carnival International de Victoria, the event that is this year being c0-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal.
Some 26 International delegations will this year parade in the streets of Victoria followed by more than twenty floats from Seychelles itself.
Seychelles tourism announces dates for 2015 “Carnival of Carnivals
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 24, 2014
As the “carnivalista fever” is now spreading across the Seychelles, and the opening salvo just 40 hours away at the Stade Popilar, where all participating troupes from around the world will dance, sing, and perhaps even somersault in front of the arguably largest crowd assembled yet at any of the launch nights of the increasingly popular festival, Tourism Seychelles has used the opportunity to announce the dates for next year already.
The world of carnivals will come to the islands for the period of April 24 to 26, and going by expressions of regret that many were unable to come this year, it is very likely that the 2015 edition will be a sell-out as the popularity of the colorful parade spreads further and further.
Full-scale delegations this year come from Brazil, China, Germany, the UK, Indonesia, South Africa, Reunion, Rodrigues, South Korea, Russia, Trinidad & Tobago, and also from Mozambique, which together with the Kingdom of Bhutan, Switzerland, and Bangladesh are first-time attendees. Other countries present will be Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland. Michael Quinn and the Bourbon Kings, and Lisa Harley and Zydekats from the United States, will also perform at the opening night on Friday.
The foreign participation will be boosted by now 26 local floats put together by such leading companies as Air Seychelles, the Kempinski Seychelles Resort, the Constance Ephelia Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Fisherman`s Cove, and the Seychelles Tourism Academy, among many others.
Mauritius has withdrawn their participation this year, even though the privately-arranged presence of a troupe last year proved to be a crowd puller, turning into one of the most photographed performances of them all. Their absence at the last minute raised multiple questions, but, of course, no answers were forthcoming for the over 150 journalists from around the world who were left bewildered when the news was broken to them. Many suspected some heavy arm wrestling behind the scenes from the usual suspects causing Mauritius to again go AWOL.
That, however, was the only downside to the enthusiasm which is already sweeping the capital of Victoria, where decorations and huge banners have gone up over the past few days, where a route map has been published to allow locals and foreign visitors to select their vantage points to see the parade juggernaut waltz by on Saturday afternoon before on Sunday a special Kiddies` Carnival will take place, and where a Grand Farewell party on Sunday will bring this year`s festival to a close in a colorful finale.
For those who miss the fun this year, be sure to join the global “carnivalistas” next year and experience Africa` wildest “Mother of all Carnivals.”
For added information about the Seychelles islands, visit www.seychelles.travel
Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria talk show gets new facelift
Apr 23, 2014
Seychelles Carnival International de Victoria’s annual roundtable discussion hosted by the Seychelles Broadcasting Cooperation (SBC), the Island's local television station, has been given a new facelift. The recording of the fourth edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria talk show was this year being taken out of the studio and onto the garden of the National Culture Centre in the heart of Victoria.
The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Seychelles Tourism Board, and the Seychelles Broadcasting Cooperation (SBC) annually brainstorm on new contents to give a facelift to the Carnival’s talk show. The first and second edition of Carnaval International de Victoria’s roundtable discussions were recorded at “Le Rendez- vous restaurant’’ with the backdrop of the Clock Tower, an emblem of the Seychelles Islands. For the third edition, the roundtable discussion shifted inside Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s studio at its headquarters at Hermitage. The content was also revised, putting emphasis on the successes and downturns of previous editions and the way forward. Comments from the public about the three editions were also incorporated into the show with a series of sound bites with the aim of giving the organizers an insight on how the general public foresees the carnival.
The 2014 Carnaval International de Victoria Talk show broke away from these schemas, putting more emphasis on new highlights. Conceived as a platform to sensitize the public on the dos and don’ts to ensure the smooth running of the carnival, the Carnaval International de Victoria talk show continues to feature as an important component of Carnaval International de Victoria’s media campaign. Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture; the Chief Executive Officer of National Arts Council, Jimmy Savy; Joseph Sinon, the Manager of Tanmi Production; and a representative from the police were the main speakers on the talk show hosted by Raymond Clarisse, of the Seychelles Broadcasting Cooperation Producer.
Minister St.Ange re-iterated the importance of the biggest ever international press bank converging on Seychelles to elevate the event’s visibility on the international scene. Minister St.Ange said the 151 international press bank is a testimony that the Carnaval International de Victoria deserves its reputation to be ranked on the top 20 list of the must-attend events in the world and on the top 5 list of best carnivals of the world. The Carnaval International de Victoria talk show was aired on Seychelles Broadcasting on April 23 at1900 hours.
UK & USA delegations land in Seychelles for Carnival 2014
Apr 23, 2014
As delegation after delegation coming from the four corners of the world land in Seychelles for the 2014 edition of the annual Carnaval International de Victoria hotels on the main island of Mahe are reporting occupancy levels that are beyond expectations.
Yesterday it was the Notting Hill Carnival from the UK has landed with probably the biggest delegation for this edition of the carnival in the tropics. Notting Hill Carnival is reputed to be the biggest carnival of Europe and they have been participating in the carnival parade in the Seychelles since its first edition. It was Claire Holder, the Head of the Notting Hill Delegation who recently informed the Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture that the World of Carnivals had positioned the Carnaval International de Victoria that is staged annually in the Seychelles in the 'TOP 5' Carnivals of the World. The Notting Hill Carnival's delegation in this edition of the carnival is 55 plus and they have said that they will surprise Seychelles with what they came brought to the carnival this year.
Also landing in Seychelles yesterday were the two delegations from the USA of America. A Country & Western Band will be showcasing that part of the American Culture whereas a band from New Orleans will be in Seychelles to bring out the Cajun Creole Culture from New Orleans. This year's Carnaval International de Victoria which is being co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal is displaying cooperation in tourism destinations all eager to see the regional tourism cake grow.
Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture and Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Tourism Board were both at Seychelles International Airport to welcome both the Notting Hill Carnival & the USA of America's delegations to the Seychelles.
HERITAGE HOTELS
Seychelles resort “walking the walk” of corporate responsibility
Apr 22, 2014
Praslin Island, the second largest island of the Seychelles, possesses twenty-seven demarcation points of heritage routes. Three of these are found on the property of Raffles Praslin Seychelles. It is not surprising to see Raffles Praslin Seychelles coming on board as a partner and supporter of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation’s efforts to conserve and to protect these heritage sites. Raffles Praslin Seychelles recently made another bold step by taking under its wings the Seychelles Heritage Award for Praslin and the La Digue heritage clubs. Two years ago, the Seychelles Heritage Foundation launched the first edition of the award. The Seychelles Heritage Foundation award is designed especially for heritage clubs on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. Raffles Praslin Seychelles strongly believes that its corporate responsibility can only benefit its community by sponsoring the award for Praslin and La Digue. On Mahe, the award is sponsored by Elite Travel Destination Management Company.
On Thursday, April 17, Raffles Praslin Seychelles and the Seychelles Heritage Foundation organized a ceremony to reward recipients of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation a second edition heritage award for 2012-2013 for Praslin and La Digue Islands.
In the photography category, Elsa Labonte from the La Digue Heritage Club walked away with first prize, and Sharifa Labonte of the Praslin Heritage Club won first prize in the drawing category. The prize-giving ceremony took place in the presence of Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture; Anne Lafortune, Principal Secretary for Tourism; Patrick Nanty, Chief Executive of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation; and the General Manager of Raffles Praslin Seychelles, Christoph Ganster.
When he addressed the prize-giving ceremony, Patrick Nanty, the Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Heritage Foundation, highlighted the importance of heritage preservation and congratulated Raffles Praslin Seychelles to embark on this project.
“There is so much history and so many cultural heritage sites in Seychelles which make the work we are doing to protect these sites more meaningful. Without your corporate responsibility, this project would not have been a success. We congratulate you, Raffles Resort, for taking this project on board, and we are grateful for your support,” Patrick Nanty said. Mr. Nanty urged award recipients to become defenders of the Seychelles heritage sites.
“It is often expected that you will be the one to look after our country’s heritage sites. Today you are doing research to enrich these sites on our islands. As future custodians of our country, you should become defenders of our heritage sites,” Mr. Nanty said.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, hailed the “Raffles Praslin Seychelles” decision to support the Heritage award scheme.
“You are doing what everybody must do - that is putting your money where your mouth is. It is so rewarding for us to see you’ve not only supported the Seychelles Heritage Foundation award, but also the Praslin Heritage route booklet that was launched a couple of years ago by the Heritage Foundation. We remain committed to working with partners who support us, and we remain determined to show how much you are dear to us,” Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, said.
Minister St.Ange added there is no culture without tourism.
“Our people and culture has our DNA. If we showcase something that has our DNA; we are sure we are promoting what is unique to us. This will help us to remain on a solid footing, and this will help us to consolidate our tourism industry,” said Minister St.Ange.
Christoph Ganster, the General Manager of Raffles Resort Praslin, said his property will remain a faithful partner of the Seychelles Heritage projects.
Seychelles remembers G.S. Pillay in a special memorial service
Apr 22, 2014
Seychelles paid tribute to G.S. Pillay, a great patriot of the islands during a memorial service at the International Conference Centre. Family members, dignitaries and friends were joined by the Designated Minister Vincent Meriton and Minister Alain St.Ange to remember and to celebrate the life of G.S Pillay.
In the presence of invitees Minister Alain St.Ange, the Tourism and Culture Minister led the tributes saying” Mr Pillay was a man from humble beginnings who managed to build educational institutions in India and helped many people in Seychelles through his distribution business. Minister St.Ange said as he echoed words of sympathy to the family of Mr Pillay that we needed to ensure that he be remembered as the man who devoted his time, money and energy to helping others.
The Indian High commissioner, MrThanglura Darlong said Mr Pillay was “an inspiration for all of us and he achieved things most people won’t be able to”, while Justice Durai Karunakaran described him as “self-made man with spotless reputation and man of great values and principles and who loved, cared and shared with the needy.”
Roche Caiman district’s member of the National Assembly Jeovana Charles recounted how she nearly grew up in the G.S Pillay shop at Mont Fleuri with Mr Pillay and wife Jothiman. She described him as “a legend in the business history of Seychelles”, and as “a man of deep faith”.
For magistrate Brassel Adeline, Mr Pillay is a “registered trademark” and Seychelles Breweries managing director Patricia Berthelot said she personally does not know Mr Pillay but has heard so many good things about him and values his long term (40 years) partnership with the brewery.
Airtel’s Navneet Singh said “at Airtel Mr Pillay is a brand” and is a “pioneer in distribution in Seychelles”.
Seychellois retailers Harold KIlindo and Wilven Elizabeth, who both worked for Mr Pillay before moving on to their own business, thanked him for all he has done for them.
“If it was not for Mr Pillay I would not have had my own business today,” said Mr Kilindo and Mr Elizabeth said “he was a good listener and took time to listen to people’s problems”.
One of his sons, Rajagopal Pillay, thanked everyone who helped his father to establish himself in Seychelles and to grow his business.
Bron on January 2, 1930 in a small village Chandrapadi in Tamil Nadu, India, Mr Pillay came to Seychelles in 1947 at the age of 17 and worked as labourer for 15 years before starting his business in 1960. It was Mr T.M.K. Ramanathan Pillay who brought G.S Pillay to Seychelles.
Although he could not have a good education due to his family’s circumstances and financial constraints, Mr Pillay always thought of providing qulity education to young people of the Nagappattinan district in India. He was the founder and chairman of E.G.S Pillay group of educational institutions comprising engineering, arts and science, and pharmacy colleges.
He was affectionately called “Father of Education” by the people of the Nagappattinan district and has been conferred an honorary doctorate degree and citation as “Chevalier”.
Chev. G.S Pillay died on January 23, 2014 in his native India, aged 84.
Seychelles Tourism Minister to attend UNWTO Commission Meeting & Seminar on Tourism and Air Connectivity
Apr 22, 2014
The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, at the kind invitation of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the government of Angola, will represent Seychelles at the UNWTO 56th Commission Meeting for Africa (CAF), and the Regional Seminar on Tourism and Air Connectivity in Africa, to be held from April 28-30, 2014 in Angola.
This meeting is held on a yearly basis for the Commission Meeting for Africa members, and allows them the opportunity to discuss and debate at the highest level about the most important issues related to tourism development in the Africa region. Under the leadership of Zimbabwe, the CAF Chairman, H.E. Eng. Walter Mzembi, the Zimbabwe Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe will table issues including the anti-poaching initiative in Africa, funding for African tourism development, the image of the region, and other issues that are high on the UNWTO agenda for the region. The thematic discussion of the session will be on “Tourism and Biodiversity: Zero Tolerance for Poaching in Africa 2020.”
The Regional Seminar on Tourism and Air Connectivity in Africa will address critical issues related to bridging air transport and tourism policies, including the current regulatory framework, taxation, and the way forward in facilitating travel processes. UNWTO is committed to improving air connectivity through a closer coordination of tourism and aviation policies to ensure the sustained growth of the tourism sector and that of air transport.
This seminar is organized under the framework of the 20th session of the General Assembly, held in Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) in August of last year, the 2013 edition of the UNWTO & World Travel Market (WTM) Ministers’ Summit entitled “How to bridge the gap between tourism and aviation policies,” and in view of the first edition of the joint UNWTO & International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Tourism and Transport Ministerial conference to be held in October 2014 in Seychelles.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said that it was important to be present in Angola to work with mainland Africa for the consolidation of the continent's tourism industry and secondly to confirm that the historic first edition of the joint UNWTO & International Civil Aviation Organization Tourism and Transport Ministerial conference will be held in Seychelles in October 2014. "We all often talk about how dependent tourism as an industry is on civil aviation. This is why this historic first meeting of tourism and transport ministers is so important, as the UNWTO and the International Civil Aviation Organization jointly coordinate this meeting. We need to now be selling this coming meeting to ensure it is the success we all expect it to be, and my work promoting the Seychelles meeting will start in Angola itself," said Minister St.Ange.
The Commission Meeting for Africa and the Regional Seminar are being hosted by Angola, a country fuelled by oil and diamond extraction. The Angolan economy has demonstrated exceptional economic indicators. The main tourism indicators are supported by business tourism flows accounting for the largest share of travel and tourism which has contributed to Angola´s outstanding performance.
The Angolan government is putting in place all the necessary technical and logistical conditions for a successful event. During their stay in Angola, Commission Meeting for Africa (CAF) members will also have the chance to visit one of the fastest-growing countries of Africa and experience some of its tourism products and destinations.
LOCALS AND TOURISTS JUST DAYS AWAY FROM CARNAVAL INTERNATIONAL DE VICTORIA
Seychelles dresses Victoria in colorful attire for Carnival
Apr 21, 2014
Walking down Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, one notices that the town has been transformed into a carnival corridor with an explosion of colors.
This year, MAD Creations, who tendered to decorate the town for carnival, said the colors, movements, and human characters is the central theme. For the last two editions of the Carnaval International de Victoria, it was also MAD Creations who had been awarded the tender to decorate Victoria for carnival time in Seychelles. Michel Denousse of MAD Creations, said emphasis was put on carnival symbols and color.
“This year we’ve blended human characters, movements, and colors with the carnival symbols. Carnival cannot exist without people. It’s people dressed in colorful costumes that brings out the carnival atmosphere,” said Michel Denousse of MAD Creations.
MAD Creations added other characters, such as dolphins, fish, and turtles; all animals found in Seychelles are part of the decoration. The animal characters should impress the children, as they will also have their own carnival on the Sunday Family Fun Day. Since Friday, April 11, MAD Creations has been busy at work decorating the Victoria.
“Traditionally we decorated only the streets where the carnival parade will take place. We’ve started on Francis Rachel Street and will gradually move to Bois de Rose Avenue, Albert Street, Palm Street, and Fifth June Avenue. This year we will also decorate Independence Avenue,” said Michel.
As carnival draws near, MAD Creations will bring interesting elements to the decorations. Strings of balloons will be a new element that will be added to the decorations.
“On the morning of the 26th, for the carnival parade itself, we will add strings of balloons all along the carnival route. When people come down to watch the parade, they will be taken up by the town’s sudden transformation of Victoria,” Michel added.
Zambia Tourism Minister leads delegation to Seychelles carnival this week
Apr 20, 2014
Confirmation has now been received that Minister Jean Kapata, the Zambian Minister responsible for Tourism and the Arts, will be leading her delegation to the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria in the Seychelles.
The Minister from the Zambia responsible for Tourism and the Arts will be making her maiden trip as Minister since her recent appointment. The importance of tourism for Zambia has been restated by the Zambian President last week when he announced that tourism and agriculture are activities of high national importance and are now priority sectors.
Minister Jean Kapata from Zambia will be leading a delegation of fifteen which will include a culture troupe. The Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture has welcomed the confirmation from Zambia saying that the visit by Minister Jean Kapata would give him and his Zambian counterpart the opportunity to discuss the way forward for the MOU signed last year in Livingstone during the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly Meeting.
It was Jimmy Butt, the Seychelles Tourism Ambassador to Zambia, who personally delivered the letter of invitation from Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, to his Zambian counterpart, Minister Jean Kapata, the Zambia Minister responsible for Tourism and the Arts, and it is Jimmy Butt who has been the liaison between Seychelles tourism and Zambia. Minister St.Ange has confirmed that he will be personally at Seychelles International Airport on Thursday, April 24, to welcome Minister Jean Kapata as she lands from the Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi.
Director General of Mozambique Tourism arrives in Seychelles ahead of Carnival starting Friday
Apr 20, 2014
Mr. Hiuane Abacar, the Director General of the Mozambique Tourism Authority, arrived in Seychelles on Sunday evening by the Air Seychelles flight coming from South Africa. Mr. Abacar arrives in Seychelles ahead of the Mozambique delegation coming for the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria who are expected to land in Seychelles later this week.
This will be Mozambique's first participation in the carnival in Seychelles. Welcoming Mr. Abacar on his arrival at the Seychelles International Airport on Sunday evening were Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, and Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.
"Today saw the first arrivals of delegations including Mr. Hiuane Abacar from Mozambique and many members of the press who are flying into Seychelles to cover the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria. It was important for both the CEO of the Tourism Board and myself to see our level of preparedness to welcome the many big delegations coming for the carnival," Minister St.Ange said.
Every flight landing in Seychelles form tonight will have as passengers members of the many delegations participating in the coming carnival.
Vanilla Islands: Growing calendar of events to strengthen promotion of Indian Ocean
Apr 20, 2014
To help strengthen the tourism actions of cooperation and for the promotion in the Indian Ocean Region as a whole, the Vanilla Islands launched a list of events that today sit on the organisation's Calendar of Events. Thedivision to embark on a list of cultural events was one of the decision reached at a Ministerial Meeting of the Vanilla Islands. All the Member Islands agreed to participate in each of the " vanilla Islands " events, to strengthen these events.
After the Carnival International de Victoria of the Seychelles (April), the International Tourism Fair of Madagascar (May), the Liberté Métisse festival of La Reunion Island (December), a new "Vanilla Islands" event has been announced and it is by the Comoros. The Tourist Office of Comoros announced that on the 21st August they will be organising a Cultural & Gastronomic Fiesta event. "This is great news for the Indian Ocean Region. The Vanilla Islands is proudly showcasing the culture of its respective islands through this list events list appearing on the Organisation's Calendar of Events. These events are helping make our region more visible and this will help our tourism industry" said Alain St.Ange, the President of the Vanilla Islands & Minister for Tourism and Culture of the Seychelles.
2014 CARNIVAL STARTING FRIDAY NEXT WEEK
Seychelles Minister meets local carnival
Apr 19, 2014
Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture joined Tanmi production for a meeting with all the Seychelles local float participants for the coming 2014 edition of the island's carnival due to start on Friday 25th April. The 2014 Carnival Parade has registered 25 local floats. This year, the number of local float participants is on the rise and the quality of floats and chosen themes are remarkable. The twenty five local floats will parade in the streets of Victoria on 26th April for the Carnival Parade along with more than twenty six international carnival delegations. The 2014 Carnival Parade will take the same street as of 2013. All floats will align on “Bois de Rose” avenue and continue down the roads of “Francis Rachel”, “Palm Street” and “Fifth June Avenue”. The carnival delegations will then move into “Freedom Square” and Carnival Vehicles will continue down “Fifth June Avenue and stationed at Island Development Company Car Park (IDC).
Tanmi production has announced that the Land Transport Authority and the Police had agreed that "Bois de Rose Avenue" would be closed on Saturday as from 6am for the parade which will start at 3pm. All floats should be aligned on “Bois de Rose Avenue” at 10’oclock for pre-judging. Galen Bresson, responsible for Carnival Parade said judges will be stationed on Francis Street Rachel in front of Kenwyn House , in front of Clock Tower on Francis Rachel street and at the terminal on Palm Street. He urged the local float delegations to be in position at 10’oclock for pre-judging and positioned for the whistle blow. Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture attending the carnival local delegation’s meeting confirmed that over 150 International Journalists would be flying to Seychelles to cover the carnival, representing 82 media houses. He said that it’s the first time, since the hosting of Carnival that such a large contingent of International Press would be attending the event. Minister St.Ange appealed to local float participants from private and public sectors to use the presence of the large contingent of international Press to promote their companies and organisations.
The reason the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Seychelles Tourism Board are working hard in getting so many Press into the country is for you to use their presence to gain visibility for your companies and organisations. Local float delegations will be invited to attend the Carnival Press conference, to meet with the press and talk about your business. The carnival co-hosts and all the International carnival delegations will be doing the same, meet the press and work the press. This is what you all try do do at Tourism Trade Fairs you pay so much to get to, now the press is here on your door step, let us all join together and show woo every member of the press contingent by being who we are, the friendly creole Seychellois Nation" Minister St.Ange said.
Carnival of Carnivals Seychelles Kenya will have Masai dancers
Apr 19, 2014
Seychelles has confirmed that a group of the colorful Masai dancers will be flying the Kenya flag as they show to the world the Kenya Masai Culture during the 2014 Carnival International de Victoria in the Seychelles starting from the 25th April. This unique carnival that has been able to bring together all the best and most popular carnivals from around the world is this year being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal.
The Bomas Kenya Masai dancer represents in Kenya one of the most known and popular cultural groups of the country’s diversity and these colourful Masai Dancers will be parading the streets of Victoria in the Seychelles alongside the Notting Hill Carnival of the UK, the Carnival from Indonesia, the Brazil Carnival, the Carnival from Trinidad & Tobago, the Italy Carnival and the Carnival from Dusseldorf Germany. Over twenty other countries from the Community of Nations will also be joining the carnival parade with their very own Cultural Troupes to showcase their country and culture to the world through the large bank of International Press who continue to be in Seychelles to cover this carnival that they have themselves named the Carnival of Carnivals.
The colourful Masai Dancers are familiar and known to the western world for their jumping dance and for this edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria, the Bomas Masai folklore dance will grace the Carnival of Carnivals with their presence by showcasing Kenya’s authentic and rich culture. Both the locals and visitors to Seychelles will be able to enjoy a true experience of the Masai’s cultural values and their history during the coming celebrations in Seychelles.
The Kenyan Masai Group is set to arrive in Seychelles in time for the Carnival Press Conference schedule for the 24th April where they will be able to join the 26 odd International Delegations to tell the world that their respective countries are serious tourism destinations working to be more visible through their unique culture and by showcasing their people. The Bomas of Kenya Masai dancers will stage a number of performances during their short stay in Seychelles. Dressed in their traditional attire, they will be chanting and carrying spears in the People's Stadium for the Official Opening Ceremony of the Carnival on the 25th April. The proud Masai of Bomas folklore troupe will stage their jumping and bridal dances in the main carnival parade on the 26th April to help give a special feeling to the Carnaval International de Victoria.
Often portrayed as brave warriors, the tall and athletic men armed with a spear would in the past raid for cattle and kill lions, and they consumed raw food, such as milk and blood. They are hoping to get the Press and everyone at the Carnaval International de Victoria to appreciate their authentic performances in they bid to get Kenya more visible in the world of tourism.
The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture and their Tourism Board has expressed their appreciation for the help received by Madame Daphnee Bonne to get the Kenyan Masai Group to Seychelles.
Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners
INDIAN OCEAN TOURISM EVENT: CARNIVAL
Global media flock to Seychelles
Apr 19, 2014
Carnival time this year on the Seychelles is between April 25-27, a week after the Easter weekend and the right platform for the global “carnivalistas” to dust off their costumes and head to the archipelago for the 4th edition of this increasingly important carnival festival.
Co-hosted this year by “regular” La Reunion, the Vanilla Island of Mayotte has come on board, as did Madagascar, and the four are joined by South Africa’s Kwa Zulu Natal Province.
With a week to go until the festivities kick off at the Stade Popilar on Friday evening next week with what is promising to be the most colorful opening party yet, moderated by not one but three MCs speaking in Creole, English, and French, a record number of foreign carnival troupes have confirmed their participation, matched by a record number of journalists from around the world. Some 84 media houses are sending 151 journalists, photographers, and camera teams to Mahe to not just cover the event itself, but to also showcase the tropical Creole island paradise and its many natural, historical, and cultural attractions.
In fact, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has had to close the list a few days ago when still more requests for accreditation came in, so as to avoid that the team of minders from the Seychelles Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism, and associated organizations were still able to give maximum attention to each and every media person and be able to answer all the questions which no doubt will be asked.
Media houses from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, the Americas, the Middle East, India, South Africa, East Africa West Africa, Australia, Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and the Indian Ocean islands of La Reunion and Mauritius will all be in Seychelles to bring to the world the fourth edition of Carnaval International de Victoria.
Key participants in the huge media train of international press representing different continents are CCN International, French TV, BBC, Italy TV, CCTV, SABC, DSTV, MBC of the Middle East, Dubai Eye, Korean TV, Antenne Reunion, Zone Austral, MBC of Mauritius, and more who will all be giving exclusive coverage of the event to their home audiences.
RFI Radio France International announced already that it will go live on Sunday, April 27, for the Kiddies’ Carnival in Freedom Square.
A visibly enthusiastic and geared up Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said in a press release issued late yesterday: “Through this carnival, Seychelles and the region will be more than ever visible globally. We need to put our best foot forward and showcase the richness of our culture and the warmth of our people. We will ensure that every participating delegation and our co-hosts of La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal all receive due coverage as serious tourism destinations that have rallied together to showcase their culture and who are proudly putting their people at the center of their tourism promotion.”
This year, the organization of the carnival festival has for the first time been outsourced to an events company in Victoria, with the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture taking a step back from the sharp end of making things happen and concentrating on marketing the archipelago and showcasing the islands from their Sunday Best to the visiting media to get maximum coverage out of them.
On board this year for the first time are Air Seychelles and partner airline Etihad, main airline sponsors of the event, with many journalists and participating troupes arriving on Mahe with the Seychelles’ national airline, which by “Flying the Creole Spirit” will already put visitors into the right mood and mindset the moment they step on board for their journey to the archipelago.
Expect live reports and tweets from the islands, together with pictorials, feature articles, and interviews over the coming week and beyond, from Seychelles, which truly is “Another World.”
For more information, visit www.seychelles.travel and follow the festival events next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by clicking on www.eturbonews.com/africa orwww.wolfganghthome.wordpress.com
Get that “home away from home” experience in Seychelles
Apr 19, 2014
The Seychelles Islands continue to fight the perception that it is a destination for only the “peoples” of the world who are searching for only five-star properties. Over the years, many Seychellois joined the tourism industry and invested into brand-new establishments offering a piece of the Seychelles to potential holiday makers traveling in the tail-end of planes. This development in the tourism and hospitality industry by Seychellois was further accelerated after President James Michel appealed to Seychelles to claim back their industry, and for more Seychellois to get involved in their country`s tourism industry.
"The only way for the Seychelles tourism industry to be consolidated is for Seychellois to be encouraged to be involved in the industry that remains the pillar of their country`s economy. This approach will ensure the people of Seychelles defend and protect the industry our country needs so much. They will defend it because the industry will belong to them as well as to the bigger consortiums investing in Seychelles," Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said when he was reacting to questions during his latest door-to-door visits at tourism establishments on Praslin.
In an industry where competition is tight, everyone in Seychelles is trying hard to find the secret recipe to success. Many small Seychellois investors have found what they say is the right formula for Praslin, and this is investing in self-catering establishments. This trend of mid-range and budget accommodation not only attracts a wider range of visitors, but these smaller tourism establishments remain the choice for many travelers searching for exclusivity in an establishment where they can feel a “home away from home” experience.
Praslin Island, the second most highly-populated island of the Seychelles, is part of the inner island group of the Seychelles archipelago, and has over the last few years developed what is now considered a niche market for this kind of property. Statistics show that 50% of the total number of hotels on the island of Praslin are part of the self-catering category. Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, accompanied by Anne Lafortune, the Principal Secretary for Tourism; Sherin Naiken, the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board; and John Stravens, the Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality of Tourism Association (SHTA) were on Praslin on Tuesday, April 15, as part of the second phase of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture`s door-to-door visits to the island`s hotel establishments.
The visit in the Grand Anse area saw the Minister`s delegation visit the St. Joseph self-catering establishment, the Green Villas, Casa Verde, La Colombo D`or, Le Relax Beach Resort, Ocean Villa, the Beach Villa, Villa Favorita, La Cabanne des Pecheurs, La Cuvette, Chez Rona Self Catering, and Frangipalm Bungalow. The owners of all these properties are Seychellois, and they said that 50% of their business is repeat clients who are also very happy to recommend their establishments to their friends and colleagues. These Seychellois hoteliers explained that one of their most rewarding aspects of their business is to share their island`s authentic culture and tradition with their clients. Alain St.Ange, the Minister of Tourism and Culture said it was heartening to see young and dedicated Seychellois putting “their money where their mouth is” and managing their small establishments with success.
After the many points that are seen as challenges for Praslin hoteliers, such as dogs tied close to the fences of hotels, or simply the increase of dogs without a home, the Minister for Tourism said that such sad trends are starting to impact the tourism industry negatively. "Seychelles and every Seychellois need and want to see the tourism industry work. This is why I am taking the opportunity to appeal to every Seychellois to understand that their actions may sometimes be detrimental to the country`s industry that is the pillar of the economy of Seychelles. For example, the ongoing problem of sand flies on Praslin needs to be put under control, as is the noise made by blowers used to clean the roads in close proximity to hotels early in the morning and waking hotel guests who are here to enjoy a quiet holiday," Minister St.Ange said
The Minister and his delegation are expected to be back on Praslin for the third phase of the Ministry`s door-to-door visit of hotel establishments. On his way back to the Praslin Jetty to catch the ferry back to Mahe, Minister St.Ange stopped at Fond Ferdinand to see for himself the coco de mer seedling he had been invited to plant in 2012. "The coco de mer plant has now got its first leaf coming out of the soil, and it was a nice feeling to see this as it makes me feel part of this great nature garden where bearing coco de mer trees are so plentiful. Fond Ferdinand is a must for visitors and for Seychellois visiting Praslin," Minister Alain St.Ange said.
ANNUAL TOURISM EVENT IN SEYCHELLES
Seychelles Carnival of Carnivals ready to open this coming Friday
Apr 18, 2014
The 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria, baptized by the international press as the “Carnival of Carnivals” will be officially launched this coming Friday, April 25, in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles.
Confirmation from the Seychelles states that this year some 26 international delegations are flying to these mid-ocean islands for this year’s edition of the carnival that remains unique, because it is the only carnival that brings together all the best and most-known carnivals for them to parade together, followed by cultural troupes from the Community of Nations.
This year, the Notting Hill Carnival of the UK, the Brazil Carnival, the Carnival from Trinidad and Tobago, the Dusseldorf Carnival from Germany, the Carnival from Indonesia, and the Carnival from Italy have already all confirmed that they will again be in Seychelles to parade with cultural troupes from Seychelles, La Reunion, Mayotte, Madagascar, South Africa KwaZulu Natal, Bhutan, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa Cape Town (Minstrels), Kenya, China, USA of America, South Africa Pretoria, South Korea, DerTour of Germany, the Sami People of Sweden, India, and Bangladesh, etc.
The Seychelles will again this year witness an explosion of color through culture from so many countries coming together in what is now accepted as being a unique event that is worth talking about as this event goes beyond politics, religion, and the color of the skin. The Carnaval International de Victoria of the Seychelles is this year being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal.
The event is also seen as being a platform being used by tourism destinations for them to increase their visibility and ensure they remain relevant in the world of tourism. They all work to showcase their destination in front of all the contingent of international press who fly to Seychelles from the four corners of the world to cover this unique carnival of carnivals.
LOCALS AND TOURISTS WILL BE ATTENDING IN DROVES
ASEAN Secretary General compliments Seychelles Carnival 2014
Apr 17, 2014
Special Envoy of Seychelles for ASEAN, Nico Barito, called on the ASEAN Secretariat on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 for a courtesy visit to the Secretary General Mr. Le Luong Minh to reconfirm the Seychelles Minister of Tourism's invitation for the ASEAN Secretary General to attend the Carnaval International de Victoria 2014, the carnival that is this year being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal. During the discussions at the visit, Mr. Barito explained to His Excellency Mr. Minh the commitment of small island nations like Seychelles to work on an international tourism network by presenting vibrant cultures of various countries in the presence of the world press. More than 25 countries have confirmed that they will be part of the 2014 edition of the “Carnival of Carnivals” that is staged annually in the Seychelles. This annual event has been the stage for a melting pot of cultures for the diverse participants to perform for international tourism visibility in front of a large bank of international media.
The Secretary General of ASEAN, Mr. Le Luong Minh, complimented the initiative of Seychelles to host the Carnaval International de Victoria, since this is not merely a people’s festival, but an interaction of culture among nations. Mr. Minh will encourage more ASEAN countries to participate in the Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria in Seychelles, since the carnival is also a vehicle to bring closer the good friendship between Seychelles, the mainland African nations, and the ASEAN countries. He added that tourism and culture promotion can also promote the people-to-people contacts, such as small- medium-sized businesses and creative economy actors between ASEAN countries and Africa.
Mr. Barito mentioned that Seychelles and Indonesia have initiated the Forum of Small Medium Enterprises of the Africa ASEAN “FORSEAA,” which has been supported by ministers and ambassadors from ASEAN and African countries. The Secretary General of ASEAN is fully supportive to this forum, and he will consider to lead a delegation from ASEAN countries to the Seychelles to meet with counterparts from Africa at an appropriate time in 2014.
Seychelles calls for multi-sectarian meeting to address tourism issues
Apr 17, 2014
The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture has echoed for a multi-sectarian meeting with government authorities, destination management companies, tourism establishments, and airline companies to discuss pertinent issues raised in its series of door-to-door meetings with these respective trade partners in the tourism industry. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, believes that this cohesive approach is pivotal to get everyone in a roundtable discussion to look and assess issues raised by destination management companies, tourism establishments, and airlines touching different ministries such as finance, land use and habitat, environment, employment, transport, and others.
“For the tourism industry to continue to move forward, it is today more important than ever before to have a round-table discussion between the private sector and a cross-section of other ministries. Many issues raised in the door-to-door visits cannot be solved by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture alone. The private sector trade recognizes the need for this meeting, so that they can meet with the ministries concerned and together look at some issues which are persisting,” Minister St.Ange said.
On Friday, April 11, Minister Alain St.Ange; Anne Lafortune, the Principal Secretary for Tourism; Jennifer Sinon, the Director of Human Resource at the Seychelles Tourism Board; and Sinha Levkovic continued with the ministry's door-to-door visits at destination management companies and airlines after their initial series of meetings at tourism establishments at Praslin which was followed by one at Emirates Airlines. Mihin Lanka was the first airline company the Minister and his technicians visited last Friday. The ministerial delegation was welcomed by Sandy Kellar, General Manager of Mihin Lanka, and his team. Mihin Lanka started its operation in Seychelles in 2013 with an Airbus A320 and A340.
Sandy Kellar briefed the Minister and his team on the company’s plan to add a third frequency during the course of the year on the Seychelles-Colombo route. The General Manager of Mihin Lanka proudly announced a newly-introduced, twelve-seater business class on its flights from the month of June. Minister St.Ange said that he was happy to hear that Mihin Lanka was growing its passenger numbers and that it was tapping successfully into the Chinese market. Minister St.Ange encouraged the Seychelles Tourism Board to work more closely with Mihin Lanka to further develop the Chinese market for Seychelles. Challenges seen by Mihin Lanka were discussed with Minister St.Ange in the presence of the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka accredited to Seychelles.
The Minister’s next stop last Friday was at Pure Escapes, a travel agency specializing in the former East Bloc market. Besides Russia being Pure Escapes' core market, 40% of its clients are from the Ukraine. Pure Escapes is also venturing into new markets such as Georgia and Azerbaijan.
The Minister then visited Mason's Travel, Elite Travel, and Creole Travel Services.
Joseph Albert, Creole Travel Services Chairman, described Minister St.Ange’s visit to the DMCs and at Creole Travel Service as historical.
“You’ve made our day, Minister. It’s the first time a Minister of Tourism has set foot in Creole Travel Services to talk with our workers and our management team. We’ve heard a lot of tourism being the country’s prime income earner. Creole Travel Services financially contributes immensely to this economy,” said Joseph Albert, the Chairman of Creole Travel Services.
After this visit, Minister St.Ange visited Air Seychelles’ head office at the airport which was the last meeting of the first phase of visits to destination management companies and airlines. At Air Seychelles, Minister St.Ange was welcomed by Manoj Papa, the Chief Executive of Air Seychelles, and his corporate team. Minister St.Ange congratulated Air Seychelles on its brilliant success in recording a second consecutive year of net profitability.
“The Ministry of Tourism and Culture recognizes your company’s success and congratulates you for this brilliant performance. Today, the airline is on solid footing and growing year by year,” said Minister St.Ange. The Minister also thanked Air Seychelles with their partner Etihad for being the partner airline for the Carnaval International de Victoria.
The corporate team of the airline briefed the Minister on the upcoming projects, among which includes the company’s new approach to market the airline and destination in Mauritius and other target markets. The company also briefed the Minister of the program to introduce its new signature dish on its airline - a joint partnership with the island's hotels and restaurants. The airline desires for hotels to re-look into their packages in the traditional low period.
Pertinent issues that were raised during meetings with destination management companies included an appeal to re-look at the government’s decision to close down fast-track immigration counter services for destination management companies as of June 2014. Destination management companies said the service is vital for its discerning clients. Some destination management companies voiced concerns over their suppliers bypassing the government regulation for transactions in the country to be in local currency only. Minister St.Ange said that anyone transacting in foreign currency was acting “illegally” as it defeats the efforts of the Seychelles government to see transaction in local currency only. The Minister said he will address this concern with the Ministry of Finance.
Withholding tax on marketing, advertising, and promotion was another concern raised by some destination management companies. This was seen as punishing them for going out to market Seychelles as they argued that most of their promotions and marketing are done overseas and not in Seychelles. Destination management companies re-enforced the need for closer working partnerships with hotels, large and small.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture said at the end of the day's visit that it believes that the door-to-door visits at airlines and destination management companies was as important as the visit to hotel establishments are.
“It is more than ever important to have this open dialogue with the private sector. This keeps us abreast with how the private sectors work, and gets us to better understand their challenges. During today's visits, it was clear that everyone wants to work with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Tourism Board to consolidate the industry for the long term. Yes, we have challenges, but they can and they will be resolved only by everyone working together,” Minister Alain St.Ange said.
Minister St.Ange said that he will complete the visits with DMCs and airlines in the coming week as he also continues with the door-to-door visits on Praslin before moving on with that exercise on La Digue, Mahe, and the other islands. Following this series of meetings, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture is hoping to organize group meetings with destination management companies, airlines, large hotels, small hotels, and stand-alone restaurants. The Minister said that after that he will look at dive centers, boat charter companies, car hires, and boat charter companies.
Record-breaking numbers of international press flying to Seychelles
Apr 16, 2014
The 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria in Seychelles that is this year being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal, has registered a record-breaking number of international press converging to the islands to capture the strong moments of the event set to be held from April 25-27.
For the first time ever, 151 international journalists from nearly 84 media houses, from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Denmark, Netherlands, Czech Republic, the Americas, the Middle East, India, South Africa & Africa, Australia, Korea, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and the Indian Ocean Islands of La Reunion and Mauritius will all be in Seychelles to bring to the world the fourth edition of Carnaval International de Victoria.
It is now just over a week to the grand opening of the Carnival on April 25, and the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture had to close down the list of international press delegations as demands to the cover this sumptuous event keeps increasing daily.
The spotlight of the huge bank of international press representing different audio-visual mediums and publications are CCN International, French TV, BBC, Italy TV, CCTV, SABC, DSTV, MBC of the Middle East, Dubai Eye, Korean TV, Antenne Reunion, Zone Austral, MBC of Mauritius, and more will all be giving exclusive coverage to the event.
Whereas, RFI Radio France International announced that it will go live on Sunday, April 27, for the Kiddies’ Carnival in Freedom Square. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said: “Through this carnival, Seychelles and the region will be more than ever visible globally. We need to put our best foot forward and showcase the richness of our culture and the warmth of our people. We will ensure that every participating delegation and our co-hosts of La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal all receive due coverage as serious tourism destinations that have rallied together to showcase their culture and who are proudly putting their people at the center of their tourism promotion."
India will be presented in the Carnaval International de Victoria in the Seychelles
Apr 15, 2014
The participation of an Indian Cultural Troupe in this year's Carnaval International de Victoria in the Seychelles has been confirmed. The Seychelles Tourism Board has said that confirmation has been received to say that a delegation of Indian artistes from Chenai, Tamilnadu will be flying in to take part in this year's Carnival that is being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal.
The Indian Cultural Troupe will arrive in Seychelles on Tuesday 22nd April and will depart on Tuesday 29th April. The Indian Cultural Troupe will consists of folk dancers with drums.
The Indian Cultural Troupe's participation is being sponsored by the Indian Trading Community of Seychelles, where all accommodation requirements are being provided by the Pillay R Group of Seychelles. VMK Medical Enterprises of Seychelles will take care of Cultural Troupes local expenses.
Mr K. D. Pillay of Chez Deenu Pty Ltd, the main coordinator for this Indian Cultural Troupe's participation in the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria said that he I was confident that the folk dancers from India would give a good performance in the Carnival float parade.
"The list of International Delegations is getting longer year after year and each and every country represented by one of their cultural troupe are showcasing their country's unique selling points using their culture and in so doing their people. One's culture has our very own DNA and we should never be shy of associating our culture in the marketing and promotion of our country in the world of tourism" said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture.
AFRICA TOURIST EVENTS
South Africa KwaZulu Natal to bring cultural delegation to Seychelles carnival
Apr 15, 2014
Phindile Ngcobo, the Chief Operating Officer of Tourism for KwaZulu Natal of South Africa, has confirmed that the cultural delegation from KwaZulu Natal for the Carnaval International de Victoria will showcase their cultural diversity that exists in KwaZulu Natal.
"Our delegation will showcase who we are and how representative we are," said a representative of the KwaZulu Natal delegation. South Africa KwaZulu Natal is ensuring that they are represented by a strong delegation that is representative of various KwaZulu Natal partners, including the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu, Trade & Investment KwaZulu Natal, and the KwaZulu Natal Sharks Board.
The 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria is being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal. This edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria has some 26 international delegations from the Community of Nations who will be parading alongside another 28+ local floats. All the world's major and most known carnivals have already confirmed their presence in the carnival parade on April 26 in Victoria. These include the Notting Hill Carnival of the UK, the Brazil Carnival, the Italy Carnival, the Dusseldorf Carnival of Germany, the Indonesia Carnival, and the Carnival of Trinidad & Tobago.
Close to 150 members of the international press have also confirmed that they will be in Seychelles to cover the carnival that will start with a “Dialogue with the Press” on Thursday, April 24, on a special charter onboard the luxury fast ferry “Cat Cocos.” Representatives of all international delegations dressed in their carnival costumes will also be on board the “Cat Cocos” Fast Ferry to give a carnival atmosphere before the press meeting is formally opened. The press will then see all the international delegations on Friday night at the Official Opening Ceremony, and they will also join the thousands to watch the big Carnaval Parade on Saturday, April 26.
"This year CNN, BBC, French TV RFI, SABC, CCTV, Travel Talk from Canada, Antenne Reunion, OI7 Television, MBC of Mauritius, the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), Television from Italy, Dubai Eye TV, DSTV, Korean Travel News, Tele Kreol of La Reunion, and Zone Austral of La Reunion, among many other members of the press, will all be covering the carnival. Coverage for all participating delegations was a promise we made, and this is more coverage and interaction with the press than any tourism office can get at any tourism trade fair," said Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture.
"It's really great news that the event will have such widespread global coverage, and we look forward to being part of the celebrations," said Phindile Ngcobo, the Chief Operating Officer of Tourism KwaZulu Natal, who will herself be traveling to Seychelles with her delegation for the carnival.
SEYCHELLES EVENT FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS DRAWING BIG CROWD
Opening Ceremony for Seychelles Carnival moves to accommodate larger crowd
Apr 14, 2014
From the first edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria, the Official Opening Ceremony of the event was always in the heart of Victoria, with the beautiful "Clock Tower" as the symbolic backdrop.
This year, for the first time, the Opening Ceremony of the carnival will be held in the "Stad Popiler” or “People’s Stadium" in Victoria. The center of Victoria next to the Clock Tower has become too small to accommodate the large crowd for the Official Opening Ceremony. The Official Opening Ceremony of the Carnaval International de Victoria is a grand ceremony, full of rhythm and bursting with color, under the theme of “cultural diversity in the world of carnivals.”
Lasting for about an hour and a half, the organizers will this year be offering a breathtaking spectacle, with the best moments of the show being a great musical repertoire of Seychellois and international artists. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, and the Tanmi Production house team, tendered to organize the carnival, police, foreign affairs, state security, Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, that were all this week at “Stad popiler” to inspect the site. "We are now but two weeks before the Official Opening Veremony,” Minister St.Ange said.
Minister St.Ange also said that one of the strong moments of the one-and-a-half-hour show, will be the beating of the drums by Seychellois and by many of the international delegations participating in the carnival.
“It will be an excellent show - one where we will show the cultural diversity of nations and showcase the meaning to our tagline of the melting pot of cultures,” Minister St.Ange said.
After the Opening Ceremony in the "Stad Popiler," a great musical repertoire of Seychellois and international artists will take to the stage to wow the audience. Minister St.Ange said that the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture heard the plea of the nation that for the past three editions they did not get the chance to fully appreciate the official opening ceremony.
“The center of Victoria, where we have staged this annual event, is becoming too small. We didn’t realize that carnival would grow so fast and that it would become the Seychelles’ biggest national event. Yes, in the past, dignitaries managed to see the show, but the public, the biggest chunk of the population, didn’t see it properly. We’ve listened to the nation and have acted on their recommendations. Today we’re still keeping Victoria as the location of our official opening, but we’re putting the show in a stadium where all Seychellois and our visitors alike can all better appreciate the Official Opening Ceremony show.”
“Stad popiler” will be able to accommodate the large crowd expected to be present for the Official Opening Ceremony and for the great musical show that will follow, the National Sports Council said. Tanmi Production said the positioning of the stage in the middle of the playing field will provide a better view for people watching the free open air show.
Seychelles Minister of Tourism calls on Emirates
Apr 13, 2014
The Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, has been continuing his “door-to-door” visits to DMCs (destination management companies) and airline offices.
Minister St.Ange started this series of visits two weeks ago on the Grand Anse side of the island of Praslin when he stopped at some 27 hotel properties. On Tuesday next week he is scheduled to be back again on Praslin to continue with his door-to-door visits of hotels. "This will continue until we have visited every establishment on the list of 117 hotels and guest-houses on Praslin and until we have sat down with the owners or managers of each establishment and heard directly from them what they see as challenges and also share with them what they feel they have achieved for themselves as their successes," Minister St.Ange said.
These hotel visits also give the opportunity for Minister St.Ange and his delegation to meet with many of the staff at these establishments and to have a feel about their job satisfaction.
Last week the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture and his delegation, which included Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism; Jenifer Sinon from the Seychelles Tourism Board; Sinha Levkovic from the Product Management Department of Tourism; and Sandy Ally, the PAM for the Minister's Office, continued his door-to-door visits with calls on DMCs and airline offices.
Minister St.Ange was greeted by Oomar Ramtoola and Denise Rassool on his arrival at the Emirates Office in Victoria on Thursday of last week. Mr. Ramtoola, the Regional Representative of Emirates, had flown into the Seychelles especially for this meeting with Minister St.Ange and his delegation.
After greeting every member of the Emirates staff, Minister St.Ange and his delegation sat with the management team of Emirates Seychelles to hear from Emirates their views of the Seychelles tourism industry and the challenges they see.
"The meeting was frank, interesting, and very important for the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. We heard of positive news that for the two coming months the Emirates flights to Seychelles were already fully booked. We also heard of the challenge faced by Emirates with Seychelles being their only station where they still cannot offer online check-in. We spoke about applicable costs as we did hear of staff conditions of employment. All in all the meeting was seen by both parties as a positive exercise for Seychelles tourism," Minister St.Ange said.
Travel and tourism gets things moving: Case study of Seychelles Minister
Apr 13, 2014
Anita Mendiratta of the CNN TASK GROUP published on April 11, 2014 the latest from CNN TASK: Travel & Tourism leaders close-up, this time a Minister of Tourism.
http://www.eturbonews.com/44588/building-tourism-destinations-listening-...
@WTTC @visitseychelles @CNNprUK
Anita Mendiratta writes: The global tourism community takes great pride in the ability of the sector to enhance the economic, social, environmental and ideological wellbeing of nations, enriching the lives of travelers and hosts alike. It brings people, policies and practices together, unlocking minds, ideas, and resources. And it provides countries with a powerful spirit of competitiveness, which may in fact be best realized through cooperation.
Travel and tourism gets people, trade, investment, understanding and opportunity moving forward.
With close to 266 million people directly employed by the travel & tourism sector worldwide (equating to over 9% of all jobs worldwide), the responsibility to ensure that tourism ‘works’ is a widely shared one. Hundreds of thousands of business leaders carefully monitor metrics to ensure the ink stays black, the returns continue to be realized. And within governments, public sector players carefully navigate tourism development to ensure that growth is inclusive, sustainable, well planned, well intentioned, well thought through, for the greater wellbeing for all people of the destination be they involved in tourism or not.
With so much at stake, where does the role of oversight and optimization ultimately sit?
Through CNN TASK’s monthly ‘Compass’ articles, as part of examining it the drivers of tourism growth, a closer look will be taken at various leaders in the sector, both in the public and private sectors, from across the traveler experience chain. Using examples from across the travel and tourism world, windows will be opened to different ways of thinking, and different ways of working.
The goal: to reveal where the compass of tourism growth is pointing for destinations seeking meaningful, equitable growth through tourism economy development and advancement.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INVISIBLE
When it comes to tourism industry activity, it is the efforts of the private sector – the business community – that commands the greatest attention. The commercial operations of tourism accommodation, infrastructure operations, attractions, and supporting services are most able to enjoy the visibility and appreciation of onlookers for their contribution to tourism sector growth and advancement. The busyness is most often seen and heard through business.
Often unseen, and unappreciated, however, is the effort made by government to guide, nurture and path clear effective tourism sector development. At the head of the table when it comes to government-lead development of travel and tourism: the Minister of Tourism (also referred to as the Secretary of Tourism).
With economic, social, environmental and other crisis challenging the wellbeing of nations across the globe, the importance of the tourism economy has enjoyed a rise in awareness and credibility over the past decade. This understanding is fueled by nations recognizing the ability of the tourism sector to help nations get people, programs and promises of earnings back on their feet. As a result, the importance of the role of the Minister of Tourism has increased. As has its profile.
But what exactly is the mandate of the government’s chief champion for tourism?
And how do they turn the promise of enrichment into a working, long-term reality?
While different destinations will have slightly differing details in their mandates, essentially the role of the Minister of Tourism is grounded in the same principles: responsible, sustainable, inclusive, cooperative and equitable growth and development of the tourism sector and its resulting economy, executed for the benefit of all people of the destination, as well as the competitiveness of the nation in attracting visitors, investment, earnings and positive image.
But how do they make it happen? Vision, creativity, leadership ability and agility are job requirements, as clearly revealed when examining the role of a Minister of Tourism through the reflections of one such leader. Destination in focus: the Seychelles.
PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT
An island nation in the Indian Ocean neighboring Africa’s eastern coastline, while small in geographic size and remotely located, the Seychelles has become a destination with a reputation for ‘punching above its weight’. Its vital statistics clearly reflect the critical role of tourism, successful tourism, to its future growth and well-being:
Population: 88,000
GDP in 2013: USD 1.13billion
% GDP from Tourism: 56.5% (compared to 9.5% globally)
Visitors in 2013: 265,000
Visitor Exports generated by Tourism: 37%
% Employment from Tourism: greater than 55%
Ranking in WEF Tourism Competitiveness (2013): #1 in Africa (#38 on global ranking)
% Total Investment going to Tourism: 25%
The man behind the tourism machine that is the Seychelles: Alain St.Ange, Honorable Minister of Tourism.
How does he define the responsibility of tourism leadership that sits squarely on his shoulders? In his own words:
“It is accepted by one and all in Seychelles that Tourism remains the pillar of the island's economy. As the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism my mandate remains to take the Government policy forward.
This also means remaining in touch with the industry players and with our people. The policy covers above all the duty to defend and protect the tourism industry, and to ensure that it is consolidated for the long term.
To achieve this I know that I need our people to be integrated in the tourism industry of our Seychelles. This is why the Government of Seychelles invited Seychelles to work in a united manner to claim back its tourism industry. This appeal has worked and today more Seychellois, than even before, are benefitting from their tourism industry.
Today, the situation is very different indeed as more informed travelers with higher expectations of their holiday experience, seek to get beneath the skin of the country they are visiting and to return home culturally enriched by the experience.
Whether we realize it or not, we are all being transformed by this dynamic and by what it bodes for our increasing interconnectedness, and for the terrain we must navigate in the future.
We are, I believe, all discovering that for our tourism to remain attractive to this new generation of clued-up, increasingly discerning globe-trotters we must exploit the wider set of our destination's attributes, digging into our respective cultures to lend travelers a fresh perspective on all that we have to offer.
This in turn, implies greater engagement with our populations whose support we need to take our tourism industry to the next level and who can find their livelihoods transformed in return as a result of this exciting new synergy.”
Central to the success of tourism destinations is making tourism an industry that all nationals are able to genuinely support, whether they work in the industry or not. Embedding the understanding around the value of the tourism economy is an essential basis of understanding for holistic support of the sector through all parts, and players, in the nation’s economy and society.
Why is Seychelles an example in this regard? As explained by the Hon. Minister of Tourism:
“I have always known that if I wanted to build awareness across Seychelles I needed to make the industry more relevant to all people of Seychelles. Tourism is so important for Seychelles that it needs the population at large to remain updated so that the importance of the industry is appreciated, and the relevance of the industry that remains the pillar of their economy is understood. This means that every single national must be continuously informed of what tourism does for them, why it matters to them.
This is not a behind the scenes job. The position of Minister of Tourism is not about sitting behind a desk. Because when visitor arrival numbers are down, when length of stay drops, the buck stops with you, when the yield from tourism is down, the buck also lands with you. A Tourism Minister must also be ready to be involved with local business interests, guiding local development, as well as international Bodies and Conferences to ensure the country remains as visible as possible and in so doing remain relevant in the world of tourism. Ministers of Tourism must work with passion and only passion. It cannot only be a position with a title.”
For many destinations, and their tourism leaders, it’s not only about a responsibility within borders. For many destinations, regional cooperation is vital to not just tourism growth, but survival. Creative approaches to sector advancement, including competition through cooperation, leveraging partnerships, eliminating barriers and stimulating year-round visitor activity, have become essential strategic levers for many destinations.
When reflecting on the tireless efforts made by the Seychelles in developing strong operating relationships across the African continent, Hon. Minister St.Ange takes on an ‘abundance’ based approach:
“I believe that unity is strength. Developing regional partnerships can only grow the region's tourism cake. This is obvious even to the most naive and skeptical observers. No island can be an island on to itself. This is a policy of the past and a remedy for disaster.
A transformative aspect of today's brand of tourism we are following as Seychelles is cross-border approach as we are witnessing with the upcoming 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria, now co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal. This is a clear example of States which may once have considered themselves as rivals in tourism, coming together in an initiative to market, not only themselves but their region.
Another example of Seychelles playing its part is in the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands and the East3Route cross -border tourism investment initiative between Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa and now Seychelles.
These kind of collaborations between neighbors and erstwhile rival states bears a clear message of the benefits of co-operation in the global marketplace and the potential for transforming lives across entire regions through joint tourism initiatives.
Today the world in which we live is changing very rapidly as the internet, social media and increased inter-connectivity between peoples at all levels of society is bringing about change at an unprecedented pace and intensity. There is practically no area of human endeavor that has remained untouched in this roller-coaster ride on the back of these ever-burgeoning technologies which create fantastic opportunities, as well as challenges in this brave new world we are entering.
As a classic example of a people-oriented industry, tourism, upon which many of our region's economies depend to a greater or lesser extent, continues to experience profound change, forcing us to re-evaluate our approach to what makes our respective destinations attractive to consumers, and which channels we use to get the message across in the ever-more-crowded, global market place. Less than two decades ago, Seychelles was very much relying on its sun, sea and sand ticket to attract visitors to our shores, even though it is widely accepted that we have the best in a sun, sea and sand holiday. Today we are all the stronger as a destination, and as the people of the Seychelles, because we our thinking smarter, and working smarter.”
One nation, one destination, one leader, one perspective.
In any destination across the globe, the role of government is vital to the success of tourism sector growth, development and competiveness. Likewise, the role of tourism is for the unification of the people of the destination through economic, social, environmental and ideological advancement and identity.
A critical stakeholder in the mix: the Minister of Tourism.
The Sami People: Sweden's representation at the Seychelles carnival
Apr 13, 2014
The 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria which is being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal will see the participation of Sweden for the first time.
The request for the SAMI People to be present in Seychelles for the carnival was made by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture when he was in Umea on the occasion of that Swedish City being awarded the title of the Cultural Capital of Europe. Minister St.Ange said that he was impressed by the singing of the SAMI People as they entertained the invited delegates at the Governor's Residence in Umea in the presence of Sweden's Princess Royal on the occasion of the Official Ceremonies in Umea.
Lennart Swenson, the Seychelles Honorary Consul in Sweden accompanied Minister Alain St.Ange at the different bilateral meetings he held in Sweden including when he lodged his request for a representation of the SAMI PEOPLE to be in Seychelles for the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria. The SAMI PEOPLE primarily rear and hunt Rain Deers in the mountains of Sweden and neighbouring Countries. They have a very distinct culture which was until recently not recognised by Sweden.
Confirmation has now been received that two people from the SAMI PEOPLE will be in Seychelles for the 2014 edition of the carnival. Mr Jörgen Stenberg is a musician from the mountain 'tribe'. He will be accompanied by Ms Lii Andersson in their traditional clothes and they will be performing at the opening ceremony of the carnival as well as parade in the carnival parade on the Saturday.
The Swedish delegation will be headed by Mrs Alenskär who will be representing the Government of Sweden. An "official program" for Mrs Alenskär is being prepared to enable her to follow-up on the different cooperation programs existing between Sweden and Seychelles.
SEYCHELLES TOURISM BOARD PRELAUNCHES EXCITING NEW COFFEE TABLE BOOK ON DIVING
Seychelles - Unexpected Treasures, at Singapore's ASIAN DIVE EXPO
Apr 12, 2014
Seychelles Tourism Board prelaunches exciting new coffee table book on diving: Seychelles - Unexpected Treasures, at Singapore's ASIAN DIVE EXPO
The CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, (STB) Sherin Naiken and tourism consultant Glynn Burridge attended the Asian Dive Expo in Singapore on Friday 11th April 2014 where Ms. Naiken prelaunched Seychelles' latest addition to its suite of promotional coffee table books, the spectacular collection of underwater images by renowned Nikon Professional Photographer, Imran Ahmad who came to Seychelles to photorgraph its beauty above and beneath the waves, travelling as far as Aldabra where the many of the book's photography was shot.
The prelaunch took place at the Seychelles stand at the Asian dive expo that Seychelles traditionally attends to promote its attractions as a dive destination and which proved to be an appropriate backdrop. The Seychelles stand was manned Seychelles' marketing officers Mavreen Pouponneau and Maria Morel with Seychelles' Tourism Ambasador, Susanne Rose also in attendance.
The limited stock of Seychelles: Unexpected Treasures books immediately proved popular with passers by as Seychelles' latest coffee table book experienced its first sales. A complementary copy was also presented to Mrs Rose, the Seychelles Tourism Ambassador in Singapore.
"This spectacular collection of images of Seychelles' underwater world is certainly one that does Seychelles proud. Many divers do not know of Seychelles as a superb diving destination and, perhaps, in the interests of conservation, we have been partially responsible for that but, thanks to this book, the secret is definitely out", commented Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism & Culture, and Glynn Burridge, the tourism board's chief copywriter, collaborated with Imran Ahmad on the production of the coffee table book, ably assisted by the production department of the Tourism Board of Seychelles. Seychelles: Unexpected Treasures book is already registered in two international book competitions: one for diving and one for excellence in printing.
The 'Seychelles: Unexpected Treasures' Coffee Table Book will be officially launched by Seychelles Minister St.Ange and co-author/publisher of the book at the press conference of the Carnaval International de Victoria (25-27 April 2014) after which it will be on sale to the public.
Bangladesh confirms their participation in the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria in Seychelles
Apr 12, 2014
The Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Bangladesh, Md. Amiruzzaman has confirmed that he has successfully negotiated to have a Cultural Delegation from Bangladesh to parade in the 2014 Carnaval International de Victoria in Seychelles. This year the Carnival in Seychelles is being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal and it is seen as the perfect opportunities for countries from the Community of Nations to be seen flying their flags and showcasing their culture and in so doing their people as a base for their very own tourism marketing.
The Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Bangladesh said in a letter "As per our discussion, I would like to confirm Bangladesh Group presence in the International Carnival De Victoria. They will accompany with me on 22nd April via Srilankan Airlines. They will join opening session of carnival on 25th evening" Md Amiruzzaman said.
The Seychelles Honorary Consul in Bangladesh said that hegaped that the presence by Bangladesh in the Carnaval International de Victoria will help strengthen the relationship between the two friendly countries - Seychelles and Bangladesh.
Building tourism destinations: Listening to the leaders
BY ANITA MENDIRATTA, CNN TASK GROUP | APR 11, 2014
The global tourism community takes great pride in the ability of the sector to enhance the economic, social, environmental and ideological wellbeing of nations, enriching the lives of travellers and hosts alike. It brings people, policies and practices together, unlocking minds, ideas, and resources. And it provides countries with a powerful spirit of competitiveness, which may in fact be best realized through cooperation.
Travel and tourism gets people, trade, investment, understanding and opportunity moving forward.
With close to 266 million people directly employed by the travel & tourism sector worldwide (equating to over 9% of all jobs worldwide), the responsibility to ensure that tourism ‘works’ is a widely shared one. Hundreds of thousands of business leaders carefully monitor metrics to ensure the ink stays black, the returns continue to be realized.
And within governments, public sector players carefully navigate tourism development to ensure that growth is inclusive, sustainable, well planned, well intentioned, well thought through, for the greater wellbeing for all people of the destination be they involved in tourism or not.
With so much at stake, where does the role of oversight and optimization ultimately sit?
Through CNN TASK’s monthly ‘Compass’ articles, as part of examining it the drivers of tourism growth, a closer look will be taken at various leaders in the sector, both in the public and private sectors, from across the traveller experience chain. Using examples from across the travel and tourism world, windows will be opened to different ways of thinking, and different ways of working.
The goal: to reveal where the compass of tourism growth is pointing for destinations seeking meaningful, equitable growth through tourism economy development and advancement.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE INVISIBLE
When it comes to tourism industry activity, it is the efforts of the private sector – the business community – that commands the greatest attention. The commercial operations of tourism accommodation, infrastructure operations, attractions, and supporting services are most able to enjoy the visibility and appreciation of onlookers for their contribution to tourism sector growth and advancement. The busyness is most often seen and heard through business.
Often unseen, and unappreciated, however, is the effort made by government to guide, nurture and path clear effective tourism sector development. At the head of the table when it comes to government-lead development of travel and tourism: the Minister of Tourism (also referred to as the Secretary of Tourism).
With economic, social, environmental and other crisis challenging the wellbeing of nations across the globe, the importance of the tourism economy has enjoyed a rise in awareness and credibility over the past decade. This understanding is fueled by nations recognising the ability of the tourism sector to help nations get people, programmes and promises of earnings back on their feet. As a result, the importance of the role of the Minister of Tourism has increased. As has its profile.
But what exactly is the mandate of the government’s chief champion for tourism?
And how do they turn the promise of enrichment into a working, long-term reality?
While different destinations will have slightly differing details in their mandates, essentially the role of the Minister of Tourism is grounded in the same principles: responsible, sustainable, inclusive, cooperative and equitable growth and development of the tourism sector and its resulting economy, executed for the benefit of all people of the destination, as well as the competitiveness of the nation in attracting visitors, investment, earnings and positive image.
But how do they make it happen? Vision, creativity, leadership ability and agility are job requirements, as clearly revealed when examining the role of a Minister of Tourism through the reflections of one such leader. Destination in focus: the Seychelles.
PUNCHING ABOVE ITS WEIGHT
An island nation in the Indian Ocean neighbouring Africa’s eastern coastline, while small in geographic size and remotely located, the Seychelles has become a destination with a reputation for ‘punching above its weight’. Its vital statistics clearly reflect the critical role of tourism, successful tourism, to its future growth and well-being:
Population: 88,000
GDP in 2013:USD 1.13billion
% GDP from Tourism: 56.5% (compared to 9.5% globally)
Visitors in 2013: 265,000
Visitor Exports generated by Tourism: 37%
% Employment from Tourism: greater than 55%
Ranking in WEF Tourism Competitiveness (2013): #1 in Africa (#38 on global ranking)
% Total Investment going to Tourism: 25%
The man behind the tourism machine that is the Seychelles: Alain St Ange, Honourable Minister of Tourism.
How does he define the responsibility of tourism leadership that sits squarely on his shoulders? In his own words:
“It is accepted by one and all in Seychelles that Tourism remains the pillar of the island's economy. As the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism my mandate remains to take the Government policy forward.
This also means remaining in touch with the industry players and with our people. The policy covers above all the duty to defend and protect the tourism industry, and to ensure that it is consolidated for the long term.
To achieve this I know that I need our people to be integrated in the tourism industry of our Seychelles. This is why the Government of Seychelles invited Seychelles to work in a united manner to claim back its tourism industry. This appeal has worked and today more Seychellois, than even before, are benefitting from their tourism industry.
Today, the situation is very different indeed as more informed travellers with higher expectations of their holiday experience, seek to get beneath the skin of the country they are visiting and to return home culturally enriched by the experience.
Whether we realise it or not, we are all being transformed by this dynamic and by what it bodes for our increasing interconnectedness, and for the terrain we must navigate in the future.
We are, I believe, all discovering that for our tourism to remain attractive to this new generation of clued-up, increasingly discerning globe-trotters we must exploit the wider set of our destination's attributes, digging into our respective cultures to lend travellers a fresh perspective on all that we have to offer.
This in turn, implies greater engagement with our populations whose support we need to take our tourism industry to the next level and who can find their livelihoods transformed in return as a result of this exciting new synergy.”
Central to the success of tourism destinations is making tourism an industry that all nationals are able to genuinely support, whether they work in the industry or not. Embedding the understanding around the value of the tourism economy is an essential basis of understanding for holistic support of the sector through all parts, and players, in the nation’s economy and society.
Why is Seychelles an example in this regard? As explained by the Hon. Minister of Tourism:
“I have always known that if I wanted to build awareness across Seychelles I needed to make the industry more relevant to all people of Seychelles. Tourism is so important for Seychelles that it needs the population at large to remain updated so that the importance of the industry is appreciated, and the relevance of the industry that remains the pillar of their economy is understood. This means that every single national must be continuously informed of what tourism does for them, why it matters to them.
This is not a behind the scenes job. The position of Minister of Tourism is not about sitting behind a desk. Because when visitor arrival numbers are down, when length of stay drops, the buck stops with you, when the yield from tourism is down, the buck also lands with you. A Tourism Minister must also be ready to be involved with local business interests, guiding local development, as well as international Bodies and Conferences to ensure the country remains as visible as possible and in so doing remain relevant in the world of tourism. Ministers of Tourism must work with passion and only passion. It cannot only be a position with a title.”
For many destinations, and their tourism leaders, it’s not only about a responsibility within borders. For many destinations, regional cooperation is vital to not just tourism growth, but survival. Creative approaches to sector advancement, including competition through cooperation, leveraging partnerships, eliminating barriers and stimulating year-round visitor activity, have become essential strategic levers for many destinations.
When reflecting on the tireless efforts made by the Seychelles in developing strong operating relationships across the African continent, Hon. Minister St Ange takes on an ‘abundance’ based approach:
“I believe that unity is strength. Developing regional partnerships can only grow the region's tourism cake. This is obvious even to the most naive and skeptical observers. No island can be an island on to itself. This is a policy of the past and a remedy for disaster.
A transformative aspect of today's brand of tourism we are following as Seychelles is cross-border approach as we are witnessing with the upcoming 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria, now co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal. This is a clear example of States which may once have considered themselves as rivals in tourism, coming together in an initiative to market, not only themselves but their region.
Another example of Seychelles playing its part is in the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands and the East3Route cross -border tourism investment initiative between Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa and now Seychelles.
These kind of collaborations between neighbours and erstwhile rival states bears a clear message of the benefits of co-operation in the global marketplace and the potential for transforming lives across entire regions through joint tourism initiatives.
Today the world in which we live is changing very rapidly as the internet, social media and increased inter-connectivity between peoples at all levels of society is bringing about change at an unprecedented pace and intensity. There is practically no area of human endeavor that has remained untouched in this roller-coaster ride on the back of these ever-burgeoning technologies which create fantastic opportunities, as well as challenges in this brave new world we are entering.
As a classic example of a people-oriented industry, tourism, upon which many of our region's economies depend to a greater or lesser extent, continues to experience profound change, forcing us to re-evaluate our approach to what makes our respective destinations attractive to consumers, and which channels we use to get the message across in the ever-more-crowded, global market place. Less than two decades ago, Seychelles was very much relying on its sun, sea and sand ticket to attract visitors to our shores, even though it is widely accepted that we have the best in a sun, sea and sand holiday. Today we are all the stronger as a destination, and as the people of the Seychelles, because we our thinking smarter, and working smarter.”
One nation, one destination, one leader, one perspective.
In any destination across the globe, the role of government is vital to the success of tourism sector growth, development and competiveness. Likewise, the role of tourism is for the unification of the people of the destination through economic, social, environmental and ideological advancement and identity.
A critical stakeholder in the mix: the Minister of Tourism.
Kiddies preparing for this year’s Seychelles Carnival
Apr 11, 2014
The 2014 edition of the annual Carnaval International de Victoria that is staged in Seychelles is all set for its official opening on Friday, April 25. This year the carnival is being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal. The big carnival parade will this year take place on Saturday, April 26, and some 26 international delegations coming from all over the world will parade alongside some 24 local Seychelles floats.
The Sunday of the carnival weekend in Seychelles has always been dedicated as a family fun day with a big musical show that closes the carnival. But this year for the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria, some 13 primary schools are in competition for the first edition of a “Kiddies Carnival.” The launching of the Kiddies Carnival has sparked an immense interest in school children aged 5 to 12. Together with their teachers, the kids have embarked on groundbreaking work to come up with the most original costumes and themes for the Kiddies Carnival.
Lima Calbio, the organizer of Kiddies Carnival, has been working closely with the pupils and their teachers to boost up their morale and help them to move ahead with their chosen themes. The Mont Fleuri Primary is one of the schools making a giant leap in getting their costumes ready for Kiddies Carnival. Brainstorming on their costume theme, the pupils have given life to recyclable materials. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture; Anne Lafortune, the Principal Secretary for Tourism; and Sherin Naiken, the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board were this week at the Mont Fleuri primary school to see the pupils at work. Accompanying the Minister's delegation was Lima Calbio, who is in Seychelles to head the Trinidad & Tobago float in the carnival procession, and who is also dedicating time and energy to assist the school children with their float for this very first Kiddies Carnival.
After speaking to the school children at the Mont Fleuri Primary School, Minister St.Ange said that it was encouraging to see how the spirit of carnival is well taking root with the young students.
“You have put in so much effort to transform your small ideas into great things. The future of our carnival starts with you. Today we’re instilling carnival culture in our younger generations, and we are inciting them to use local materials to make costumes. This is work that will help create our own carnival culture. The Kiddies Carnival is your carnival, give it your best shot,” said Minister St.Ange to the Mont Fleuri Primary School students.
Minister St.Ange also thanked the teachers of Mont Fleuri Primary School and all the other teachers from all the schools in Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue for their support of the Kiddies Carnival.
The Kiddies Carnival is the main event of Family Fun Day planned for April 27 in Freedom Square starting at 1 pm.
Seychelles intercultural week to boost tourism visibility in Spain
Apr 10, 2014
Seychelles is getting its first taste of a Spanish intercultural week dubbed “Viva Seychelles y Viva Espana.” It is Mason’s Travel that is standing behind this first edition of the Spanish intercultural week with “La Tuna,” the famous Spanish traditional band of international recognition. The band which plays and sings Latin melodies and rhythms such as rumbas, flamencos, and tangos expects to send the rhythm of Spanish music out into the street of Seychelles.
The best part of “Viva Seychelles y Viva Espana” is planned for April 11-20 when not only cha-cha dancing and the famous Spanish “tapas” will be offered, but when it will also be the official opening performance of “La Tuna” on April 11 which is being organized to take place in the garden of the National Cultural Centre especially for the island's children that are living in orphanages.
There will also be cultural exchanges at the Beau Vallon Bazar Labrine on April 16 and a cultural performance at Eden Island on the following day. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture congratulated Mason’s Travel for the initiative to host this event. Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, said “Viva Seychelles y Viva Espana” is a new departure for cultural exchanges between Seychelles and Spanish communities. “It’s a good initiative by Mason’s Travel. Using culture to market Seychelles as a relevant tourism destination is clearly the way forward. Mason's Travel, as a destination management company who is working hard on the Spanish market, has realized that it is a profitable market, but also that it can be even more profitable if Seychelles is visible. This is why Mason's Travel initiated the Spanish intercultural week,” Minister St.Ange said.
The latest statistics show that visitor arrivals from Spain are gradually increasing in numbers. In 2013, Seychelles recorded 2,481 visitors from Spain. Minister St.Ange said “Viva Seychelles y Viva Espana” will help to boost its visibility as a tourism destination in Spain. Inaki Fernandez, Sales Manager for Mason’s Travel, explained that this intercultural event will help to bring both the Seychellois and Spanish communities together.
“We’re bringing a popular traditional band to Seychelles to share Spanish culture with the people of Seychelles. La Tuna is known to play its part in social responsibility by giving cultural performances not only in marriages, but they also stage performances in hospitals. Through their music, the people of Seychelles will be able to appreciate our Spanish culture,” the Sales Manager said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Mason’s Travel have said that “Viva Seychelles y Viva Espana” is an inter-cultural week that is a perfect example where culture and tourism can work together.
RECOVERY TURNS INTO SUSTAINED GROWTH
Air Seychelles flying high
Apr 10, 2014
Air Seychelles has just announced another profitable year, with net profits up from last year’s US$1 million to US$3 million in the just ended financial year.
This represents a rise of 171 percent, outpacing revenue growth which went up on a year by year basis by 107 percent to US$88.7 million. Passenger numbers were given as 352,474 across the international and domestic routes, also a significant rise compared to past years. All travelers on Air Seychelles can now enjoy the recent Skytrax rating which has gone up to 4 stars, making Air Seychelles one of Africa’s two top airlines.
Cargo tonnage uplifted to the archipelago rose by 159 percent to 5,529 tons.
This remarkable turnaround, initiated under the close partnership with Abu Dhabi’s national airline, which brought Air Seychelles major savings vis-a-vis training, purchasing, aircraft maintenance and other synergy areas, is now continuing into the third year since Etihad acquired a 40 percent stake.
Air Seychelles presently operates a fleet of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft, flying 16 international services per week from Mahe and is expecting delivery of a new Airbus A320 later this year, which will then be deployed on regional routes to for instance Mauritius and other yet to be named destinations. Three brand new Twin Otter DHC 6-400 will begin the join the domestic fleet this coming June, and replace ageing models of the original DHC 6-300 series, also contributing to major fuel savings as the change of the long haul fleet from the B767-300 to the Airbus A330 already made happen. The airline now employs 629 staff, an increase in 2013 of 17 percent of which were 57 new cabin crew. From within the airline’s domestic services were 8 pilots promoted to fly on the Airbus A330 while two domestic first officers were promoted to the rank of captain.
Code share operations, with now 5 airlines including partner Etihad, Air Berlin, Czech Airlines, South African Airways, and Cathay Pacific, have contributed significantly to the improved financial results by adding passenger numbers and increasing connectivity to key markets where Seychelles’ tourists come from.
The airline’s Chairman of the Board, who is also the Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan, commented on the just released results: “To record a second successive year of profitability after the immense challenges of the past is an achievement of which we are all very proud. Our 2013 figures are a clear indication that we now have the right business model. In just two years, we have rebuilt our national carrier, strengthened our partnership with Etihad Airways, and beyond delivering good results for the airline, we have helped grow Seychelles tourism in the process one of our core objectives. Today Air Seychelles is a great symbol of our nation wherever our brightly-colored aircraft are flown. We have come a long way in two years and 2013 has been exceptional. To achieve a second year of profitability and simultaneously be ranked among the very best airlines in the world is an amazing achievement of which the company and its staff should be very proud. People are the most valuable asset in any organization. This is true for Air Seychelles as well, and reflected in our commitment to developing a highly-skilled national workforce and a long-term succession plan. In particular I am pleased at the significant progress made with our people development program, where the first group of Air Seychelles Graduate Development Management trainees are scheduled to return to Seychelles later this year after 18 months abroad receiving world-class training.”
Air Seychelles new CEO Manoj Papa, in response, added: “These results are another step forward in our journey as a commercially successful business and come against a backdrop of impressive development in both our domestic and international operations. Our business is now in good shape for the future, which includes growing our operations, launching new routes, taking delivery of new aircraft, expanding airline partnerships, hiring more Seychellois, and bringing more travelers to the Seychelles. We have established a solid basis for continued growth which reinforces the future of Air Seychelles and its vital contribution to the Seychelles economy.”
Air Seychelles exceeded previous year's profit by 171 percent
BY INPUT BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 10, 2014
Air Seychelles, the national carrier of the Republic of Seychelles, today announced a net profit of US$3 million for 2013, exceeding by 171 per cent its profit of US$1.1 million reported in 2012.
Revenue increased by 107 per cent to US$88.7 million (2012: US$42.8 million).
The airline’s passenger numbers on its international network increased 100 per cent to 195,857 (2012: 97,576), while traffic on domestic services in 2013 increased nine per cent to 156,617 passengers.
Cargo volumes flown in 2013 rose by 159 per cent to 5,529 tonnes (2012: 2,128 tonnes).
Joël Morgan, Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport and Air Seychelles Board Chairman, said the 2013 results were a testament to the on-going success of the airline’s turnaround strategy and business plan.
“To record a second successive year of profitability after the immense challenges of the past is an achievement of which we are all very proud. Our 2013 figures are a clear indication that we now have the right business model.
“In just two years, we have rebuilt our national carrier, strengthened our partnership with Etihad Airways, and beyond delivering good results for the airline, we have helped grow Seychelles tourism in the process – one of our core objectives. Today Air Seychelles is a great symbol of our nation wherever our brightly-coloured aircraft are flown.”
Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, Manoj Papa, said: “These results are another step forward in our journey as a commercially successful business and come against a backdrop of impressive development in both our domestic and international operations.
“Our business is now in good shape for the future, which includes growing our operations, launching new routes, taking delivery of new aircraft, expanding airline partnerships, hiring more Seychellois, and bringing more travellers to the Seychelles.
“We have established a solid basis for continued growth which reinforces the future of Air Seychelles and its vital contribution to the Seychelles economy.”
The impressive 2013 passenger traffic growth was aided by Air Seychelles’ acquisition of a second Airbus A330-200 aircraft in March. The same month the island carrier launched three weekly flights to Hong Kong, and increased frequencies to Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg and Mauritius, bringing its total international weekly services to 16, up 100 per cent.
Johannesburg and Mauritius enjoyed an additional return service per week, connecting each destination three times a week respectively with the Seychelles. The airline’s Abu Dhabi services also increased from four to seven return flights per week.
Abu Dhabi was Air Seychelles’ busiest international route, with a total of 90,746 passengers carried between the archipelago and capital of the United Arab Emirates, a year-on-year increase of 178 per cent.
Elsewhere, Air Seychelles saw record cargo volumes in 2013 thanks strong demand to and from France, Italy, Hong Kong and South Africa.
Air Seychelles signed four new codeshare partnerships in 2013, entering agreements with airberlin, Czech Airlines, South African Airways, and Cathay Pacific Airways. These codeshare agreements increased Air Seychelles’ virtual network from 19 to 34 destinations.
In October, Air Seychelles announced a multi-million dollar agreement for the purchase of three new Viking Air DHC6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, its largest ever domestic fleet order signalling the carrier’s long-term commitment to its domestic operations. Two of these aircraft are due to arrive in mid-2014, one year ahead of schedule.
Also in October, and coinciding with its 35th anniversary, the airline launched Air Seychelles VIP, a dedicated ground handling service and luxurious airport facility targeted at premium guests and the private air charter market. The operation was co-established with Royal Jet.
Air Seychelles capped a remarkable year of achievements by being awarded a four-star rating by Skytrax, one of 35 global carriers to hold this accolade.
Mr Morgan said: “We have come a long way in two years and 2013 has been exceptional. To achieve a second year of profitability and simultaneously be ranked among the very best airlines in the world is an amazing achievement of which the company and its staff should be very proud.
“People are the most valuable asset in any organisation. This is true for Air Seychelles as well, and reflected in our commitment to developing a highly-skilled national workforce and a long-term succession plan.
“In particular I am pleased at the significant progress made with our people development program, where the first group of Air Seychelles Graduate Development Management trainees are scheduled to return to Seychelles later this year after 18 months abroad receiving world-class training.”
At the close of 2013, Air Seychelles employed 629 staff, an increase of 17 per cent over the 536 staff the airline employed in 2012. Of this number, the airline employs 622 Seychellois nationals, 98.8 per cent of the total. The airline recruited 57 cabin crew in 2013, promoted eight domestic pilots to Airbus A330 operations and two domestic pilots were promoted to Captain.
The airline’s Chairman of the Board, who is also the Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan, commented on the just released results: ‘To record a second successive year of profitability after the immense challenges of the past is an achievement of which we are all very proud. Our 2013 figures are a clear indication that we now have the right business model. In just two years, we have rebuilt our national carrier, strengthened our partnership with Etihad Airways, and beyond delivering good results for the airline, we have helped grow Seychelles tourism in the process one of our core objectives. Today Air Seychelles is a great symbol of our nation wherever our brightly-coloured aircraft are flown. We have come a long way in two years and 2013 has been exceptional. To achieve a second year of profitability and simultaneously be ranked among the very best airlines in the world is an amazing achievement of which the company and its staff should be very proud. People are the most valuable asset in any organisation. This is true for Air Seychelles as well, and reflected in our commitment to developing a highly-skilled national workforce and a long-term succession plan. In particular I am pleased at the significant progress made with our people development program, where the first group of Air Seychelles Graduate Development Management trainees are scheduled to return to Seychelles later this year after 18 months abroad receiving world-class training’.
Air Seychelles new CEO Manoj Papa, in response, added: ‘These results are another step forward in our journey as a commercially successful business and come against a backdrop of impressive development in both our domestic and international operations. Our business is now in good shape for the future, which includes growing our operations, launching new routes, taking delivery of new aircraft, expanding airline partnerships, hiring more Seychellois, and bringing more travellers to the Seychelles. We have established a solid basis for continued growth which reinforces the future of Air Seychelles and its vital contribution to the Seychelles economy’.
Reunion and Seychelles step up joint promotion ahead of Air Austral flights
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 09, 2014
Well ahead of the launch of flights by Reunion’s Air Austral to the Seychelles on June 23 of this year, the two tourism boards, supported by Air Austral and their respective tourism private sectors, have started to promote inter-island travel. The introduction of a Vanilla Islands air pass by Air Austral, with low fares solely available to travelers who fly long-haul with Air Austral to St. Denis, now throws visits to the Seychelles and other Vanilla Islands wide open. This, combined with the launch of direct flights by Air Austral to Mahe in late June, was the perfect background to intensify cooperation.
The first in a planned series of workshops just ended yesterday when two days of intense planning and brainstorming concluded a two-day session in which 10 service providers from the Seychelles participated, which included two leading DMCs, namely Mason’s Travel and Creole Travel Services, besides a number of hotels from Praslin and Mahe.
The cooperation between the two Vanilla Island members, Reunion and Seychelles, focuses in particular on the new and emerging markets in the Far and South East of Asia as Reunion in particular continues to diversify its source markets for tourist visitors. Plans are underway to grant a visa waiver to Chinese tourists to tap into that market to reduce overly relying on the French domestic market – Reunion is one of France’s regions, as is incidentally the island of Mayotte, also a member of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Island organization.
“The Boite” from Australia marking iconic cultural tour in Seychelles
Apr 09, 2014
“The Boite,” Melbourne’s iconic multicultural arts organization has made Seychelles the focus of its biggest annual project for 2014. Coco de Mer - Sounds of Seychelles will see 20 singers of the Melbourne Millennium Chorus in Seychelles on a cultural tour. The “Boite” Singing in Seychelles Tour 2014, directed by Stella Savy, the group’s Artistic Director, whose Ballat-based family originated on Mahe, is marking this cultural tour with some of its top singers of Melbourne Millennium Chorus.
Melbourne Millennium Chorus is a success story in itself. The Boite’s annually run a project called Melbourne Millennium Chorus. Each year a new theme is chosen. In 2013, Coco de Mer – Sounds of Seychelles came out triumphant. Promoting Creole songs among the group has been The Boite’s undisputed slogan. Under this project, The Boite hit the road in Melbourne with four huge concerts at Melbourne Town Hall. Guest artists included Jean-Marc Volcy, Grace Barbe, and Gaetan Landry, and they gained a standing ovation for their performance.
The Seychellois community in Melbourne, Australia, turned out in force to enjoy the biggest celebration of Seychellois culture ever showcased in Melbourne. Gaetan Landry performed a Tinge, which sparked much interest among the Australian audience and school children. The most popular song among the children was “La Buse” written by Stella Savy. The Melbourne-based Seychellois musicians involved in the concerts include Darrel Belle, Sophie Morgan, and Eddy Morel. For this cultural tour in Seychelles, The Boite’s small singing group includes Orietta Wheatley, member of the tour group born in Mauritius, and six singers from Melbourne and regional towns such as Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Mallacoota, Scarsdale, Clunes, and Bunninyong. The Boite is planning a number of concerts in Seychelles. A concert on Praslin had also already been confirmed.
New: Vanilla Island Airpass
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 09, 2014
Air Austral, the home airline of Ile de la Reunion with their base at the Roland Garros International Airport in the island’s capital of St. Denis, has yesterday launched an air pass which, in combination with a long haul ticket to Reunion now allows passengers to visit some of the other spectacular islands which form the ‘Vanilla Islands’ of the Indian Ocean.
Ticket prices range from between 45 Euros to 90 Euros per sector and the destinations listed under the arrangement are Mauritius, Madagascar (Antananarivo Nosy Be and Tamatave), Mayotte, Comoros and the Seychelles and the maximum duration of a journey across the islands was given as one month. Children between the age of 2 – 12, traveling with their parents will be charged at a fare of two thirds of the adult fare. The deal is valid only on services operated by Air Austral.
This latest offer, enticing tourists to embrace the Vanilla Islands concept and take advantage of a visit to Reunion to travel to more than just one island, could have a significant impact in terms of visitor numbers for the region. Travelers from outside the European Union are advised however to ascertain Visa requirements for Madagascar, Comoros and Mauritius, with the Seychelles of course renown for their open door policy of NOT requiring any Visa from tourists, no matter their nationality.
Tourism cruise business in Seychelles profitable for mini cruise liners
Apr 09, 2014
In the Seychelles waters, a new generation of mini cruise liners are sailing the inner islands, exploring the hot spots which earmark Seychelles as an island-hopping destination. For many years, Silhouette Cruises cruised these waters and even sailed to the outer islands inclusive of the renowned Aldabra Atoll. Now they have been joined by the M/Y Pegasus of the Variety Cruises. Glynn Burridge of the Seychelles Tourism Board often says that Seychelles was conceived with sailors in mind. He says this is because of the profusion of islands, both granitic and the flat coral ones, providing ideal island-hopping holidays.
Every Saturday M/Y Pegasus, a Greek-registered floating vessel sets sail from the Inter Island Quay of Mahe for an exotic seven nights/days of island hopping, with choice sailings on Cousin, Aride, Praslin, Curieuse, Felicite, La Digue, Moyenne and St. Pierre Islands.
Holidaymakers do have a choice of booking for four or five nights. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture; Anne Lafortune, the Principal Secretary for Tourism; and Benjamine Rose, Principal Secretary for Culture boarded the Pegasus on Saturday, March 22, for a firsthand experience of an all Seychelles cruise tourism program.
These short cruises offering the opportunity of discovering several islands of the archipelago are proven to be a success with holidaymakers. Pegasus has been able to market Seychelles both as a cruise destination with before or after hotel stays of the different islands.
With a mixed crew of Seychellois, Mauritians, Egyptians, Filipinos, and Greeks working on the cruise ship Pegasus, holidaymakers are given a five-star ranking for personalized service. The ship sails off from the Inter Island Quay from Port Victoria for its overnight stop in Ste. Anne Marine Park just off Sainte Anne Island. Once at anchor, the Pegasus team welcomes its holidaymakers before proceeding to an in-depth explanation of safety and evacuation procedures. The professionalism displayed by the team of the Pegasus re-assures the guests that they are in good hands on their floating hotel for their cruise around the islands of the Seychelles. Pegasus creates a distinctive type of cruising called “Garden of Eden” which provides its passengers with the freedom and flexibility associated with a resort style atmosphere and experience to visit some of the Seychelles’ most fascinating islands designated as nature reserves.
Donny Valentin is one of the Seychellois working on Pegasus. For the past year, he has been working as a Cruise Coordinator on board, taking passengers to and from islands on the cruise route of the Pegasus. Always in a jolly mood, Donny meets his clients every night before dinner for a briefing of the cruise next stopover. Among his clients, Donny is considered as a star on Pegasus.
“Working on a cruise ship can be such a fascinating experience and is an opportunity to meet new faces,” said Donny Valentin.
When the twin-hulled Pegasus launched its seven days/night package in December 2012, business was slow, but it has gradually picked up. Today the cruise liner remains in a league of its own in Seychelles, tapping mostly in the European markets.
Leading leisure airline meets with Seychelles Tourism Ministry
Apr 09, 2014
A senior management team from Germany’s Condor, a leading leisure airline, was in the Seychelles capital of Victoria last weekend to discuss future cooperation between them and the archipelago’s tourism industry.
Condor, as have other airlines flying to Mahe done before, followed an invitation by the Minister for Home Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan to discuss airlines’ challenges and the expectations they have, and following meetings at the ITB 2014 last month in Berlin between airline executives and the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange and his key team members, this latest exchange of views in the Seychelles was seen as hugely important to map out future cooperation.
Also in attendance at the Victoria meeting, besides ministry representatives, were key personnel of the Seychelles Tourism Board, the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, from Air Seychelles – which provides ground handling at the international airport to all airlines flying to Mahe – and from the Seychelles Petroleum Company which supplies the jet fuel at the airport.
Condor presently flies once a week from Germany’s largest airport Frankfurt to the Seychelles and, considering the number of German tourists visiting the archipelago, the authorities in Victoria have expressed their desire to see Condor add a second flight each week.
Condor competes on the German market with Air Berlin, which operates to Mahe under a code share arrangement with both Air Seychelles and partner Etihad and offers daily connections from across Germany via Abu Dhabi.
Mauritius Minister of Tourism: Support for the Vanilla Islands
Apr 08, 2014
Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture has said in a telephone press interview that, in his capacity as the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, that he was thankful for the words of support pronounced in the Mauritius Parliament by Minister Michael Sik Yuen , the Mauritius Minister for Tourism and Leisure.
"The words that was spelled out by Minister Sik Yuen of Mauritius on the benefits of having the grouping of the Vanilla Islands reinforces the line I have personally adopted by myself since assuming the office of President of the Vanilla islands" said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture and President of the Vanilla Islands. In the sitting last week of the Mauritius Parliament, Minister Sik Yuen said:- "…the complementary of our product offer along with those of the other destinations of the region has enhanced the product portfolio of Mauritius. Also, the “Iles Vanilles” concept has afforded an opportunity to market the destination as part of twin and multi-destination packages to tourists on the look-out of such products. Moreover, the inter-island tourism will help to develop the cruise segment from Mauritius. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, there is no doubt that benefits will be reaped under the “Iles Vanilles” concept, in time to come".
"The Vanilla Islands has given the opportunity for the Indian Ocean Islands to work together for the benefit of our respective islanders and we are just not allowed to fail them. Minister Sik Yuen of Mauritius is right to say that that their is no doubt that benefits will be reaped under the Vanilla islands concept. Already as President Didier Robert of La Reunion has confirmed, La Reunion Island is today benefiting from the twin center packages. Things can only get better" Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles said.
The mandate of Minister St.Ange as President of the Vanilla islands will come to an end in May and the handover to the new President of the Vanilla Islands will take place in the Madagascar Tourism Fair. But the final decision on who will be the next President of the Vanilla islands will be taken during the next Ministerial Meeting of the Vanilla islands scheduled to take place in Seychelles on the 24 April. This will be the day before the official opening of the Carnaval International de Victoria, the Seychelles event falling in the calendar of events of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. "I am hoping that every Minister of Tourism and President of Regional Councils of islands of the Indian Ocean Island will be present for this important Ministerial Meeting. Apart from confirming the new President of the Organisation, we also need to sit as a group to discuss other islands wanting to join our regional grouping. The Indian Ocean islands need all it unique selling points to be showcased together. This will give us strength as a new tourism region, but also make it interesting for Cruise Ships to be based in our region" said Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles.
German Condor Airlines and Seychelles Authorities discuss way forward
Apr 07, 2014
The Management of Condor Airlines were in Seychelles recently for a meeting with the Seychelles Aviation and Transport & Tourism Ministries. The meeting had been instigated by Minister Joel Morgan, the Minister responsible for Home Affairs and Transport in a bid for all concerned parties to sit together to discuss the way forward. Subsequently to a letter sent to Condor by Minister Morgan, Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture was mandated to meet with Condor during the ITB Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin.
In Berlin Minister St.Ange accompanied by Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Tourism Board and Bernadette Willemin, the Tourism Board's Director for Europe met with Herwig Oberhuber Head of Planning & International Relations and Dr Jens Boyd, the Director Group Long-Haul & Director Group Revenue Management for Condor. In a second meeting Minister Alain St.Ange and his delegation met with Arne Kirchhoff, the Director Airport Relations & Ground Handling Procurement at Condor.
Both meetings gave the Minister the opportunity to discuss with Condor the points raised by Minister Morgan in his letter written to them earlier. "The meetings were important for Seychelles, we needed to be reassured of not only the consolidation of the Condor flights to Seychelles, but to also put on the table the possibility of encouraging Condor to increase the frequency of the flights to Seychelles" said Minister St.Ange.
A follow up of the Berlin meeting has now been held in Seychelles where the Ministry of Home Affairs and Transport, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, the Seychelles Tourism Board, Air Seychelles and SEYPEC (Seychelles Petroleum Company) all sat together with Herwig Oberhuber and Dr Jens Boyd of Condor who had flown into the country for the Saturday meeting.
The Ultimate Travel Experience: Cruising between the Seychelles Inner Islands
Apr 07, 2014
Most tourists coming to the Seychelles still book a ‘conventional’ holiday, where on arrival they are met by their DMC representative, whisked into a waiting mini van, hotel limousine or even a helicopter to head to their resort destination, on Mahe, Praslin, La Digue or one of several very exclusive and luxurious ‘one island one resort’ locations the archipelago is so famous for. Others, armed with their guide books and the latest ‘app’ on their iPhone or Android smart phones, shoulder their back packs, head to the bus stop just outside the international airport’s arrival area and make their way towards their holiday lets, B&B’S or self catering establishments, where they enjoy their own version of a holiday of a life time on a budget, as the ‘Affordable Seychelles’ too is gaining in popularity.
But for some of the visitors, none of that will do, as they seek the sort of mobility to see not just one but several islands which only a cruising holiday offers.
The Variety Cruise Line (www.varietycruises.com) will this year again offer charters between several of the Seychelles’ inner islands on MV Pegasus, with the season programme starting from the 09th of April and running until 28th of October this year, offering access to some of the most the spectacular sights one can only ever experience when on the ocean, crusing the azure blue pristine waters the archipelago is reknown around the world.
Apart from the main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue do itineraries include visits to several others of the so called inner islands, including Curieuse, Aride, Felicite, Cousin, St. Pierre and Moyenne. Up to 44 guests can be accommodated on board in 21 cabins on the 45 metre long yacht cruiser for cruises lasting either four or five days, or a combination of two successive trips to see more. At a cruising speed of just 10 knots, in relatively calm waters at this time of the year, guests on board have the feeling of just gliding over the water as they sail between the islands, some of them actually nature or bird reserves, and can enjoy the vista of those magnificent granite rock formations rising from the sea as they sail by.
The crew, numbering between 16 and 18 depending on passengers on board, are multinational and multilingual and are selected with but one thing in mind, to make their passengers leave their stress behind, be pampered and relax to fully enjoy sun, sea and even sand when making landfall for a picnic on a remote beach.
Mauritius Parliament discuss tourism in the Vanilla islands
Apr 06, 2014
A Mauritius Parliament extract brings the seen importance of the Vanilla islands for the Indian Ocean Region. Last week the Mauritius Parliament discussed the Vanilla Islands concept as was published in Hansard, 1 April 2014. This discussion comes but weeks ahead of the need for the Member Islands of this Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organisation to choose their next President. The mandate of Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture who has served two mandates is coming to its end and his replacement is expected to be announced at the next Ministerial Meeting of the Vanilla Islands to be held in the Seychelles on the 23rd April.
This is the day before the Carnaval International de Victoria, the Seychelles Event falling in the Vanilla Islands calendar of events and the hand over of responsibilities will be in in the Madagascar Tourism Trade Fair in May, the Madagascar Event falling in the calendar of events. This is showing clearly that the islands grouping had achieved to put in place a degree of organisation, and this ever since Pascal Viroleau of La Reunion was appointed CEO of the Vanilla Islands.
Today it is accepted that the name Vanilla Islands is known in the four corners of the world as the new tourism region of the world. It is also accepted that this is credit to the non stop work by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture who has been holding the office as the first President of the Vanilla Islands. The mandate of Minister St.Ange as President of the Vanilla Islands was renewed at the Ministerial meeting of the Vanilla islands held in Madagascar and today many observers are waiting to see who will be replacing Minister St.Ange as the head of the Organisation and to be updated on the plan of action of the new President.
With Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles as President of the Organisation the world was reminded of the Vanilla Islands at every tourism or airline conference. Some islands more than others have been overtly supportive of not only the concept of the Vanilla islands, but have been present at Ministerial level (or at President of the Regional Council level in the case of La Reunion) at events listed on the organisation's calendar of events.
It was therefore interesting to read the minutes of deliberations in the Mauritius Parliament on the concept of the Vanilla Islands.
Extract from the Mauritius Parliament:-
(No. B/75) Ms S. Anquetil (Fourth Member for Vacoas & Floreal) asked the Minister of Tourism and Leisure whether, in regard to the Iles Vanilles concept, he will state if the implementation thereof has been beneficial since 2011 and, if so, give details thereof and, if not, why not.
Mr Yeung Sik Yuen: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that it is only in July 2012 that a structure has been put in place to steer the “Iles Vanilles” concept. For all intents and purposes, the project is still at development stage.
Also, it would be pertinent for me to highlight that the “Iles Vanilles” concept represents a framework of cooperation among the tourist destinations of the region. In the same spirit, I am informed that the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority has, in collaboration with the Vanilla Islands, involving inter alia Madagascar, Seychelles and Reunion, undertaken several joint actions in major fairs in source markets such as the ITB in Germany, Top Resa in France, Indaba in South Africa and the World Travel Market in UK with a view to generating exposure on and promoting the tourism product of the region.
From this perspective, the complementary of our product offer along with those of the other destinations of the region has enhanced the product portfolio of Mauritius.
Also, the “Iles Vanilles” concept has afforded an opportunity to market the destination as part of twin and multi-destination packages to tourists on the look-out of such products.
Moreover, the inter-island tourism will help to develop the cruise segment from Mauritius.
Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, there is no doubt that benefits will be reaped under the “Iles Vanilles” concept, in time to come.
The Deputy Speaker: Hon. Leader of the Opposition!
Mr Bérenger: I think I heard the hon. Minister saying that this Iles Vanilles Concept Project is at an experimental stage. I think it is the word used. That is, at an early stage. But is it not a fact - and I understand that even Cabinet has not been informed - that this Iles Vanilles organisation is now a registered organisation? It has office bearers. It has a Chair, which is Seychelles for the second year running. Mauritius and others are paying membership fees. We have ministerial meetings of that registered organisation. Ministerial meeting - the last one Mauritius was absent; all the other Ministers were present. This organisation which is registered by now has even sought membership of the World Tourism Organisation and is obtaining financial help from the European Union. Is that not the case? We have evidence of that.
Mr Yeung Sik Yuen: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I said, the project is still at development stage. In fact, the Vanilla Islands Project did not have any funds to finance its structure. It is only in last December that the organisation has got funds and they have got funds from Fonds de Développement Économique Régional (FEDER) and Région Réunion to the tune of almost €500,000.
Mr Bérenger: Is the Minister saying that there is no registered organisation under that name with ministerial meetings, as I said, officially registered and receiving contribution as a registered organisation? Is the Minister saying that my information is wrong?
Mr Yeung Sik Yuen: In fact, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, there was no fund to run the structure. It is only in December 2013 that this organisation has good fund, but during all this time, we were doing joint advertising campaign in many countries such as Du Presa, ITB and so on. His information is wrong.
The Deputy Speaker: Hon. Ms Anquetil!
Ms Anquetil: Merci, M. le président. Tous les articles dans les journaux et magazines parlent du concept Iles Vanilles comme étant à la dérive, comme étant un concept au détriment de Maurice. Selon le rapport de la Cour des Comptes Françaises, le concept Iles Vanilles qui a nécessité des investissements colossaux ne bénéficie, il semblerait, qu’aux Seychelles. Est-ce que le ministre peut indiquer à la Chambre si ce concept qui est en place depuis qu’il a été lancé officiellement en 2011, est-ce que ce concept a redynamisé le secteur du tourisme mauricien en fonction à la demande internationale ?
Mr Yeung Sik Yuen: Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, first of all, many of the presses around these islands are saying that other islands are benefiting from this project. You are saying Seychelles; in Reunion Island, they are saying that Mauritius is benefiting from this concept, but, as I have said, it is too early to do this assessment. It needs time. As I have said, it is only in last December that we have got fund to run the structure. So, give it some time!
80 Germans to join carnival festivities in Victoria Seychelles
Apr 06, 2014
Germany remains one of the most important tourism target markets for the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and of the Africa mainland. Confirmation has now been received in Seychelles that a leading German Tour Operator will brings Top Agents to experience the carnival in the Seychelles which will be held from the 25 to 27 April. Last year, travel agents from Germany on a fam trip to the Seychelles were just “filling in” for German Carnival groups that were busy with simultaneous celebrations at home, but they were so thrilled that DERTOUR, one of Germany’s leading tour operators, decided to send another 44 travel agents to the 2014 edition of the event, and this time, they join three dozen revellers from Düsseldorf, bringing the total of German Carnival “emissaries” from Germany to an unprecedented 80.
Two years ago, a similar group from Düsseldorf had joined the Carnival in the Seychelles, but in 2013, local dates coincided with the festivities at home and prevented the Germans from attending. In lieu of the “professionals” (actually, very dedicated amateurs), travel agents took their place and joined the parade, and because of their enthusiastic response, Germany now sends two groups: 44 travel agents from all over Germany plus 36 representatives from Düsseldorf’s carnival organizations. Led by “Prince Simon I” and “Princess Rebecca Venetia,” the Düsseldorf delegation will include musicians from the “Swinging Funfares” group and dancers from the “Carnival Friends of the Catholic Youth.”
The so-called “Mega Fam Trip” organized by DERTOUR in co-operation with the Seychelles Tourism Board Frankfurt Office, Emirates and Mason’s Travel will give German travel professionals not only a chance to learn more about the country conducting hotel visits and site inspections, but also to experience first hand what it is like to be in Seychelles at this very special time of the year, when Carnival groups from all over the world congregate to share their joy.
“Seeing is believing” — and there is no doubt that travel agents who have seen the Carnaval International de Victoria with their own eyes will be sending droves of clients to this event in years to come.
Additional sponsorship for the fam trip is provided by the following trade partners (in alphabetical order): Allamanda Beach Resort & Spa, Banyan Tree Seychelles, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Castello Beach Hotel of Praslin, Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites of Praslin, Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Le Domaine de la Réserve of Praslin, New Emerald Cove of Praslin, Paradise Sun Hotel of Praslin, Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, and Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa.
The 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria is being jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte and South Africa KwaZulu Natal. The Dertour Fam Trip will be meeting with the tourism representatives of this co-host countries to help them better appreciate the culture of these countries joining together to promote themselves using their culture and in so doing proudly showcasing their people. Though the carnival in Seychelles and because of Germany's participation the visibility of the region will be greatly increased in Germany.
Le Club de Madrid meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan
Apr 05, 2014
It is announced from the office of former President James R. Mancham that the former President has been invited to participate in a meeting of Le Club de Madrid to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from the 28th-29th of April 2014, which the Club is organizing jointly with the Nizami Ganjavi International Center on the theme of ‘Shared Values in the South Caucasus and Beyond.’
The first forum on this subject took place also in Baku in March 2013 and provided the opportunity to exchange views on social inclusion in the region.
The 2014 forum will consider ways and means to promote ‘Shared Societies and Social Inclusion’ and develop concrete recommendation from a global standpoint.
It is to be noted that in December last year, former President Mancham was inducted as a member of Le Club de Madrid which is an independent non-profit organization composed of over 90 former Presidents and Prime Ministers from more than 60 different democratic countries who are committed to share their experience in government and overcome the challenges of leading and discussion-making in contemporary politics worldwide. In fact, the Club constitutes the world’s largest forum of former heads of states and governments and operates under the motto of ‘Democracy That Delivers.’
In a statement from his Glacis-sur-Mer office on Sunday 6th April, the former President explains that the topic of ‘Shared Values’ is extremely important for human contentment because one of the main causes of internal war and genocide is the attempt by cultural, religious and national ethnic groups to impose their specific ideology on all people residing in the territory of a State.
“For a State’s system to be viewed as legitimate by all peoples living on its territory, its constitutional values need to be based on ‘Shared Values’ that all or nearly all, people can accept,” Mr Mancham stated – adding that the policy of ‘Shared Values’ is vital for a Seychelles thriving for national unity.
2014 Carnival program introduces exciting changes
Apr 05, 2014
The Seychelles Tourism Board yesterday released the programme for this year’s Carnaval de Carnivals, the Carnival International de Victoria, which will take place in three weeks’ time.
The fourth edition of the festival, which has become a global hit among carnival aficionados from the moment it was launched in 2011, will this year open at the Stad Popiler, not as before the Clock Tower square in the heart of Victoria, and promises a spectacle of impressions from the participating carnival troupes, blending colours, dance and song into one mighty curtain raiser that night.
To reflect the multinational presence have the organizers this year ensured that all the three official languages of the country will be reflected in the official opening of the carnival with three MC’s making their announcements in Creole, English and French. South Africa, one of the official partner countries in the event, has chosen television presenter Angelique Gerber. Marie Payet from Ile de la Reunion, who was crowned Miss France in 2011, will be representing the French language and hugely popular home girl Michelle Marengo from Seychelles will this year engage the spectators in her native Creole language. After the opening ceremony in the main stadium will the participants showcase their musical repertoire when they will take to the stage. The official opening of the Carnaval International de Victoria promises to be an amazing and memorable cocktail of music and rhythms to enjoy!
Among them is Grammy Award winner Lisa Harley and the Zydekats, who will be on tour in the Seychelles as part of the Carnival festival, bringing the American version of Creole music from Louisiana to the tropics. Fellow American Michael Quinn and the Bourbon Kings will add the country music flavor as they return to the archipelago for a da capo performance following their hugely successful first appearance two years ago.
For the main parade on Saturday afternoon the more than 20 floats will follow by and large the proven route of past years, with the VIP dais outside the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, opposite the iconic Kenwyn House, before the juggernaut makes its way towards the Clock Tower and down Fifth Avenue, all no doubt lined by enthusiastic Seychellois and foreign tourists who, besides having a holiday of a lifetime can also enjoy the eye candy of costumes from Sao Paulo to Notting Hill and from Duesseldorf to Seoul.
New for this year is the children’s festival on Sunday at Freedom Square, where they can pose and parade themselves in costumes of their own making while in the evening a grand costume ball on Eden Island will conclude the 2014 version of the Carnival International de Victoria.
Time to pack those bags and join the ‘Carnivalistas’ for the one Carnival Festival which brings the world of Carnivals together like no other. Seychelles, truly Another World.
Seychelles Tourism Board invites tourism trade representatives to strategy meeting at Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove Hotel
Apr 04, 2014
On Friday, April 4, 2014, representatives from the Seychelles Tourism Board led by CEO Sherin Naiken invited representatives from Seychelles’ tourism trade for a strategy meeting to agree on the future development of its brochures and other collateral materials in light of the increasing competitiveness of the global tourism marketplace and the advance of technology.
Addressing the meeting, Minister for Tourism & Culture, Alain St.Ange emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Tourism Board and the private sector necessary for driving the sector forward.
“We must seize on such opportunities to put our heads together for the advancement of tourism in Seychelles and to compare notes and share our experience in this vital industry,” he said.
Present at the meeting were the managers of Praslin’s Raffles Hotel, Mahe’s Kempinski Resort, and Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, which hosted the event, as well as senior management from 7 Degrees South, Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel, and Select Seychelles; the Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association and senior staff from Air Seychelles.
The meeting covered a wide range of topics from the future format and composition of brochures and other collateral materials, the most effective use of e-marketing and social media platforms, the future use of carefully chosen bloggers to push the Seychelles brand, the feasibility of attracting top reality shows/celebrities to the islands; trade fair participation, and a number of other issues associated with the marketing of the destination.
“Our industry is faced with several challenges and a meeting such as this one, which is the first of its kind, reflects how such challenges are best faced following consultation between tourism stakeholders,” stated Sherin Naiken.
The strategy session also discussed ways to bring the key issues to the attention of heads of government and policy makers to ensure that they are addressed.
Airtel CEO in Seychelles leaves for a bigger posting
Apr 04, 2014
The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture rallied together to bid farewell to Mr. Vikram Sinha, the outgoing CEO of Airtel Seychelles. "This is not a usual practice, but you have been such a good friend and supporter of tourism and of culture that we felt we owed it to you to rally together to say goodbye and to thank you for all your efforts and support for the islands’ tourism industry and for helping us in the development of culture in Seychelles," Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said at a lunch at Asian Fusion Restaurant at Au Cap.
Joining the Minister at the lunch were Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism; Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture; and Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board; as well as Jimmy Savy, the CEO of the National Arts Council. Mr. Ramu Pillay, the Head of the Pillay – R Group of companies, and owner of the Asian Fusion Restaurant also joined the tourism and culture officials at the farewell lunch.
During the discussions at the lunch, the visibility of the Airtel brand was discussed, and all agreed that since the company's association with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture that Airtel’s red logo has been more seen and recognized. "We have benefited by our association with tourism and culture, and our balance sheet speaks for itself," said Mr. Vikram.
Airtel even today appears on the Carnaval International de Victoria's official brochure and poster. Minister St.Ange said as he presented a Seychelles book to Mr. Vikram that he hoped the replacement CEO of Airtel due in the country by mid-April would be as supportive to culture and tourism as was Mr. Vikram.
Another budget for the Vanilla Islands Program proposed
Apr 04, 2014
President of the Vanilla Islands & Minister of Tourism from the Seychelles says thank you to Didier Robert, the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion, for proposing another budget for the Vanilla Islands Program.
Alain St.Ange, the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organization and Minister of Tourism and Culture of the Republic of Seychelles, has written to President Didier Robert, the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion, to say thank you for making available another budget for the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. The letter follows the approval by the Permanent Commission of the La Reunion Island Regional Council for another budget for the Vanilla Islands Program.
The Permanent Commission of the La Reunion Island Regional Council met on Tuesday, April 1, at the Hotel de Region Pierre Lagourgue under the Chairmanship of Didier Robert, the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion. During this session of the Permanent Commission, the regional advisers examined 40 reports. The Commission decided, among other things, "to mobilize an envelope of 198,000 euros in regional capital stock and 410,132 euros from the European funds FEDER POCT - for the Vanilla Islands action plan 2014.”
President Didier Robert said that the Vanilla Islands provides a chance to strengthen tourism in the Indian Ocean region. "In 2013, nearly 25,000 tourists came to La Reunion Island through the combined strategy of the Vanilla Islands. The Commission has decided to mobilize an envelope of 198,000 euros regional capital stock and 410,132 euros on European funds FEDER POCT on behalf of the Vanilla Islands Association program for 2014 to help with the stated objective of increasing the number of tourists in the Indian Ocean area through the promotion of the cultural identity of each island," President Didier Robert said in the deliberations.
The concept of the Vanilla Islands launched in 2010 and groups together 7 islands of the Indian Ocean (La Reunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, the Seychelles, the Comoros, Mayotte, and the Maldives). This initiative was welcomed by Mr. Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) who personally chaired the last UNWTO international conference held in La Reunion in 2013. Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles will see the end of his mandate in May this year when he will pass the mantle on to the new President who would be agreed upon at the Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place in Seychelles on April 23. Minister St.Ange said that he salutes the commitment of President Didier Robert and for his determination to see the Indian Ocean islands marketed as the new tourism region. "The Vanilla Islands are a grouping of member states or islands. Each island gets out of this organization as much as they put in. It is not enough anymore to just say we are a member of the Vanilla Islands, we need to be seen as being a member," Minister St.Ange said.
Seychelles Tourism Minister emphasizes recommended readings for tourism industry
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | APR 04, 2014
Members of the Seychelles tourism industry were urged during a “door to door” hotel visit on Praslin Island to subscribe to eTurboNews, to For Immediate Release, and to the Indian Ocean Times to ensure they are kept well informed at all times with the latest happenings in the industry both on the local scene and on the international arena.
Minister St.Ange said that these three different news wires were always carrying news on the Seychelles tourism industry as well as news on the region and worldwide tourism. Additionally there is of course this blog which features a number of additional topics about the Seychelles, other Indian Ocean islands, and the Eastern African region, with a degree of relevance to the Seychelles tourism fraternity. The following are links to these new media:
www.eturbonews.com
www.forimmediaterelease.net
www.indian-ocean-times.com
www.wolfganghthome.wordpress.com
Seychelles Tourism and Culture Ministry encourages independence
Apr 02, 2014
“The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture believes in encouraging people to become more independent.” This statement was spelled out by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, to Danilo Albert and his family at their home at Les Canelles.
Minister St.Ange was invited by Derreck Samson, the elected Member of the National Assembly of Anse Royale, to visit Danilo Albert, a prominent artist suffering from a rare disease causing him to now be confined to a wheel chair.
Danilo Albert, whose drawings are a combination of pastel on canvas, ink, and pencil is seeking assistance from his district to have a small gallery built at his house. His request was then presented by Hon. Derreck Samson to Minister St.Ange, who found it important to personally visit Danilo Albert at his residence at Les Canelles. In the presence of Benjamine Rose, the Principal Secretary for Culture, and Hon. Derreck Samson, the elected Member of the National Assembly for the Anse Royale Constituency, Minister St.Ange congratulated Danilo Albert for taking up the initiative to become more independent and in so doing financially more independent and also more able to support his family.
“It is touching to see that despite your disease, you’ve taken it upon yourself to seek help to be able to contribute not only for the well-being of your family, but also to play a part to contribute to the economy of the country,” Minister St.Ange said to Mr. Danilo Albert in the presence of his family.
Danilo Albert showed Minister St.Ange photos taken of his past drawing exhibition, and a painting he made for Festival Kreol 2013. Minister St.Ange said his ministry will provide Danilo with sufficient materials for him to continue to paint. Minister Alain St.Ange encouraged Danilo to continue with his artistic work and went on to congratulate Hon. Derreck Samson, the National Assembly member for Anse Royale, to bring the request made by Danilo Albert forward.
PHOTO (L-R): Alain St.Ange, Minister for Tourism and Culture; Hon. Derreck Samson, National Assembly member for Anse Royale; Benjamine Rose, Principal Secretary for Culture; Danilo Albert and his wife and some of his works
The new Seychelles Tourism Academy construction is progressing well
Apr 01, 2014
The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange accompanied by Flavien Joubert, the Principal of the Tourism Academy, Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism and Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture joined Peter Moncherry of the Tourism Academy, Franky Petrousse, the appointed consultant for the construction project and the management of the Yangtze Construction Company of a site visit of the new Seychelles Tourism Academy. The visit which took place on Monday 24th March was for the Minister to appraise himself of the project development on site.
After tourism the construction site, Minister and his entourage held a formal meeting with the Management of the Yangtze Construction Company to map out the completion schedule for the new Seychelles Tourism Academy as the works had been running slightly behind schedule. It was agreed at that meeting that for the Phase One part of the construction project the following would be completed by the 15th July 2014: Academic Block of 15 Classrooms, the Language Laboratories, the Management Classroom + Library, the Security Guard House, the Public Restaurant & Bar and the Sewerage Plant. The Minister emphasized the urgency for the sewage plant as the equipment needs to be imported to be here in time. The Minister was also informed that all the furniture with regard to Phase 1 had already been delivered. The contractor was requested to provide a progress report in a week’s time on all the areas that are to be completed by the 15th July 2014, including external works. Thereafter, there should be a monthly progress report emphasizing on completion date of each block. Minister St.Ange emphasized that if works for Phase 1 were not completed by the 15th July 2014 penalties as per the “FIDIC” contract agreement signed by the contractor, meaning 1% of the total Contract price per day penalty, will start to take effect.
For construction works on Phase 2 part of the project it was agreed by the contractor that this would be completed by the 14th December 2014. These include the Admin Main Block, the Demonstration Kitchen & Restaurant, the Banquette Room/ Meeting Room.
Minister St.Ange confirmed at the meeting that no works of the Phase 3 part of the project would be starting until all the works covered in Phase 2 had beed duly completed. Phase 3 includes works on the Hotel and the Wellness & Spa Room.
After his visit to the new Seychelles Tourism Academy, Minister Alain St.Ange said that the Government of Seychelles was investing in a Tourism Academy that would be an asset to the island's tourism industry. "The Government is determined to deliver for Seychelles a Tourism Academy that will serve the industry that remains the pillar of our economy. We are determined to continue to train our local workforce to ensure we have Seychellois in the frontline at our resorts" Minister St.Ange said.
Tourism industry urged to subscribe to world tourism newswire
Apr 01, 2014
Members of the Seychelles tourism industry were urged during a “door to door” hotel visit at Praslin Island to subscribe to eTurbo News, to For Immediate Release, and to The Indian Ocean Times to ensure they are kept well informed at all times with the latest happenings in the industry both on the local scene and on the international arena.
Minister St.Ange said that these three different news wires were always carrying news on the Seychelles tourism industry as well as news on the region and worldwide tourism. The following are links to these three news wires: www.eturbonews.com ,www.forimmediaterelease.net and alsohttp://www.indian-ocean-times.com
"These services are totally free and by scrolling down on the page one can subscribe to them and receive updated news daily," Minister St.Ange said. He went on to say that what was deemed important to tourism establishments and businesses was sometimes left out of the main local press and too often this kept tourism related operators in the dark about happenings in their own industry.
"This week for example the news wires brought out news of the recent decision by the UK government to reform the Air Passenger Duty (APD). The current APD system, in place since 2008 that has significantly hindered UK’s tourism while creating important market distortions affecting long-haul destinations like the Seychelles. It is such a news items that has a bearing on the industry that needs to be read and hears," Minister Alain St.Ange said.
AIR PASSENGER DUTY TAX
Seychelles Tourism Minister joins UNWTO welcoming UK’s decision to review APD
Apr 01, 2014
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, has said that he joins Mr. Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in the world tourism body's welcome of the recent decision by the UK government to reform their Air Passenger Duty (APD).
Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles, who is himself a member on the Executive Council of the UNWTO, said as he quoted from the UNWTO communique that the Air Passenger Duty (APD) has been kept on the agenda at every tourism meeting and conference because Mr. Rifai understood how the current APD system, which has been in place since 2008, had significantly hindered UK’s tourism while creating important market distortions affecting long-haul destinations including the Seychelles sitting in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
The Seychelles Minister had personally also spoken on the repercussions of the Air Passenger Duty (APD) alongside Mr. Taleb Rifai at UNWTO coordinated meetings in London at their World Travel Market, in Dubai at the Arabian Travel Market, and also at different tourism meetings at the ITB tourism trade fair in Berlin, Germany. UNWTO has been long advocating for the need to review the current APD scheme. The existing band scheme, according to which values to be paid by travelers are calculated according to the distance between London and the destination country’s capital city, has made long-distance flying out of the UK significantly more expensive. This has created significant barriers for tourism development in long-haul destinations which depend mainly on air travel while curbing UK’s tourism competitiveness in emerging markets.
Minister St.Ange said that for Seychelles, tourism remained the pillar of the country's economy and that it was, therefore, important for the islands to follow up on measures that had a direct effect on the travel industry. "Seychelles is a sought-after tourism destination benefiting from a weather pattern giving it the name of the islands with perpetual summer. But we need airlines to bring our guests from our main markets, and one such market is the UK. This is why we have been following the works of the UNWTO vis-a-vis the Air Passenger Duty (APD) of the UK," the Seychelles Minister said.
The UNWTO in their communique said: “While taxes are a fundamental fiscal tool, there is a growing concern regarding a proliferation of levies on travel and tourism which produce market distortions and act as trade barriers, hampering fair competition between destinations,” said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “UNWTO, alongside partners such as WTTC [World Travel and Tourism Council], IATA [International Air Transport Association], CTO [Caribbean Tourism Organization], and PATA [Pacific Asia Travel Association], has been long advocating for the revision of the APD. This measure is very welcome news, and we trust the UK economy as well as the economies of destinations with strong links to the UK will all benefit from this decision,” he added.
The UK’s announcement to review the APD follows similar reforms taken by countries such as The Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, and Australia. Australia has recently frozen the Passenger Movement Charge (PMC).
NEW TOURISM EVENT
Praslin Island set to have its own “Food Fiesta” on the National Calendar of Events
Apr 01, 2014
The two members of the National Assembly representing the island of Praslin, accompanied by the District Administrators from both Baie Ste. Anne and Grand Anse Districts, met with Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, to make their case to have an annual event on the island of Praslin that would appear on the National Calendar of Events.
Hon. Marc Volcere, the MNA for Grand Anse Praslin, and the Hon. Nathasia Esther, the MNA for Baie Ste. Anne Praslin, accompanied by Mr. Moses Barbe, the DA for Grand Anse Praslin, and Mr. Kenneth Pointe, the DA for Baie Ste. Anne Praslin, met on Praslin with Minister St.Ange who was being accompanied by Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism, and Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Tourism Board, and together they discussed the request received by the two elected representatives from Praslin to see a national event staged annually at Praslin and for the event to appear on the National Calendar of Events. The two Praslin MNAs explained that Mahe has many cultural events that provided entertainment to the population and that helped stimulate the economy of the main island, and they said that La Digue had its August 15 Feast of La Digue, but they said that Praslin had been left behind. After lengthy discussions where different ideas where tabled and discussed, Minister Alain St.Ange and his delegation fell into agreement with National Assembly Members and District Administrators of Baie Ste. Anne and Grand Anse Praslin for an annual Food Fiesta on Praslin.
It was agreed that the Praslin Island Food Fiesta would fall within Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s annual cultural events list. Chairing the meeting at Castello Beach Resort, Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said his ministry will work closely with the Seychelles Tourism Board to come out with proper marketing strategies and promotional tools to position the event and to also ensure that it becomes a new attraction for even more visitors to discover Praslin.
When he was asked why a Food Fiesta and not a Praslin version of an event already being staged on Mahe, Minister St.Ange said: “It is pointless for the ministry to do a remake or to just copy a Mahe Island event and to re-stage it on Praslin. The island of Praslin is a destination of its own; its needs to be marked with its own event and to position it as an island with its own unique attractions. Now following the presentation tabled by the two elected representatives of Praslin, the island has a unique opportunity to become known as the island centered on good food with a special attention to culinary delights,” Minister St.Ange said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture accepts the idea that the Food Fiesta will help to boost visitors on Praslin and help the island tourism operators and in so doing the economy of Praslin and its islanders. June and July are traditionally slow months for visitors in Seychelles, which is why the National Assembly Members and the District Administrators of the Island have proposed that Seychelles should host the Food Fiesta in the middle of the month of July to encourage more bookings for hotels on Praslin.
As he closed the meeting, Minister St.Ange said this event will also bring unity on the island as the opening ceremony of the Food Fiesta will be held at Grand Anse and the Saturday event at Baie Ste. Anne.
“When people of Praslin will benefit economically from the Food Fiesta, the island’s economy will be stronger. This will in return benefit the economy of the whole country,” Minister St.Ange said.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the two National Assembly Members and the District Administrators of Praslin will continue to meet to finalize plans for the first Praslin Food Fiesta and also in order to announce the date of the first Praslin Food Fiesta.
PHOTO: Alain St.Ange, Minister for Tourism and Culture, chairing the meeting in the presence of Anne Lafortune, Principal Secretary for Tourism; Sherin Naiken, Chief Executive of Seychelles Tourism Board; Kenneth Pointe, District Administrator, Baie St. Anne; Moises Barber, District Administrator, Grand Anse; Hon. Nathasia Esther, National Assembly Member, Baie St. Anne Praslin; and Hon. Marc Volcere, National Assembly Member, Grand Anse Praslin
