The Tourism Legacy of
ALAIN ST.ANGE
Seychelles tourism looks back over another positive year
Dec 30, 2013
"We managed the tourism industry with passion. The style of leadership we believe in showed depth, uniqueness and an island style for Seychelles," Minister St.Ange, Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture in Seychelles, said in reply to a question by foreign press on the state of Seychelles tourism.
As 2013 winds to a close, Seychelles as a whole has an opportunity to look back over yet another good year for tourism.
At home, Seychelles continues to conduct a significant reorganization of how the tourism infrastructure works, and by the time that the Tourism Board moves to its new offices in Victoria sometime during the first quarter of the year, the country shall be looking at operations more focused on marketing and filling the knowledge gap about the islands as a tourism destination. This will be greatly aided by a revamped suite of collaterals: a new tourism website and corporate site, brand new destination video and supporting niche market videos, and viral films and a refreshed collection of tourism brochures.
Tourist numbers continue to rise and official tourism arrival statistics issued by the National Bureau of Statistics have stated that by the end of November 2013, 3,964 tourists arrived in Seychelles, marking the figure at 206,886 visitors for the year up to November. These figures show a 12% increase from the 185,094 record number of visitors in 2012.
The strategy of concentrating increased efforts in the emerging markets in response to the economic recession that continues to hang over traditional European markets is paying off, with China recording a respective 75% increase above 2012. Russia, Germany, and France have helped to increase the number of Seychelles’ visitor arrivals throughout the year with an increased figure of 40% in total. The Tourism Board moved to diversify, but at the same time maintained the visibility of the islands in its main traditional markets in Europe, especially in the markets where it has invested so much for so many years and the market that today knows Seychelles well and understands the country.
Furthermore, visitors from America have increased by 8% followed by a 41% increase of visitors from Oceania. Needless to say, the African market follows suit with an increase of 8% along with a 10% increase in South African visitors. Not only has the visitor numbers increased across the markets, but the Seychelles Tourism Board is preparing for a strengthened presence in such new emerging markets as India, Scandinavia, and South Korea to name a few.
Seychelles sees this as a vindication of its policies and strategies aimed at diversifying the sources of its tourist arrivals which is paying handsome dividends.
Air access to Seychelles continues to evolve, and new airline partners such as Mihin Lanka are strengthening its ties with the east while the confirmed return of Air Austral starting June 23, 2014 will bring back, especially for home-grown smaller establishments, a market lost since the departure of non-stop direct flights from La Reunion. Seychelles is and will remain a mid-ocean island destination and will have to continue to work closely with all its airline partners in order to offer the most appropriate routes at the most advantageous prices to its potential visitors.
As the islands prepare for the 4th edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria in April 2014, Seychelles continues to refine its raft of international events that includes the Eco-Friendly Marathon; Miss Seychelles Beauty Pageant; LaFet La Digue; the Tourism Ball; the Festival Kreol; the FetAfrik; SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea; La Francophonie Celebrations and a French Day; the Commonwealth Celebrations and a British Day; the Seychelles-India Day; the end-of-year Christmas with the stars musical show; and now in January, the Seychelles-China Day; as well as a proposed Praslin Day from 2014 to create added attractions for tourists to enjoy. Seychelles has moved from just selling itself as only a sun, sea, and sand holiday destination even though it probably has the best in this category of holiday options, but many destinations are also pitching these same selling points. It moved, when the Seychelles Brand of Tourism was launched to make its unique culture, and in so doing its people, the base of its unique selling points. The country’s culture has its own DNA, and its people is Seychelles, and they have Seychelles at heart.
Seychelles tourism continues to enjoy fruitful relationships and partnerships with other western Indian Ocean nations such as La Reunion, not only in co-hosting the carnival but also looking at longer-term prospects for regional tourism such as the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and the East3Route tourism initiative with partners Swaziland, Mozambique, and Kwazulu Natal of South Africa.
Together with the private sector, Seychelles government has worked as a team, and it has delivered for Seychelles. Now the country needs to further consolidate its achievements. One major challenge still to be worked on together is to overcome the yield received by the country from tourism, the industry that remains the pillar of the Seychelles economy. Though the hotel charges remain very much a private-sector controlled environment, and those who are reinvesting in their properties and upgrading their properties will be able to justify rate increases, the country needs to move to encourage new activities and facilities that can help generate more income for the country. Such facilities can include a bird park, an aquarium, and underwater restaurant, floating restaurants, and more. Hotels are charging what they feel they can based on the competition they face, not in Seychelles only, but also in competing destinations. This is why the country needs to be innovative as a country in order to increase its tourism yield.
The Tourism Board, under the direction of Sherin Renaud and ably assisted by Nathalie Didon, has received the big lines to follow from the annual November Marketing Meeting where the private sector tourism trade joins the government to analyze performance and discuss together the future. The Tourism Board has now also welcomed Rosemarie Hoareau, the private-sector nominated Director of Marketing, whose responsibility it is for continuously liaising with the industry on plans, actions, and on the way forward. One such move will be the appointment of a Senior Marketing Executive to help the small Seychellois hotel owners with their marketing and sales actions to ensure they are better able to face the increased competition of the tourism world. The Tourism Board will continue to make noise in the four corners of the world to ensure Seychelles remains visible and relevant as a tourism destination. Seychelles needs to ensure that what it says in its marketing and sales initiatives will be delivered 365 days of the years for all its visitors. Everyone must take their responsibility to ensure Seychelles remains the dream holiday destination.
Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism, is now finalizing details to absorb within the Ministry all policy and administrative departments previously attached to the Tourism Board. These will also include the inspectorates for standards and licensing.
Last but not least are the achievements of the Seychelles Tourism Academy, which is currently in the process of being redeveloped with plans to re-open early in 2014. The Seychelles Tourism Academy still holds regional and international partners, especially Shannon College in Ireland, but in a bid to ensure a competent and professional tourism workforce for Seychelles, there has also been recent signed agreements with Shanghai and Hebei Province to ensure that it continues to provide high standards of training for students wishing to work in Seychelles’ tourism industry.
As Seychelles now readies itself to meet the challenges of 2014, it must not rest on its laurels but continue to ensure that its tourism products are of the highest standard and also affordable. Today’s international tourism arena is highly competitive, and Seychelles must do all in its power to make sure that the attributes it is marketing matches its descriptions in its brochures and films; that its environment remains clean and appealing; that its Creole charm lives up to its name, and that the prices being charge do not turn people away, because these are the pillars upon which its tourism industry is built and its future prosperity depends.
Seychelles offers condolences to Russia and victims of Volgograd attacks
Dec 30, 2013
Seychelles President James Michel has extended his most sincere condolences to the people and government of the Russian Federation following the series of deadly attacks in the city of Volgograd which claimed innocent lives and injured many.
In a letter addressed to President Vladimir Putin, President Michel expressed solidarity of the people and government of Seychelles and condemned all acts of terror:
"The Republic of Seychelles unreservedly condemns such callous, brutal, and calculated acts of terrorism aimed at civilians of the Russian Federation during this festive period and nearing the 2014 Winter Olympics of which your country is host."
The President reiterated that Seychelles government strongly condemns such acts and offered his deepest sympathies and offered prayers to the families of those affected.
PILLAY R. GROUP GIVES DURING HOLIDAY SEASON
Seychelles group leads the way in social responsibility causes
Dec 29, 2013
Mr. Ramu Pillay was personally present at the SURMER Establishment on Christmas Day itself to bring the Christmas spirit to a group of 72 orphans and disadvantaged children living in homes with the Roman Catholic Nuns at Sainte Elizabeth Convent and also at Anse Etoile.
Mr. Ramu Pillay of the Pillay R. Group of Companies in Seychelles has been hosting a Christmas lunch for children living in these two home for the last ten years, and this last Christmas Day was no exception. A Christmas present for each of the children and each accompanying nun had been organized with music by entertainer Joseph Sinon. The children were also treated to a sumptuous buffet lunch.
Present at the function was the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange, who said as he addressed the ceremony that Mr. Ramu Pillay needed to be congratulated for his social responsibility stand. "You work hard as a businessman, you are a successful businessman, and you always find time to care for those who are less fortunate. Christmas is a time for giving, and you are leading by example Mr. Ramu. I thank you for your generosity and for being a caring businessman," Minister St.Ange said.
Also present were Mr. Antoine Onezime, the CEO of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, and Ms. Cindy Wirtz also from the SBC TV.
When he addressed those present, Mr. Ramu Pillay said that he was committed to give back to the society and that this Christmas lunch was just one of the areas in which his company will continue to play its part for Seychelles.
Star Alliance Ethiopian Airlines pulls out of the Seychelles
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | DEC 29, 2013
With Ethiopian Airlines pulling out the Seychelles is no longer served by any Star Alliance Airline.
After starting up with much fanfare last year have news now emerged that Ethiopian Airlines will halt their flights to Mahe from March 2014 onwards after apparently failing to make a significant impact vis a vis traffic carried to the archipelago compared to their own forecasts and expectations.
The airline was flying 4 times a week between Addis Ababa and Mahe’s International Airport and the flights are no longer visible after March 2014 in any of the common reservation systems, a clear indicator that the flights have been ‘offed’.
The Seychelles, one of the world’s most sought after destinations’, literally sells itself according to other airlines and yet has Ethiopian failed to capitalize on the appeal of the destination and its global standing. Inside information from Addis Ababa speaks of internal discussions, some apparently contentious, over the airline’s decision to pull out of the Seychelles, not only on the line of the potential fallout for the airline but also for the political dimension this decision could have. The Seychelles are a member of long and good standing in the African Union, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa and the archipelago’s tourism minister Alain St. Ange is currently one of Africa’s representatives on the UNWTO Executive Committee.
ET departs from the Seychelles amid regrets by the archipelago’s tourism sector, many of whom from a quick survey taken were not yet aware of the decision. Members of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, the main private sector platform where the main actors of the archipelago’s tourism industry come together, prefer to have a wider range of options to fly to Mahe from around the world, over and above home boys Air Seychelles which flies in partnership with Etihad, global giant Emirates which flies 12 times a week from Dubai to Mahe and Kenya Airways which connects presently 4 times a week out of Nairobi.
ET joins Qatar Airways, which withdrew from the Seychelles route a few months ago, the departure of the latter considered a greater loss for the archipelago’s tourism industry due to the global appeal QR has established as a five star airline. ‘If true, and I have no reason to doubt you after being spot on with past information about airlines coming or going, it will be a bit of a blow for us.
Emirates will for two months in 2014 fly only one flight per day because the Dubai airport runways are being resurfaced and traffic will need to be reduced. They have not yet said if they will bring in a larger aircraft to cater for the 5 flights each week which for those two months will be cancelled. Ethiopian brought in traffic from not just their global network but also from Africa and we now rely on Air Seychelles to bring traffic from South Africa and of course Kenya Airways.
KQ (Kenya Airways) now flies 4 times a week and there is some hope they may eventually add more flights and one day go daily. I think the use of their smaller Embraer jets will be a factor to make this possible.
However, there have been suggestions that Ethiopian did not market the Seychelles as resolutely as they could or should have done. STB [The Seychelles Tourism Board] works with all the airlines coming here and often has intervened on their behalf over the cost of ground handling at our airport.
That was a major factor for the Italian airline Panorama when they pulled out last year. It think there is a need to remove obstacles of any kind so that we can attract more air traffic and the ministries concerned, tourism and transport, should regularly sit and talk with Air Seychelles of how to encourage flights and keep the cost of handling within comparative ranges of other destinations like Mauritius or Reunion.
The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) goes into key markets with airlines to promote the islands and have dedicated significant resources over the years to bring in agents fam trips, media trips and even airline marketing staff to showcase our attractions. If an airline like Ethiopian would have come to us in the private sector we would have helped wherever and however we could but now that the decision seems official, there is perhaps not much left to be done but hope they change their mind in the future and return to Mahe again’ commented one source, however not ready to go on record.
Another regular source from Victoria, when told, lamented the loss of connections from the African mainland, where a significant rise in passenger numbers was recorded since Ethiopian started to fly to Mahe alongside Kenya Airways, saying: ‘Visitors from Africa, though some stay in very posh hotels, often opt for guest houses, self catering and apartments. These visitors support our indigenous Seychellois businesses and when Ethiopian leaves there is less choice for many to come here. I think Ethiopian has the most destinations in Africa but once they leave it will be left to Kenya Airways to cater for that traffic. Maybe they can add more flights to Mahe and provide the seats we now seem to lose from Africa’.
Understandably were no official comments available from any government offices or from STB in view of the extended holiday period and the current weekend.
Only recently did Air Austral announce the resumption of flights between Reunion and the Seychelles, from 23rd of June next year, with initially two frequencies, offering additional connectivity, and Air Seychelles has a few weeks ago also announced a significant increase in flights, including the resumption of direct flights to and from Paris, though via Abu Dhabi.
Fregate Island Seychelles now masterpiece hotel in the Oetker Collection
Dec 28, 2013
It is now six months since Fregate Island Private in the Seychelles joined the list of Masterpiece Hotels in the Oetker Collection and managed alongside the famous L`Apogee Courchevel of Courchevel in France, Brenners Park Hotel & Spa of Baden in Germany, Le Bristol Paris of Paris in France, Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa of Vence Cote D`Azure in France, Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc of Cap D`Antibes in France, and Palais Namaskar of Marrakech in Morocco.
This last Saturday it was the opportunity for Mr. Didier Le Calvez, the Senior Vice President Operations and Sales & Marketing for Oetker Collection, to present to Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, the operational vision of the new company appointed to manage Fregate Island Private.
The island has also now introduced a weekly Creole Night where a band from Mahe is invited to perform for the guests bringing added culture to the Fregate Island experience.
At a meeting on Fregate Island itself, Mr. Didier Le Calvez gave a rundown on the upgrading works underway for which a budget of 4.5 million euro has been budgeted. Redecoration of the island`s spa and the tennis courts have already now been completed. The Villas are also being touched up as well as the main restaurant and marina.
Oetker Collection of Hotels is a family-owned business in Germany, and they have a list of some 300,000 addresses of 5-star clients who have previously stayed in their own hotels. "They have now successfully moved clients to Fregate Island Private, and as they continue cross-selling their properties through Appeal, their own Oetker Collection Magazine, and other sales approaches.
"I was happy to have heard from Mr. Didier Le Calvez their plans and marketing approaches for Fregate Island Private. I have seen the work in progress and appreciate that the owning company is reinvesting in their property. Fregate Island Private is one of our great properties, and we welcome the approach by Oetker Collection to upgrade the property," Minister St.Ange said.
The Minister also welcomed the commitment by Oetker Collection to work with the Tourism Board and to support the Board`s efforts in the promotion of Seychelles.
Major restructuring in 2014 in the Seychelles Tourism and Culture administration
Dec 28, 2013
The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism & Culture held general staff meetings with National Arts Council, Heritage Foundation, Tourism Board Events Department, and International Conference Centre of Seychelles ahead of major restructuring in 2014.
In preparation for the coming reorganization of the semi-autonomous bodies that have the Ministry of Tourism and Culture as their parent Ministry, Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, accompanied by Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture, and Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism, held a series of staff meetings to ensure every staff member remains well informed on the coming restructuring.
Meetings were organized at the Board Room of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture at the National Cultural Centre in Victoria with staff of the National Arts Council and those of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation, as well as with the staff from the Events Celebrate Seychelles Department of the Seychelles Tourism Board and those of the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS).
Minister St.Ange started each meeting by reassuring everyone that NO STAFF member would be losing their job because of the coming restructuring. He said that it was important for him to personally reassure everyone to ensure that the right and correct information was received instead of hearsay and gossip. "Everyone is guaranteed of their position," the Minister said.
“The planning for this restructuring has been going on for quite a while. Many a meeting has taken place, and finally the proposed structure has been approved by the Council of Ministers, and it will come into place in the first two months of 2014,” said Minister St.Ange. “The aim for the restructure has been to increase productivity and to ensure high performance and the delivery of service within respective departments, and also the delivery of service to our respective public or clients,” he added.
The Minister reiterated that as of next year, the new agency that will be set up will run and manage major cultural events the government holds, and as a result of this, the Events Celebrate Seychelles Department at the Seychelles Tourism Board, the National Arts Council (NAC), the Seychelles Heritage Foundation, and the Conference Centers, inclusive of the International Conference Centre of Victoria and the National Theatre and the Theatre des Palmes of Mont Fleuri, will all merge to form the Creative Industries and National Events Agency.
“This has been necessary because the government will be implementing the new Creative Industries Policy, as well as a new Strategy for Music Development, in accordance with UNESCO.” UNESCO experts who were in Seychelles in 2012 to help Seychelles draft its Policy and Music Strategy advised on the move that would be helping the Ministry of Tourism and Culture fulfill its commitment to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which Seychelles ratified in June 2005.
The new Creative Industries and National Events Agency will also be responsible for the promotion, development, and preservation of National Heritage Sites. The new agency will also house a Division for Events Management, which will include all arts and cultural manifestation, festivals, and carnivals, formerly organized by the Department of Culture, the Tourism Board, the International Conference Centre, or the National Arts Council.
“It is important for me to again re-state to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation. No one, I repeat, no one will be losing their job, their employment, through this coming change. A new body, a new administration, yes, but every staff member today working at the National Arts Council, the Heritage Foundation, the Events Celebrate Seychelles Department at the Seychelles Tourism Board, and the International Conference Centre will be offered a new contract of employment simultaneously as the one body is phased out and the new one created,” stressed Minister St.Ange.
“For all staff touched by this change, think of the avenues ahead that create opportunities. Any moment can be seen as the darkest if you do not take time to talk, or the brightest if you get the right information from the right person,” he added.
Prior to meeting the different organizations’ staff members, Minister Alain St.Ange, accompanied by Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture, and Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism, had met with Madame Noellie Alexander, the Chairman of the National Arts Council, and her Board members as well as with Mr. Marcel Rosalie, the Chairman of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation and his Board members, to thank them for their work for Seychelles. "It is my duty to personally meet with you as these changes are being announced to thank you all for the time you made available to work for Seychelles. This was really appreciated and on behalf of the government we thank you," Minister St.Ange said.
French books for Seychelles libraries expands cultural offerings
Dec 28, 2013
An impressive stock of 1,100 French books that were shipped to Seychelles on the French navy ship “SIROCO” were on Friday morning handed over to Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, and transported to the Seychelles National Library at the National Cultural Centre in Victoria.
The book shipment to the Seychelles is the result of appeals made on behalf of the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture to ADIFLOR, a non-profit association, and to book publishers in France by Mr. Richard Touboul, the French historian and friend of Seychelles.
It all started in February 2013, when the Ministry of Tourism and Culture sought the assistance of Mr. Touboul for a ground-breaking mission in France to seek the support of book publishers and of the ADIFLOR to donate a stock of French language books for libraries in Seychelles.
Mr. Touboul flew to France and met with different reputed book publishers, and he also met with ADIFLOR, the non-profit association for the publication and distribution of French books. ADIFLOR was created in 1985 by Xavier Deniau, a former French Minister, with a mission to introduce readers to the pleasure of French books and promote French culture around the world among others. Mr. Richard Touboul struck a deal with Isabelle Le Camus de Lagrevol, an active member of the ADIFLOR association, and obtained the stock of French books for Seychelles.
Each year ADIFLOR, through their collections, enrich public libraries, documentation centers, schools, and universities in French-speaking countries with more than 200,000 books. Seychelles is now listed as one of the beneficiary countries of the association with a first donation of 1,100 books. Of the total number of books donated, 920 goes to the French section of the National Library at the National Cultural Centre in Victoria; 127 goes to the French Cultural Centre, “Alliance Francaise;” and about 40 to the French Embassy.
With the support of Madame Genevieve Iancu, French Ambassador to Seychelles, the contingent of books was loaded on the French military vessel “SIROCO” and shipped to Seychelles. The vessel safely docked in Port Victoria on December 21 under the command of Jean Marc Le Quilliec, Commander of “SIROCO.”
It was in the presence of Jean Paul Adam, the Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs; Madame Genevieve Iancu, the French Ambassador to Seychelles; Madame Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture; and other high-government officials that Commander Le Quilliec handed over the consignment of French books to Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, onboard the French navy ship “SIROCO.”
In his speech, Minister St.Ange said that handing over of the books to the Seychelles government “marked an important phase in the consolidation of French-Seychelles relations in the cultural arena.”
“The Franco-Seychelles relation already founded on solid ground is today more than ever solidified with the new contingent of French books being handed over after being transported to Seychelles by the French navy,” Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said.
Minister St.Ange also thanked Madame Genevieve Iancu for being supportive of this project.
“On behalf of Seychelles government and on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, I would like to extend my profound recognition to the French marines, especially to Mr. Jean Marc Le Quilliec, Commander of 'SIROCO' for his active involvement in this project that will help the development of culture in our country. We are also honored by the presence of the 'SIROCO' in our port and of the presence of Admiral Herve Blejean, Commander of the European Union marine forces,” Minister St.Ange said.
The Seychelles Minister concluded his address by extending his gratitude to Mr. Richard Touboul, the Historian and Honorary Consultant with the Seychelles Museums, and “a close friend of Seychelles” for successfully undertaking this mission.
Madame Genevieve Iancu, the French Ambassador to Seychelles, on her part hailed the symbolic gesture of the book donation as a positive step in French-Seychelles relations. Whereas Jean Paul Adam, the Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs, said that “the shipment of these books to Seychelles further strengthened the linguistic pact.”
Seychelles delegation on open mic on Telekreol in La Reunion
Dec 26, 2013
“That was the best show we’ve ever staged in La Reunion,” exclaimed the Seychelles delegation as they walked out of Tele Kreol studio. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, accompanied by artists Joe Samy and Jude Ally were “caught up in the lime light of Telekreol live Open Mic television show “ Nou le la !”. Rated as the number one show on Telekreol, “ Nou le la! gained credibility by not only attracting a large audience, but also allowing people to phone in during its live broadcasts.
Johanne the host of the show asked her first question about Seychelles’ participation in Festival “ Liberte Metisse” – to which Minister Alain St.Ange answered ‘’Seychelles shares a common history of post slavery era with La Reunion”. "The diversity of our nation is the same diversity enjoyed by La Reunion Island" said Minister St.Ange.
Meanwhile, Joe Samy commented that “Seychelles and La Reunion are sister islands with common cultural and tourism assets". Jude Ally's first appearance in a live show was impressive. He took to the studio one of his paintings “Republic”, and when he was questioned by Johanne on the theme of his painting, Jude humbly said that it “the abstract painting reveals the state of destruction of a society’’. Amazed by the colourful emotions coming out of Jude description of his painting, Johanne shared with the audience her impression. It was then time for Joe Samy to stage his performance. With his guitar in his hand Joe Samy sung his “ Eau des Iles ‘’ song. Described by the presenter as “ invitation to Vanilla Islands’’ , Eau des Iles wowed the public. “ Nou le la!’’ also takes the audience to Seychelles, through airing of clips edited following 28th edition of Festival Kreol. Questioned by Johanne on Seychelles as a tourism destination, Minister St.Ange said that “ Its heaven on earth’’, before concluding that “ Seychelles is surely an Island paradise’’. Truly a perfect way to end the show.
Christmas message from President James A Michel of the Seychelles
Dec 24, 2013
The joyous time of Christmas has come to warm our hearts again. Many people, especially the children, long for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. There are many preparations for this most wonderful of occasions, filled with the sense of renewal and hope after a year of events. That is why here in Seychelles, and for countless of millions all over the world, Christmas is a very special time of the year.
We learn from Christmas that little Jesus was born in humble surroundings, in a stable among shepherds, and not in a palace. He taught us to think of ourselves less, so that we have the place in our hearts for the love we wish to share with others. We learn from Him that we can achieve success from modesty. We should never lose the spiritual significance, the sanctity and the humanity of Christmas. As our nation embarks on a revitalisation of the many aspects of our Creole culture, and in the face of the mounting pressure of consumerism, we should devote a little more effort towards the preservation of the essence of Christmas. It will enlighten us spiritually in a greater way.
As we express the values of this festive occasion we dedicate our prayers and our deeds to our dear Seychellois children, our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. My family and I thank the nuns, the church and governmental agencies, and also the civil society groups for caring for our children in the special homes. Every year we look forward to hearing the children sing the carols. We are touched by their performance. They are the ones who collectively fill our hearts with the most happiness during this time of year. We love them.
Our special thoughts at this time of year are always with the less fortunate members of our society. Among them are the mostly young men and women who are suffering from substance addiction, the convicts undergoing rehabilitation, the single parents, the vulnerable, the boys and girls in children’s homes, the disabled, the homeless, the sick in hospital and at home, the elderly. We thank God for the togetherness Christmas brings to our homes and society. We pray for changes in our lifestyles, for the better Seychelles, for the peace and happiness of all our people.
Our wish this Christmas is that our flock of generous people will grow to spread goodwill, peace, happiness and love among the nation. Christmas is, after all, the special time of the year for giving and sharing. We show solidarity with the families who are facing difficulties. There are elderly citizens who are staying alone. They, too, will cherish a moment of company with a kind neighbour. Christmas will only be real and meaningful in the lives of all of us when we reach out to people in need. Acts of kindness bind us as a people; they build our peaceful nation. Good deeds nurture compassion.
We end the year with a sense of accomplishment. Again, we have worked hard to continue moving our country forward. Our discipline and collective sacrifices of the recent past are bearing fruit. We can now look forward to a new year of greater prosperity for all, as we will be sharing more of the economic gains from our success. However, it is important that we remain responsible citizens so as to contribute effectively to the common good of our beloved nation. A lot more remains to be done to bring increased prosperity to our people.
My family and I thank the churches, the choirs, the religious groups and the business community for spreading the spirit of Christmas all over the land. The decorations in our capital, Victoria, are impressive, probably the best ever. Indeed, we are enjoying a truly bright Christmas!
We think of the men and women in uniform who are protecting our country. Because of their vigilance, our nation has been spared the trauma of pirate attacks. We are all home this Christmas. Our thoughts are also with the officers of the Police force, all the dedicated workers who are on duty on Christmas day in the essential and emergency services, in the hospitality industry and transportation services. We are grateful to all of them for ensuring that the rest of us are able to enjoy the festive season in peace and comfort.
We have much to rejoice. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the abundant blessings God showers on our nation.
My family and I wish the Seychellois people, here on our islands and all over the world, and all visitors to our shores, a joyous and peaceful Christmas.
STARTING 23 JUNE 2014 AIR AUSTRAL FLIES FROM REUNION TO SEYCHELLES
Direct air service to Seychelles from La Reunion by Air Austral
Dec 23, 2013
Direct air service to Seychelles from La Reunion by Air Austral from 23 June 2014 is confirmed and announced
Inter Island air connectivity in the spirit of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands takes a new dimension with the announcement by Air Austral made in the presence of Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture and President Didier Robert, the Regional Council of La Reunion at a Press Conference that was held at the Head Quarters of Air Austral at Roland Garros Airport, St.Denis in La Reunion.
The announcement follows discussions that had taken place in Seychelles during the island's Festival Kreol last October between President James Michel of the Seychelles and President Didier Robert of La Reunion. These discussions were again followed this week by Minister St.Ange as he was in La Reunion for the Festival Liberté Métisse, the Vanilla Islands Event that was being staged on La Reunion Island.
Air Austral, the French airline of Indian Ocean, has announced its return on the Seychelles route after a one year break. The new La Reunion - Seychelles flight operations will be on a Boeing 737-800, two times a week from 3rd. June 2014.
The two flights are scheduled to depart La Reunion every Monday and Wednesday at 7.20 pm to arrive in Seychelles at 10pm, and return to La Reunion the following day at 9.55am. A code share agreement is currently under discussion with Air Seychelles.
“This good news will reinforce the links between the two islands and it will enhance the economic development” said Didier Robert, the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister of Tourism and Culture of the Seychelles on his part said that this announcement will be well received by the People of Seychelles. "Our island's tourism industry will benefit from this opportunity and we have given our commitment to work with Air Austral to develop the route for the benefit of the airline and for the consolidation for the Seychelles Tourism Industry" Minister St.Ange said.
ALAIN ST.ANGE, PRESIDENT OF THE VANILLA ISLANDS & MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE FROM THE SEYCHELLES
Vanilla Islands: Unity in purpose clearly displayed
Dec 23, 2013
The sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, Mr Alain St.Ange who is also the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture has described the unity displayed by Member States at the Festival Liberte Metisse in La Reunion was encouraging. "Representatives from five member states were present. Everyone took to the podium at the official opening ceremony, and everyone spoke about the need to have a strong tourism region and every defended the concept behind the Vanilla Islands. Unity in purpose was evident" Alain St.Ange said to the press.
Both the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion, Mr Didier Robert and his Vice President, Mr Jean Francois Sita congratulated the achievements of theIndian Ocean Vanilla Islands and both spoke about the importance of the Organisation for the benefit of a strong tourism region. Dr Karl Mootoosamy, the CEO of the MTPA of Mauritius on his part defended publicly the need for the islands of the Indian Ocean to be united in this Regional Organisation. Dr Karl Mootoosamy also said that being present at the Festival Liberte Metisse was a sign of solidarity. The same messages were echoed by the Heads of the Madagascar and Mayotte Islands.
The La Reunion Festival Liberte Metisse has from this year been listed as a Vanilla Islands event and now joins the Carnaval International de Victoria that is staged annually in the Seychelles during the last weekend of April and the ITM, the International Tourism Fair of Madagascar that is staged on its part in mid May annually.
Comoros has now had its Culinary & Cultural Fiesta at the end of August also listed on the Calendar of Events of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organisation.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture has been President of the Organisation for two mandates and the election for the 2014 / 2015 President will be held in Seychelles on the 24th. of April, the day before the the Official Opening of the next event of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands.
The Minister from the Seychelles has been the first President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands and he used the La Reunion event to thank his colleagues from the other islands for their support. "The time has come for us all not only to say that we are all together, but for us to be sen to be together" Alain St.Ange said.
Air Austral in meetings with Seychelles for resumption of regional flights
Dec 23, 2013
The CEO of the airline of La Reunion, Mr Marie-Joseph Male last Sunday morning met with Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture in the presence of President Didier Robert, the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion, Mr Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of IRT (Ile Reunion Tourisme) and other Senior Management of Air Austral.
The meeting that took place at the Head Quarters of Air Austral at St.Denis Roland Garros Airport was for Air Austral to continue on discussions to restart their twice weekly service between La Reunion and the Seychelles.
"The number of tourists coming from La Reunion has dropped since the decision by Air Austral to discontinue its service to Seychelles. The connection via Muaritius is not working and the cost is exorbitant" said Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles.
The economic situation to restart the air service it today seen as being more favourable with the number of passengers expected to grow because of the efforts made on the ground in La Reunion by the Seychelles Tourism Board and also because of the recent approach by President Didier Robert of La Reunion to instigate export of commodities from La Reunion to Seychelles. "Mr Didier Robert accompanied an important group of business men from La Reunion during the 2013 Festival Kreol in Seychelles. Contacts have now been made between them and the Seychellois Business Community and trade between the two sister islands can start as soon as a direct flight is back in service" said Alain St.Ange.
The discussions between Air Austral and the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism also centred on the pushing twin centre holidays from Europe that would see Seychelles and La Reunion featured together in packages.
Minister Alain St.Ange, President Didier Robert and Vice President Jean-Francois Sita and Minister St.Ange addressing the Official Opening Ceremony.
Seychelles stages impressive performance at La Reunion Festival Liberte Metisse
Dec 21, 2013
The 4th edition of Festival “Liberte Metisse” was officially launched in La Reunion Island on Thursday, December 19. As darkness fell on Madoi, a former coffee plantation of the island’s post-slavery era, the powerful voice of Seychellois poet Raspyek submerged the stage. His voice poised on the beats of the “Bonm,” one of the Seychelles traditional musical instruments. A call by Raspyek brought on stage a group of Seychellois dancers dressed in slave attire. The one-hour performance culminated with songs of Joe Samy, Michelle Marengo, and an impressive choreographed series of dances by the Seychelles National Cultural Troupe.
For this edition of the Festival, Vanilla Island member states were present to show support for an event now listed on the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands events calendar. Jean-Francois Sita, Vice President of La Reunion Regional Council with responsibility for Culture; Dr. Karl Mootoosamy, CEO of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority; Attoumani Harouna, Vice President of the Tourism Committee of Mayotte; Eric Koller, President of the Madagascar Tourism Office; Didier Robert, President of Regional Council of La Reunion; and Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture and also the sitting President of Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands.
Each and every representative of Member States said when they addressed the official opening of the Festival Liberte Metisse that they remained committed to the concept of the Vanilla Islands. They all congratulated La Reunion for staging an event now featured of the organization's calendar of events and all undertook publicly to support these regional events organized by Member States.
In his opening remarks, Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said that tourism and culture should co-exist.
“Tourism cannot exist without culture, because when culture is brought into the equation, it is the people of the islands who are being recognized as the base for our tourism industry. Festival Liberte Metisse demonstrated the spirit of La Reunion Island to use culture as a vector of tourism,” Minister Alain St.Ange said.
Minister St.Ange congratulated La Reunion for hosting the event and for listing the festival on the Vanilla Island’s calendar of events.
"Today we can say that the Seychelles delegation feels at home on your island. We are gathered here as brothers and sisters to participate with you in this festival. We are here to support La Reunion, the people of La Reunion, and President Didier Robert for staging an event that marks an era where each and every island of grouping lived that difficult and dark period. The festival is, therefore, not only important for La Reunion but also the Vanilla Islands grouping.”
Minister St.Ange added that the slavery era remained a dark period of their island’s history.
“The diversity of our nation is rooted from this period. Today, we can proudly say that this period of history forged us a nation. The Festival Liberte Metisse is a celebration of the abolition of slavery and also the celebration of the successful path we have all created to be what we are today as the proud Creole people of the Indian Ocean. We can today say that from our past, we have come out stronger and that we are blessed with a rich culture and heritage and with a people recognized across the world who are living in unity through their diversity,” Minister Alain St.Ange said.
The colorful official opening of the Festival Liberte Metisse saw the participation of artists from La Reunion, Madagascar, Comores, and Mayotte.
Seychelles congratulates President of the Republic of Chile on re-election
Dec 20, 2013
Seychelles President James Alix Michel has congratulated Her Excellency Ms. Michelle Bachelet, President of the Republic of Chile, on behalf of the government and people of Seychelles on her victory of the election in Chile.
“On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Seychelles, it gives me greatest pleasure in conveying to you our most sincere and warmest congratulations,” said President Michel.
Also, President James Michel expressed the hope of strengthening the bilateral relations which already exist between Seychelles and Chile:
“I look forward to a closer collaboration between our two countries in various multilateral organizations of issues of mutual interests.
“I trust that the friendly relations that exist between our two nations will be further strengthened and that we will force new partnership in potential avenues of cooperation.”
To conclude, the President sent his best wishes to Her Excellency, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, for her continued success in leadership and creating a solid partnership
REUNION TOURIST EVENT FESTIVAL LIBERTE METISSE
Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture meets island delegation in La Reunion
Dec 19, 2013
The Seychelles delegation who have traveled to La Reunion Island for the Festival Liberte Metisse yesterday morning met with their Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture for a final briefing on the Seychelles performances at the La Reunion Festival Liberte Metisse.
"We are a proud Creole people with little to no complexes at all because of our rich history. The abolition of slavery that we are here to celebrate is also part of our historical past. We feel part and parcel of that day being celebrated by La Reunion. We take this opportunity to congratulate La Reunion for making this event a Vanilla Islands event as the Carnaval International de Victoria is for Seychelles. We all salute President Didier Robert for his commitment for regional cooperation," Minister Alain St.Ange said to the La Reunion press after the meeting with the Seychellois delegation.
The Seychelles Minister reminded his delegation that everyone was here to fly the Seychelles flag high and in so doing keep the name of Seychelles visible and Seychelles as a tourism destination relevant.
"Because our work at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture is today respected and appreciated, your costs for traveling here as a delegation has been born mostly by sponsorship by the private sector. Let us bear this in mind as we work to do Seychelles proud here in La Reunion so that news getting back home will continue to open doors for us for such future moves," Minister St.Ange said.
The opening act at the Official Opening Ceremony at the La Reunion Festival Liberte Metise will see the Seychellois delegation take to the stage.
Minister Alain St.Ange as President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands will also address the Official Opening Ceremony after President Didier Robert of La Reunion addresses his public.
KNOWING THE PRODUCT IN ORDER TO INCREASE SALES
Seychelles Tourism Board staff visits tourism establishment in the inner islands
Dec 19, 2013
The Seychelles Tourism Board is forging ahead with its agenda of knowing the product it is selling in the inner islands of Praslin and La Digue, by sending a group of staff to experience such establishments first hand.
The Seychelles Tourism Board’s employees were introduced to the many hotels and guests houses available for visitors on both Praslin and La Digue over the weekend.
Among those taking part in the trip were representatives from the Marketing section, Information Offices as well as Public Relations.
“We are hoping that as the staff gets to experience the tourism establishments first hand, it will arm them with the necessary knowledge needed to sell them to those who visit the stalls the Tourism Board erects at its many tourism fairs,” said the Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Sherin Naiken.
“Once they know what the clients should expect in the many tourism establishments, our representatives will be more convincing to our prospective clients,” she explained.
Although it was a new experience for some of the Tourism Board staff taking part in the first familiarization trip to the inner islands, many of them say it was a fruitful one as they talked to many trade partners.
“This trip was a real eye-opener for me, as tourism trade representatives – who deal with the clients on a daily basis gave me insight to what they believed the clients were looking for when they came on holiday in Seychelles,” said PR Coordinator Alexandria Faure.
It was a full schedule for all those involved as they had to visit over 20 establishments over 3 days. Among those visited were the big hotels such as Dhevatara Beach Hotel and Spa, Le Duc de Praslin, and Raffles Praslin resort on Praslin. On La Digue, they visited mainly guest houses such as Hibiscus and La Digue Self Catering. The only big hotels on the list for that island were Domaine de L’Orangeraie and Patatran hotel.
The second batch of staff from the Tourism Board landed on Praslin very early last Friday to continue learning more about the other tourism establishments found both on Praslin and La Digue.
Mayotte Island President and Seychelles Minister discuss Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands cooperation
Dec 19, 2013
Mayotte Island President and Seychelles Minister meet and discuss Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands cooperation
Mr Daniel Zaidini, President of the island of Mayotte met with Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture and the current President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands as he transited Mayotte. Minister St.Ange was travelling to La Reunion Island after having attended the Vanilla Islands Tourism Offices and Tourism Boards representatives that was held in the Comoros.
President Daniel Zaidini and Minister St.Ange had previously met at Top Resa, the Tourism Trade Fair of France where many areas of cooperation were discussed.
At this latest meeting between President Daniel Zaidini of Mayotte and Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles it has been confirmed that Mayotte will continue to play its part as a committed island of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and that Mayotte will be a co-host of the 2014 Carnaval International de Victoria that is staged in the Seychelles during the last weekend of April.
Mayotte now joins Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar and South Africa as co-hosts of this unique carnival that has been baptised the 'carnival of carnivals' because it remains the only carnival where all the best carnivals of the world parade side by side and followed by cultural troupes from the Community of Nations.
This means that four of the Indian ocean Vanilla Islands (Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar and Mayotte) are now working with South Africa as co-hosts of the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria.
Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles was also met by Mr Philippe Laycuras, the Sous-Prefet of Mayotte with responsibility for Economic and Regional Affairs. Together they discussed the question of air access and of shipping challenges. The question of cruise ships for the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands was also discussed.
Seychelles Official Partner Country of 2014 Fair in Hamburg
Dec 19, 2013
The Seychelles Tourism Board expects to attract even more visitors from Germany, now that it is official that the Indian island state is the official partner country in hosting the Reisen Hamburg fair next year.
The travel fair - classed as the top tourism show to take place in northern Germany – will begin on February 5 next year and will end on February 9 at the Hamburg fairgrounds.
The head of the Seychelles Tourism Board German office, Edith Hunzinger, explained that the fair will help further raise Seychelles’ profile in an area that the board deems important to the local tourism industry.
Last year, more than 78,000 visitors came to collect information from about 800 exhibitors in seven halls that the Hamburg fair was held in.
“The affluent region surrounding Germany’s largest seaport is a key market for the Seychelles. The prominent presentation at this consumer fair will geographically balance Seychelles Tourism Board’s presence at trade and consumer shows in other parts of Germany,” explained Mrs. Hunzinger.
While the Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer, Sherin Naiken, said although the fair is taking place in northern Germany, it will also help to promote the Seychelles in other countries as well.
“Taking part in this fair will mean us reaching a variety of markets at the same time, as our name will be shown in all the countries taking part,” she added.
Visitors to the Seychelles stand will be treated to beautiful Seychellois girls performing traditional dances, as well a press conference with the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, who will be at hand to answer journalists’ questions. Minister St.Ange knows Germany well, having studied his Hotel Management Diploma in Germany itself.
The “Holiday, Caravaning, Outdoor and Cycling Exhibition” will be open to the general public daily between 1000 and 1800 hours over a period of four days.
To note, Seychelles is enjoying an ever-increasing popularity with German travelers.
In the first nine months of this year alone, nearly 25,000 Germans visited the islands – an increase of 22 percent over the record figures of the same period last year. The Seychelles Tourism Board says it expects more than 32,000 Germans to have visited the Seychelles by the end of 2013, which translates into 15 percent of the total of tourists flying into the country.
Seychelles Minister leaves Comoros after successful mission as Head of Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands
Dec 18, 2013
Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture of the Seychelles, left Comoros on Tuesday afternoon to Mayotte Island saying that his working visit to the island of Comoros had been a success.
Minister Bahiat Massoundi, the Comoros Minister responsible for Post Offices, Telecommunication, new Information Technology, Communication, Transport and Tourism, had personally made time to meet the Minister from the Seychelles, who was also in the Comoros in his capacity as President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. The Minister of the Comoros also used the visit to table concrete propositions for discussion and this will include the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) when she visits the Seychelles on a working visit in January 2014.
"The spectacular natural beauty of the Comoros is underestimated and under sold. The very clear and clean seas lapping the rugged volcanic coastline and its beaches is indeed amazing. The openness of this big island I saw is indeed surprising and it is clear that together in the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands we can work with Comoros to increase their visibility and see how their hotel infrastructure can be enhanced and the training for the service industry intensified. For example, we have a Tourism Academy in the Seychelles, and the big question is why have we taken so long to see how the needs on one member state can be looked at through facilities or know how from the other member states. This visit has been an eye opener for me and for the other delegates coming from La Reunion, Madagascar, and Mauritius," Minister Alain St.Ange said to the press at his departure from the Comoros.
The Comoros used that meeting to confirm that their events that will appear on the Vanilla Islands listing will be held in late August and will bring out the culture and culinary art of the islands into a regional manifestation. This brings the list of published events of the Vanilla Islands to four.
Seychelles pushes its Carnaval International de Victoria in April, Madagascar has its ITF (International Tourism Fair of Madagascar) in May, Comoros has now booked August with their Culture & Culinary event, and La Reunion has in December the festival celebrating the abolition of slavery.
Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands meeting in Comoros
Dec 18, 2013
The grouping of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands (Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte and the Seychelles) have been meeting this week in Moroni in the Comoros.
The Tourism Authority or Tourism Boards representatives of five of the seven Vanilla Islands were meeting under the chairmanship of the Seychelles Minister Alain St.Ange, who is also the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands Organisation.
Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Vanilla Islands was also present to present the achievements of the Organisation and to answer questions from representatives from the Member States on the budget in hand.
Promotional activities and actions for 2014 was also tabled and discussed.
Visibility of the Organisation to ensure that the name 'Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands' becomes more relevant in the world of tourism was a topic that was also tabled and extensively debated. The meeting also decided on the need for the Vanilla islands Organisation to publish their own joint brochures, coffee table books and to produce a promotional film for all the seven islands together.
The Comoros meeting was also seen as a positive event to get representatives of Member States to get to know each other's strong selling points and tourism attractions.
Minister Alain St.Ange said that he was personally happy to have had the chance to get to know the Comoros and to have had good and frank one to one meetings with the Comoros Minister for Tourism.
The next Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Ministers Meeting is to be held in Seychelles during the last week of the month of April 2014.
VANILLA ISLANDS TOURISM EVENT
Seychelles gearing up for Festival "Liberte Metisse" in La Reunion Island
Dec 18, 2013
The Seychelles delegation, in La Reunion for the fourth edition of Festival "Liberte Metisse,” said it will be giving its best at the event.
The 20 member-strong team will be staging a colorful performance in the coming days, showing its respective islands’ support to the festival commemorating the abolition of slavery.
Before flying out to La Reunion for "Liberte Metisse" – an annual festival held on December 20 – the Seychellois delegation has worked tirelessly to make sure their performance is not only spectacular but also in keeping with this year's theme of " liberty and recognition of the islands' rainbow nation.”
For those lucky enough to attend the official opening ceremony on December 20, Seychelles' opening performance starts with the sounds of a “bon,” a traditional stringed instrument which is vaguely reminiscent of the Kora found in Western Africa.
Members of the Seychelles National Dance Troupe dressed as slaves will illustrate the sufferings of the then slaves through dance, giving their take on the dark times in the Indian Ocean Islands' history.
Tony Joubert, commonly known as “Raspyek” in Seychelles, will then take to the stage with his poem "Here in Diasporas,” a mixture of both English and Creole verses, narrating the "story of a liberated slave.”
Joe Samy – a familiar voice in Seychelles and the Vanilla Islands - expects to mesmerize the crowd with "Eau des Iles" and his signature tune "La Digue." Female vocalist, Michelle Marengo, will then join him on stage to perform "Cafe au lait girls.” The Seychelles' performance will continue with more dance and Michelle closing the curtain segment with a rendition of her best hits.
In addition to performances, visual arts will also be given plenty of exposure during the festival, further showcasing the islands' rich cultural heritage.
Urny Mathiot and Jude Ally are also on La Reunion Island with a selection of photographs and paintings – Seychelles' contribution to this celebration of cultural heritage.
For those already on La Reunion for the "Liberte Metisse" festival, the strong Seychellois delegation has prepared a spectacle for their entertainment.
This La Reunion Island festival is listed as their Vanilla Islands event. For the Seychelles it is their annual Carnaval International de Victoria that is staged during the last weekend of April that is their Vanilla Islands event.
Inter-island cooperation through tourism - Seychelles and Comoros meet
Dec 18, 2013
The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange, and his counterpart from the Comoros, Minister Bahiat Massoundi, the Comoros Minister responsible for Post Offices, Telecommunication, new Information Technology, Communication, Transport and Tourism, met for a working meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moroni.
Discussions at the meeting centered on bilateral cooperation between Comoros and the Seychelles in the field of tourism development. Both Ministers were following the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands meeting that was being held for the first time in Comoros to coincide with the Tourism Trade Open Door event of Comoros aimed to sensitize the general public and the youth of Comoros on the importance on tourism as an industry for wealth creation.
The Ministers meeting was described to the press by both the Seychelles and Comoros Ministers as having been frank, cordial and positive.
It was decided that a follow-up meeting between the two Indian Ocean Island Ministers would be held in Seychelles in January 2014 at the same time that the Foreign Affairs Ministers from the Indian Ocean Commission would be meeting in Seychelles to mark the 30th anniversary of that regional organization.
The Ministry of Tourism from both the Comoros and the Seychelles will now work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of having it signed when the Ministers meet in Seychelles in January.
An area of cooperation discussed is access for Comoros students to the Seychelles Tourism Academy. Air access between the Indian Ocean Islands as well as visa requirements for easy access between the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands for islanders from Member States were also tabled and discussed.
Accompanying Minister St.Age at this Inter-island cooperation meeting was Nathalie Didon, the Deputy CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.
COMOROS AND SEYCHELLES DISCUSS TOURISM
Comoros Vice President receives Seychelles Minister at Moroni offices
Dec 17, 2013
Mr. Nourdine Bourhane, the Vice President of the Comoros, yesterday, Tuesday, December 17, welcomed Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, for a private meeting at his Moroni offices. Vice President Bourhane is currently also acting President in the absence of President Dhoinine who is currently on an official overseas mission.
The Seychelles Minister, who is the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands (Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, and the Seychelles) was in the Comoros for the Vanilla Island's last meeting for the year 2013. Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles is currently serving his second mandate as President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. Discussions in Comoros between the representatives of the Member States have confirmed that the elections for the 2014/15 President of the Vanilla Islands would be held in the Seychelles at the end of April 2014, the day before the Carnaval International de Victoria and that the hand-over proper is set to take place at the International Tourism Fair (ITM) of Madagascar in May 2014.
Both the Carnaval International de Victoria that is staged annually during the last weekend in the Seychelles and the International Tourism Fair (ITM) that is staged in May in Madagascar are listed as events of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands.
The Vice President of the Comoros used the meeting with the Seychelles Minister to echo his country’s appreciation of the friendship of the Seychelles and more particularly of the government of the island's President, James Michel. He thanked Minister St.Ange for his tireless efforts to guide and consolidate the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organization and for accepting to consider opening the doors of the Seychelles Tourism Academy to students from the Comoros.
Vice President Bourhane has visited the Seychelles and appreciates the island's management of its tourism industry.
Reunion Island Freedom Festival to boost tourism in Indian Ocean region
Dec 17, 2013
The 4th edition of the Freedom Festival will be held at Freedom Mixed Etang-Sale-les-Bains from December 20-22. Initiated by Region Meeting and organized in partnership with the island of La Reunion Tourisme (IRT) and the Vanilla Islands, this cultural event is part of celebrations to be held on December 20.
Reunion Island is a land of a thousand faces, a mix that reflects its four centuries of history and the arrival of peoples from the four corners of the world (Africa, Asia, Europe, Madagascar); a cultural and ethnic melting pot that gives the island of La Reunion single destination status: an island where traditions and religions coexist harmoniously, an island where the difference is a source of wealth.
December 20, 1848 marks an historic date in the collective conscious of Reunion - the abolition of slavery on the island of La Reunion. Every year on this day, the population of Reunion vibrates to the rhythm of Maloya - ranked as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO - to celebrate this "Fet 'Freedom."
Under the sign of freedom and the recognition of Metis culture, the mixed Freedom Festival aims to bring the shared values of the Reunion Island and Vanilla Islands - respect, tolerance, cultural mix, and better living together are the watchwords of this event.
Mixed freedom is:
• thirty concerts on three stages, with a special evening on Saturday, December 21
• seven exhibitions
• theater and storytelling
• a parade through the streets of Etang-Sale-les-Bains on Sunday, December 22 from 5 pm
• projections of short films about the history of La Reunion
• lectures on the theme of miscegenation
• entertainment and food tastings
• twenty huts to discover the cultural richness of the Vanilla Islands braiding house of tisaneur, vanilla, antiques, fruits and vegetables of yesteryear, confectionery, local products, geraniums
On the occasion of this fourth edition, several guests of honor were invited by the President of the Region, Didier Robert, including the Vanilla Islands (Reunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, Mayotte, the Maldives), Mozambique, Zanzibar, Haiti, South Africa and China. On this occasion, twenty artists and Seychellois officials, including the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Seychelles, Alain St.Ange, will be on the island to celebrate freedom in jubilation.
The Vanilla Islands label aims to boost tourism throughout the Indian Ocean region and aims to conquer new markets for partner territories. Through this event on the calendar of the Vanilla Islands, Reunion Island intends to show its willingness to share the cultural wealth of the islands of the Indian Ocean.
Vanilla Islands President welcomed to Comoros by Tourism Minister
Dec 16, 2013
Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture and President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, arrived in Comores Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport this morning and was met at the airport by Minister Bahiat Massoundi, the Comoros Minister responsible for Post Offices, Telecommunication, new Information Technology, Communication, Transport and Tourism; Madame Kalathoune Mahamoud, the representative in the Ministry responsible for Transport and Tourism; and Madame Hissane Guy, the President of the National Tourist Office of Comoros; and an important delegation from the Department of Tourism of the Comoros.
The Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands (Comores, La Reunion, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, and the Seychelles) are meeting this week in Comores.
The agenda items for this Comores meeting is set to analyze actions already implemented in 2013 which includes the roadshow undertaken in South Africa, participation in the World Travel Market in London, the MOU signed with Constance Group of Hotels, the MOU signed with Air Madagascar, the ongoing partnership developed with the Indian Ocean Times, and the launch of the organization's Facebook page.
The meeting will also look at proposed actions for 2014 and the organization's budget. Here it is expected that the inter-island meeting will be spending time planning the launch of the organization's web site and also look at the proposed action plan for the organization as was received from member states among other organizational matters.
The venue for the next ministerial meeting of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands will also be discussed, as well as the question on who will the candidates will be for the 2014 elections for the presidency when Alain St.Ange will step down after serving a two-term mandate.
98th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers: Seychelles defends the ACP Fisheries
Dec 16, 2013
Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Barry Faure defended the Seychelles position at the 98th session of the African Caribbean Pacific Council (ACP) of Ministers in Brussels (9th to 11th December 2013) where he represented the Foreign Minister Jean-Paul Adam. Seychelles has come out strongly to insist that previous ACP Council decisions on fisheries in ACP states and regions be fully implemented by the ACP.
The Council of Ministers meets in ordinary sessions twice a year. Once, towards mid-year when a joint session is held with the EU Council, and, the second time, at the end of the year, to consider the budget for the following year as well as other matters before the organisation.
SS Faure explains that the ACP Fisheries Mechanism was approved by Council in 2009 under Seychelles’ leadership. The Fisheries Mechanism put in place an Ambassadorial Working Group, a Fisheries Ministerial Committee and a Permanent Fisheries Expert at the ACP Secretariat to assist the Committee of Ambassadors and the Council of Ministers in defending ACP interests in fisheries policy management and sustainable fisheries development in all ACP states and regions.
However, whilst the Ambassadorial Working Group has been instituted, never has the Fisheries Ministerial Committee ever met in the margins of ACP Council ordinary sessions like is the case for the Ministerial Committees on Sugar, Cotton and Bananas. SS Faure drove the point home and got the meeting to agree that the necessary should be done by the Committee of Ambassadors and the Secretariat to implement past Council decisions on fisheries, including making funds available to finance a Fisheries Expert on a full time and permanent basis in 2014.
Other matters that were addressed by Council were the post-2015 development agenda, the future prospects of the ACP Group beyond 2020, the ACP Budget for 2014 which sees an increase of almost 26 % in contributions by member states, a framework for a private sector development strategy, the necessity or not for a third revision of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, a resolution to combat terrorism, and transitional financial arrangements between the expiry of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) and the operationalisation of the 11th EDF.
THE TOURISM REGION OF THE INDIAN OCEAN VANILLA ISLANDS
Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands President heads to Comoros for last inter-island meeting of the year
Dec 16, 2013
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, who is the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, left Seychelles on Sunday afternoon enroute to the Comoros. The Minister, who is being accompanied by Nathalie Didon, the Deputy CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, is traveling via Nairobi in Kenya.
A first meeting of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands is scheduled to take place on Monday where a long agenda has been tabled for discussion.
Minister St.Ange, who is on his second mandate as President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, said that a lot had been achieved since he first took office two years ago as the first President of the organization. "Today, the name Vanilla Islands is known as the new tourism region. Today, we are a fully-fledged tourism organization representing a region. Today, we have a budget and a permanent secretariat,” Minister St.Ange said.
The Seychelles Minister also confirmed that his mandate as President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands will end next year and that the election for the next President is expected to take place at the end of the April Minister's meeting which is scheduled to take place in Seychelles the day before the official launch of the 4th edition of the Seychelles Vanilla Islands event, their annual “Carnaval International de Victoria” which will next year be co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa.
From the Comoros, the President of the Vanilla Islands is heading to La Reunion where, as the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, he is leading the Seychelles delegation to the La Reunion Vanilla Islands event, their festival marking the abolition of slavery which is celebrated annually on December 20.
Seychelles is being represented by their National Cultural Troupe, by creative artists, by a poet, and by two known and popular performing artists.
Seychelles Council of Ministers approves changes in tourism institution
BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | DEC 15, 2013
2014 will be a landmark year for Seychelles’ tourism and culture public-sector institutions, as major reforms, realignments, and organizational changes are coming into effect, after the Council of Ministers approved the proposals made.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, led by Minister Alain St.Ange and two Principal Secretaries for Tourism and for Culture, will take the overall lead vis-a-vis policy, standards, and regulations, among other functions, and have existing and new departments subordinate to it to allow for the best possible coordination of all the various missions allocated to those statutory bodies.
Minister St.Ange, when meeting all the concerned staff at the International Conference Centre in Victoria, explained the new structure and various changes as follows:
“The planning of this has been going for quite a while. Many a meeting has taken place and finally the proposed structure has been approved by the Council of Ministers, and it will come into place in the first two months of 2014. The aim has been to increase productivity and to ensure high performance and the delivery of service within respective departments, and also the delivery of service to our respective public or clients. It is very important that all staff are aware that all their work and performance will be under constant monitoring and evaluation, which means that each individual will have to ensure that he or she is giving the highest level of service at all times, because this will have definitely have a significant impact on end-of-year appraisals.”
As of next year, according to information availed late yesterday, a new agency will be set up to run and manage major cultural events the government holds. As a result, the events section at the Seychelles Tourism Board, the National Arts Council (NAC), and the Seychelles Heritage Foundation, will merge to form the new “Creative Industries and National Events Agency (CINEA).” Continued the Minister in his explanation: “This has been necessary, because the government will be implementing the new Creative Industries Policy, as well as a new Strategy for Music Development, in accordance with UNESCO.”
UNESCO experts who were in Seychelles in 2012 to help Seychelles draft its Music Policy and Music Strategy advised on the move that would be helping the Ministry of Tourism and Culture fulfill its commitment to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which Seychelles ratified in June 2005.
The new Creative Industries and National Events Agency (CINEA) will also be responsible for the promotion, development, and preservation of National Heritage Sites. The new agency will also house a division for events management, which includes all arts and cultural manifestation, festivals, and carnivals, formerly organized separately and individually by the Department of Culture, the Tourism Board, the International Conference Centre, or the National Arts Council.
Continued Minister St.Ange: “It is important for me to again re-state to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation. No one, I repeat, no one will be losing their job, their employment through this coming change. A new body, a new administration, yes, but every staff member today working at the National Arts Council, the Heritage Foundation, the Events Department at the Seychelles Tourism Board, and the International Conference Centre will be offered a new contract of employment simultaneously as the one body is phased out and the new one created. For all staff touched by this change, think of the avenues ahead that create opportunities. Any moment can be seen as the darkest if you do not take time to talk, or the brightest if you get the right information from the right person.
“Also as of next year, the ministry will welcome the Kreol Institute – soon to be re-named the International Kreol Institute - at the upcoming Indian Ocean Commission meeting in January 2014 to become part of the overall set-up for culture and tourism in the country.”
“In regard of the future functions of the tourism board and the linkage with the Seychelles Tourism Academy,” the Minister then added, “the Seychelles Tourism Board’s function will now focus only on marketing. The Ministry will assume the regulatory functions of products and standards as well as policy and international cooperation. The events management of the Seychelles Tourism Board will move into the new national body, the Creative Industries and National Events Agency, whereas the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) will become a more autonomous body and will now fall directly under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. To recall, the Seychelles Tourism Academy is currently being rebuilt and it is set to reopen next year.”
As he ended his address at the general staff meeting, Minister St.Ange also said that there would be further discussions with staff in specific sections such as the Film Classification Unit which will also experience some change next year.
The way things are now shaping up suggest that Seychelles tourism, and culture for that matter, will be operating in a leaner, more streamlined and more functional environment come next year, and the anticipated move of the Ministry into new premises, where at least the Seychelles Tourism Board if not other agencies, too, will find a new home, will serve notice to the Seychelles’ competitors for tourists, that it will not be “business as usual.” A new spirit will propel the Seychelles forward and with a new organizational set-up, and the tourism powers that be will no doubt redouble the archipelago’s efforts to not just continue their marketing juggernaut, but set their combined eyes on new visitor records while showcasing tourism attractions, cultural attractions, music, and history in a hitherto never seen display of unity, which will lend them strength and power to succeed. Seychelles, truly Another World.
Success: Christmas with the Stars in Seychelles
Dec 15, 2013
After a year organzsing a series of big and successful National Events, the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture staged their 'Christmas with the Stars' musical show as their finale for 2013.
Advertised as the show that would help create the Christmas and end of year spirit in Victoria, the "Christmas with the Stars" Musical show rallied a series of Seychellois popular musicians and singers and some of the top Choirs.
Patrick Victor, the known and respected musician and singer was the man mandated to be the artistic director for this special show. Mr Victor worked alongside Mr Jimmy Savy and his Team at the National Arts Council to stage an evening for the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture to say thank you to the Seychellois public and to Seychelles for standing behind the national events they organised during 2013.
The show saw an impressive list of Seychellois performers and Choirs. Young budding artists and some of the island's veterans joined together to bring the most spectacular show for Seychelles. Thousands had made the journey to Victoria and filled the grounds of the National Cultural Centre to watch the 'Christmas with the Stars' Musical show.
The Seychelles “Christmas with the stars” musical show brought together big names and acts to the stage for a star studded concert packed with live music and entertainment. The National Children’s Choir, National Conservatoire of Performing Arts and National Choir joined the long list of prominent outstanding artists namely Sandra Esparon, Patrick Victor, Jean Marc Volcy, Ion kid (Michael Savy), David Andre, John Wirtz, Scale (Andre Sinon), Michelle Marengo and Son, Patrick Joseph, Telcy (Tracy Carolla) and Joseph Sinon to spread the spirit of Christmas in this magical evening.
An impressive setting was erected right in the front of the National Cultural Centre in Victoria giving families and friends a special Christmas event as would have been expected by Seychelles.
For the first time a 'Zip Line' not yet seen by many Seychellois was taken to Victoria to slide in Father Christmas and his bag of lollies and the popular singer Sandra Esparon. Two snow machines were also continuously blowing snow flakes as a backdrop to the stage setting.
When he addressed the Artists and Choirs and the thousands of Seychellois and tourists who had gathered in the grounds of the National Cultural Centre for the 'Christmas with the Stars' musical show, Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said that today was a time to say thank you to Seychelles and to the Seychellois public for standing behind the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Tourism Board when they organised their long list of National Events. "Tonight we want to just say thank you to you all. Today as we also say thank you to the performing artists for coming forward to spread the Christmas spirit, we are also say thank you to you all for working with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to bring the cultural spirit into the grounds of the National Cultural Centre. On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year" Minister Alain St.Ange said.
Present at the 'Christmas with the Stars' Musical Show' and mingling with the thousands in the crowd was Minister Joel Morgan, the Minister responsible for Transport and Internal Affairs, Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture, Barry Faure, the Chairman of the Tourism Board, Sherin Renaud, the CEO of the Tourism Board and her Nathalie Didon, her Deputy CEO, Maryse Berlouis, the PS for the new Entrepreneurship Development Department and Business Initiative and Marco Francis, the Chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industries among others.
Minister St.Ange whose Ministry it was mandated with the responsibility to organise the 'Christmas with the Stars' Musical Show asked Seychelles to continue to work together to bring culture and in so doing the People of Seychelles to be at the centre of the development of Seychelles. He told the artists that the National Cultural Centre and its grounds must be the heart for cultural development. He then also expressed his gratitude to a long list of businesses who remain committed to the culture and the development of culture in Seychelles. "Thank you to Seychelles Petroleum SEYPEC, Airtel Telecommunications, Allied Builders for the lovely Christmas Tree, Vijay Construction for the heavy machines that enabled the Zip Line to be erected in Victoria, Mason's Travel for providing the two snow machines, Fern Design of Samantha Mason and Caroline Horner for decorating the Christmas Tree, SMAC Adventure for bringing their Zip Line to Victoria to let families and kids appreciate the facility now so popular with tourists visiting Seychelles, the Get High truck, Mr Philippe Uzice for working with the Team at Culture to get the decorations in place, the CEO and the Team at the National Arts Council (NAC), all the Artists and Choirs, the technicians and the following for providing all the sweets and chocolates for the children:- Grocers Supermarket, Foodmart, ISPC, Krishnamart and Marco Francis. You have all come together for Seychelles and you have done, not only yourself and your company proud, but you have again given reason for Seychelles to be proud of you" Minister St.Ange said.
Promoting the Africa agenda at UNWTO
Dec 14, 2013
TODAY newspaper in Seychelles caught up with Elsia Grandcourt at London’s World Travel Market last month for an exclusive interview in which she outlined her impressions on taking over her new post as Director for the Regional Program for Africa at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) based in Madrid.
Firstly, how did you take this new appointment to a senior post within UNWTO?
Ms. Grandcourt: When I accepted the position, I took it with a lot of humility, a lot of pride. I personally see it as a huge challenge for myself that can only be positive. But I have to keep that dedication and the commitment I’ve always put to any job that I do. I am equally happy and honored that a Seychelloise has managed to secure such a position within an international organization. I will make it my personal mission to ensure that not only the region but Seychelles in particular will get the additional recognition.
I knew about the opening for the job and applied as I wanted a change in my career path. My tenure at STB has been very enriching and I enjoyed the time spent there, especially having Minister (Alain) St.Ange as my mentor. I would like to thank President (James) Michel who gave me the opportunity. We achieved a lot in a short time especially with events such as the Carnival, Miss. Seychelles and hosting the Routes Africa conference.
When I look at Seychelles’ achievements in the field of tourism compared to other African countries, I see we are doing quite well. The arrival of the Vanilla Islands Organisation will provide good support to the other islands of the Indian Ocean.
It will be an advantage to have one of our own heading the Africa Desk at UNWTO. What does the work entail?
Ms. Grandcourt: The task on hand is huge and exciting as well. I think that there will be good things coming out of it. It’s a challenge for me, but for Seychelles and the region it’s good to have somebody from the region who has worked in the industry and understand our strengths and weaknesses, who knows where support is needed and can act as a facilitator.
The job comprises mostly providing technical assistance and connecting with other international organizations that can help propel initiatives like the Vanilla Islands. The task is huge especially on the African continent. I have been clearly warned of some challenging times ahead, as most of the countries in Africa are now looking at tourism as their top priority. Compared to Seychelles, the tourism industry in a lot of African countries’ is very much in its infancy and therefore requires a lot of support and assistance.
Tourism development in Africa touches many sectors such as culture, transport, air connectivity - important elements that we need to bring together. There’s a lot of work to be done in Africa. They lack the infrastructure and proper structures, policies and even clear strategies for the countries. I’ve made a few good contacts on the African continent, which is important within the industry. And I do not neglect the fact that there is a huge challenge ahead. There are 116 member countries in the UNWTO with 49 forming part of the Africa block.
How best do you think you will help fly the Africa flag at UNWTO?
Ms. Grandcourt: There’s a lot of work on the territory itself, because we need to understand first and foremost what the specific needs of member states are. I will have to conduct a lot of missions to these countries but also meet up with them at our head office. For example, we already engaged Ethiopia at the last general assembly and I have a mission there early in 2014.
At the end of the day, each country has to take ownership of its own agenda to move things forward. We need the commitment of governments in order to make things happen. Policymaking lies with the respective governments. UNWTO is a facilitator that brings the required assistance to support the initiative but it is ultimately the countries that need to make it happen.
For example in the case of Seychelles, the STB approached the UNWTO for guidance with regards to revising the structure of the Ministry of Tourism & Culture. They sent a consultant who met with the stakeholders and produced a report and recommendations that the Ministry is now implementing.
Ms. Grandcourt is already well settled in her new job at the UNWTO head office in Madrid and is looking at the priorities of the Africa Desk, outlining the 2014 work program.
This involves building the relationship with member states and focusing on those who have received less assistance from the UNWTO in the past, providing them with technical assistance in their strategic planning, tourism master plan, hotel classification and institutional structure and taking part in and organizing regional events, building capacity and producing publications that address tourism in Africa.
Her office is currently preparing for the 5th edition of the Investour forum, to be held on 23 January 2014 during FITUR, one of the world’s leading tourism fairs. The forum seeks to promote sustainable tourism development in Africa and is a key opportunity to showcase African tourism.
A roundtable discussion on tourism development in Africa will look at air connectivity, visa facilitation and investment in hotel infrastructure. Leading public and private tourism stakeholders are expected to take part and it will be followed by Business to Business (B2B) meetings between African enterprises and potential Spanish partners.
Preparation is also well underway for the 56th CAF (Commission for Africa) to be held from 28 to 30 April in Angola.
In 2012, visitors’ arrivals in Africa broke the record with 52 million tourists and US$ 33 billion in tourism receipts. In 2013, tourist flows in Africa increased by 5% in line with the world average, led by North Africa (+6%).
In North Africa, growth was led by Morocco (+7%) followed by Tunisia (+5%). Sub-Saharan African destinations (+4%) showed a mixed performance with Zimbabwe (+12%), Seychelles (+12%) and Cape Verde (+9%) in the lead, whilst South Africa reported a 3% increase.
Upon taking office Ms. Grandcourt paid courtesy visits to all the African embassies present in Madrid and hosted a lunch meeting at the UNWTO headquarters attended by the Secretary General, an event that is set to become an annual one. Her office has also launched its first quarterly newsletter this December 2013.
PHOTO: Elsia flanked by her permanent staff at the UNWTO Regional Program for Africa (L to R) - Lydia Bebe Kum Sackey from Cameroon, Helder Tomas from Mozambique - Deputy Director Regional Program for Africa, Elsia Grandcourt & Rita Bele-Zongodono from Central African Republic.
Club de Madrid makes alleviation of poverty and the issue of climate change top priorities for a better world
Dec 13, 2013
It is announced from the office of Seychelles founding President Sir James R. Mancham at Glacis-sur-Mer that 'Le Club de Madrid', the worldwide leadership alliance comprising 92 former democratic Heads of States and Government concluded its Annual Conference on the 8th of December 2013 with a call on the G20 to make the alleviation of property and the issue of climate change top priorities when the twenty most powerful financial nations in the world meet in Brisbane, Australia under the leadership of the Australian Government in November 2014. The report was presented to the representative of the Australian G20 Secretariat by the newly-elected President of Le Club de Madrid, Vaira Vike Freiberga - President of Latvia (1999-2007), who was elected to office following the retirement of Mr. Wim Kok, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands (1994-2002) who had been the President of Le Club de Madrid for almost ten years.
Earlier the General Assembly had ratified the incorporation of three new members - Felipe Calderon - former President of Mexico, Alain Juppé - former Prime Minister of France and Sir James R. Mancham - founding President of Seychelles. ''I would like to join Prime Minister Kok in welcoming these three new members of the Club. We look forward to work closely with them and to incorporate their insights and vast experience as we seek to accomplish our mission," said Mr Carlos Westendorp - the Secretary General of the Club and who is a former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain.
In his maiden address to the Club, former President Mancham said that often leaders not in office and leaders not seeking office are in his view better moral arbiters on ''global issues'' by being able to state their views conscientiously - not influenced by geopolitical considerations and or political pressure.
Members who actively participated in this year’s convocation were Jenny M. Shipley - Prime Minister of New Zealand (1997-1999); Chandrika Kumaratunga - President of Sri Lanka (1994-2005); Ricardo Lagos Escobar - President of Chile (2000 - 2006); Alejandro Toledo - President of Peru (2001-2006); Benjamin Mkapa - President of Tanzania (1995-2005); Kjell Magne Bondevik - Prime Minister of Norway (1997-2000); Olusegun Obasanjo - former President of Nigeria (1976-1979) and then again (1999-2007) and Clive Palmer - President of the World Economic Council, an Australian magnet and philanthropist who had generously hosted this year’s Le Club de Madrid Conference at his exclusive five star plus resort.
Seychelles Tourism Ministry streamlining for greater efficiency
Dec 13, 2013
Following the announcement of re-structuring of his ministry, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, met his employees at the ministry's annual general meeting to explain the changes and the way forward.
“The planning of this has been going for quite a while. Many a meeting has taken place, and finally the proposed structure has been approved by the Council of Ministers, and it will come into place in the first two months of 2014,” said Mr. St.Ange.
In a general staff meeting held at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) in Victoria on Thursday, December 12, Mr. St.Ange also reassured the staff that the imminent changes would improve the quality of service the ministry provided as well as its output.
“The aim has been to increase productivity and to ensure high performance and the delivery of service within respective departments, and also the delivery of service to our respective public or clients,” he added.
“It is very important that all staff are aware that all their work and performance will be under constant monitoring and evaluation, which means that each individual will have to ensure that he or she is giving the highest level of service at all times, because this will definitely have a significant impact on end-of-year appraisals.”
As of next year, a new agency will be set up to run and manage major cultural events the government holds. As a result, the Events section at the Seychelles Tourism Board, the National Arts Council (NAC), and the Seychelles Heritage Foundation, will merge to form the Creative Industries and National Events Agency (CINEA).
“This has been necessary because the government will be implementing the new Creative Industries Policy, as well as a new strategy for music development, in accordance with UNESCO.”
UNESCO experts who were in Seychelles in 2012 to help Seychelles draft its policy and music strategy, advised on the move that would help the Ministry of Tourism and Culture fulfill its commitment to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which Seychelles ratified in June 2005.
The Creative Industries and National Events Agency (CINEA) will also be responsible for the promotion, development, and preservation of National Heritage Sites. The new agency will also house a Division for Events Management, which includes all arts and cultural manifestation, festivals and carnivals, formerly organized by the Department of Culture, the Tourism Board, the International Conference Centre, or the National Arts Council.
“It is important for me to again re-state to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation, no one, I repeat, no one will be losing their job or their employment through this coming change. A new body, a new administration, yes, but every staff member today working at the National Arts Council, the Heritage Foundation, the Events Department at the Seychelles Tourism Board, and the International Conference Centre will be offered a new contract of employment simultaneously as the one body is phased out and the new one created,” stressed Mr. St.Ange.
“For all staff touched by this change, think of the avenues ahead that create opportunities. Any moment can be seen as the darkest if you do not take time to talk, or the brightest if you get the right information from the right person,” he added.
Also as of next year, the ministry will welcome the Kreol Institute – soon to be re-named the International Kreol Institute at the upcoming Indian Ocean Commission meeting in January 2014.
“The Seychelles Tourism Board’s function will now focus only on marketing. The Ministry will assume the regulatory functions of products and standards as well as policy and international cooperation. The Events management of the Tourism Board will move into the new national body, the Creative Industries and National Events Agency,” said Mr. St.Ange, whereas the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) will become a more autonomous body and will now fall directly under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
To recall, the Seychelles Tourism Academy is currently being rebuilt, and it is set to reopen next year.
As he ended his address at the general staff meeting, Minister St.Ange said that there would be further discussions with staff in specific sections such as the Film Classification unit which will also experience some change next year.
Airtel Seychelles wins the Island Chamber of Commerce best product innovation
Dec 12, 2013
Airtel Seychelles has won the Best Product Innovation Award in the Seychelles Business Awards 2013, a first ever for Seychelles organised by the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce.The award ceremony which was held on Saturday 7th December at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel & Casino was attended by the designated Minister, Vincent Meriton, the Minister ofTourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange and members of the Seychelles business community.
The Chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SCCI), Mr. Marco Francis said the ceremony had been initiated with the aim of applauding the accomplishments and contributions of local businesses for their innovation, entrepreneurship, commitment and devotion.
Airtel Seychelles Managing Director Mr. Vikram Sinha said: ³Airtel is committed towards bringing innovative products which will benefit all segments of our customer base. Products such as the Phone Book back up and Bonjour Seychelles have got very good response. Very soon we will also be bringing Airtel Money to Seychelles. ³ Mr. Sinha thanked Mr. Francis for this initiative by the SCCI, which will surely motivate the private sector to embrace excellence and better the service they provide.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said as he congratulated Airtel on winning this coveted prize that they were solid partners of the islands putting people and culture at the centre of the Seychelles development." Airtel has been a supporting partner of cultural activities of Seychelles. They are successful because they believe in and they demonstrate in their social responsibility" Minister St.Ange said.
VANILLA ISLANDS TOURISM EVENT
Seychelles delegation ready for La Reunion island Festival Liberte Metisse
Dec 12, 2013
Seychelles is marking its presence at the La Reunion island Festival “Liberte Metisse” with a twenty-member delegation. Upon confirming its attendance at this year’s fourth edition of the festival, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture officially announced the list of artistes selected to fly high Seychelles’ colors in this festival. Joe Samy, Michelle Marengo, Tony Mathiot alias “Raspyek,” Jude Ally, Urny Mathiot, and the Ministry's National Cultural Troupe are listed as the selected group of artists. Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, will be personally heading the delegation to La Reunion.
"Joe, you’ve become the icon of the Vanilla Islands with your song, Eau des iles – a song that not only was a hit in Seychelles, but stands to become the theme song of the Vanilla Islands. Jude, you deserve this trip because you made us proud during the ‘Jeux de la Francophonie.’ Urny, your works are remarkable, and you’ve strived throughout the year to represent your country at the ‘Jeux de la Francophonie,’ and Tony and I immensely appreciate your work,” Alain St.Ange, Minister for Tourism and Culture said.
Joe Samy’s most appreciated song, “Eau des iles,” will make its break-through at the festival. The song released in Mauritius and sung for the first time in Seychelles during this year’s Festival Kreol will be featured as the Seychelles delegation theme song at the Festival “Liberte Metisse.” Joe Samy will also appear on stage in a duet with Michelle Marengo, singing one of his best local hits, “Cafe au lait girls.” Michelle Marengo, who performed in La Reunion this year for the UNWTO Sustainable Development Conference with the back-up of the National Cultural Troupe of musicians and dancers, is making her comeback with a compilation of songs featured in her private collection. “Nostalzi” and “Zanviron de milye” are some of the songs she will perform for the “Liberte Metisse” Festival.
Seychelles created history at this year’s “Jeux de la Francophonie” in Nice. Jude Ally, gold medalist at the event, will do Seychelles proud at the La Reunion Festival “Liberte Metisse.” He will exhibit his own collection of paintings alongside Urny Mathiot, one of the most talented and promising photographers on the island. “Lavi an Kouler,” a collection of snapshots by Urny Mathiot, will be showcased in the festival. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture will also have their National Cultural Troupe directed by Marietta Matombe also in La Reunion for this festival. The National Cultural Troupe has been working tirelessly to revive Seychelles’ traditional music, and they have announced the staging of a new repertoire for Festival “Liberte Metisse.”
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said that the Seychelles presence in La Reunion is to “congratulate the island for staging this festival.” Festival “Liberte Metisse” held from December 19-22 in La Reunion is featured on the Vanilla Islands calendar of events.
“Seychelles has its own story to tell about the slavery era. It is part of our history. La Reunion also has its own story to tell about this era. Today, not many countries would openly talk about this darkest period of its history. La Reunion has made this bold step forward. Today, La Reunion needs to be congratulated for staging this festival,” Minister St.Ange said.
Minister St.Ange will be addressing the opening ceremony of the festival. Minister St.Ange said that he would reiterate his support for the event. The Seychelles delegation to La Reunion is also comprised of Miera Savy, Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Seychelles and La Reunion signed new bilateral cooperation agreements during this year’s Festival Kreol. The Director of International Cooperation in La Reunion is to do a follow-up on these agreements. Nathalie Didon, newly-appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Seychelles Tourism Board, will be part of this delegation to follow up pm tourism issues within the Vanilla Islands. The Seychelles delegation leaves the country on December 16.
FORMER PRESIDENT RENE JOINS SEYCHELLOIS IN MOURNING MANDELA
Carrying on the legacy of Nelson Mandela
Dec 10, 2013
Following the death of President Nelson Mandela, and on the occasion of the state memorial service held in his honor in Soweto today, Former President France Albert Rene has joined the people of Seychelles in expressing heartfelt condolences in a message addressed to President Jacob Zuma and the people of South Africa.
President Rene recalled the historic moment where he had the honor to attend his inauguration in 1994, as the first democratically-elected leader of a free South Africa.
When forming his own party - the Seychelles People’s United Party (SPUP), with the aim of achieving independence and more investment in the development of the Seychellois people, President Rene and the SPUP sought inspiration from the struggle led by President Nelson Mandela with great dignity and determination. Additionally, the SPUP and the African National Congress (ANC) proudly stood side by side in the efforts of the continent to achieve long-lasting freedom and equality.
President Rene remarked, “Seychelles continues to prioritize people-centered development, and our People's Party (the current name of our SPUP) continues to see the message of President Nelson Mandela as an expression of our shared objective of a society based on equality and social harmony.”
President Rene noted that the fight led by President Mandela for a free South Africa was also a fight for the African continent, and the fight for a freer and fairer world. Seychelles is proud to have contributed to this fight in its own way.
To conclude, Former President Rene stated, “Even now, after President Mandela has left us, we are proud to continue to participate in the journey of freedom which he mapped for us.”
SADC tourism ministers say thank you to Mozambique for hosting their 2013 RETOSA meeting
Dec 09, 2013
The 2013 SADC Tourism Ministers meeting took place in Maputo in Mozambique to discuss a long agenda and also RETOSA, their tourism body for Southern Africa. It was Minister Carvalho Muaria, the Mozambique Minister responsible for Tourism, who hosted this important meeting at the end of November.
At the closure of the meeting, the SADC tourism ministers not only thanked their Mozambique counterpart for hosting the SADC Tourism Ministers meeting, but they all joined together to congratulate Minister Muaria for his hospitality.
As ministers joined for a final group photo, the Mozambique Minister was congratulated by everyone for a great organization.
Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, who was for the first time in Maputo, said to the Mozambique press that he was touched by the warm welcome of Minister Carvalho Muaria and for his personal attention to details which ensured that everyone worked in the most pleasant of surroundings during their stay in Maputo.
Vanilla Islands Organization fast being recognized as new tourism destination
Dec 08, 2013
The Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organization comprised of Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, and the Seychelles is fast now being recognized as the new tourism destination with real diversity.
At the recent World Travel Market (WTM) tourism trade fair in London, Alain St.Ange, the sitting President of the Vanilla Islands, was interviewed in which he stated:
"The union of the Vanilla Islands in the Indian Ocean is set to grow stronger with the addition of Maldives. ... The UNWTO formally recognized the Vanilla islands Tourism Organization as an entity this September, and it is being driven by [the] Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange. Speaking at WTM, St.Ange said that [the] Vanilla Islands had the full support of Taleb Rifai, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General, who is set to announce further details of the union today.
St.Ange said: "People recognize the Caribbean as one tourism destination, and that is how we wish to be thought of. But to create a new tourism region is no easy feat.”
A Chief Executive and Director of Marketing have now been appointed and a brand campaign “with imagery of vanilla” at its core is being worked on.
St.Ange said that another move would be to encourage low-impact, smaller-ship cruising on Vanilla Island routes and whale watching.
In a week the Vanilla Island Organization is meeting in the Comoros for the first time, and this will be followed by the La Reunion-hosted Vanilla Islands event based on the celebration of the abolition of slavery. This will be taking place on December 20.
Seychelles named to sit on World Tourism Leader's Summit on World Tourism-New Initiatives
Dec 08, 2013
The Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism & Culture, Mr Alain St.Ange has beed named by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) to sit on the World Tourism Leader’s Summit. The subject of the Summit is World Tourism- New Initiatives and this will be taking place during the 2014 ITB Berlin.
Other Invited Speakers will include Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Martin Buck, the Vice President of Messe Berlin GmbH, Martin Craigs, the CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Roger Dow, the President of the US Travel Association, Michael Frenzel, the Chairman of WTTC, and Casimir Platzer, the President of the IH&RA. Tourism Ministers from Kenya, Indonesia, Egypt and Malaysia are also expected to sit on the invited panel of speakers.
PATWA is the leading travel writers organization representing members from all over the world. The aim of PATWA is to promote professional development of Travel Writing and Travel Communication, which will make invaluable contribution in the promotion of tourism. PATWA supports the fundamental objectives and efforts for tourism and at the same time maintains adherence to the fundamental principles of the UNESCO, United Nation and of the World Tourism Organization. PATWA is an affiliate member of UNWTO and is supported by World Travel Forum.
Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles said after hearing of the confirmation that he was on the panel of speakers at this coming World Tourism Leader's Summit that
hie was honoured to have been invited by PATWA to be on the panel of speakers at the World Tourism Leader's Summit to discuss New Initiatives for World Tourism. "This shows that the work and the strategy today in place by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and by its Seychelles Tourism Board is being recognised across the world. Being part of the panel of speakers at this important summit taking place at ITB, the German Tourism Trade Fair will also help keep Seychelles, as a tourism destination visible and it will also ensure that we remain relevant as a destination" Minister St.Ange said.
Germany, the home of ITB, the world biggest Tourism Trade Fair, remains a tourism market showing huge growth. "Visitor arrival numbers from Germany is increasing with double digit figures. Being seen and being heard during ITB in Berlin remains so important for us as a tourism destination" the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said.
Seychelles has been having a successful tourism industry ever since the island's Government initiated a public private partnership that overseas the industry's policy decision process. Only last week Seychelles hosted the TOP TEN South African Tour Operators for the group Beachcomber South Africa and at a dinner at the Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort the winner of the Top Award said in the presence of Minister St.Ange, Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and a representative of Air Seychelles that the Seychelles Offices in South Africa are an example to other destinations. "They are seen, they are active and they have raised the profile of Seychelles as a tourism destination. They are everywhere carrying out workshops and training for Tour Operators and Travel Agents" the 2013 Number 1 Beachcomber Tour Operator said
"Here again it shows that our strategy, as a Tourism Board, is working for Seychelles" Minister Alain St.Ange said
Nelson Mandela inspired the world: Seychelles mourns passing of an icon of our age
Dec 06, 2013
On behalf of the people and Government Seychelles, President James Michel has expressed most profound and heartfelt sympathies to the people of South Africa following the passing of President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, in a letter to the South African President Jacob Zuma.
President Michel described him as an 'icon of our age' and noted that the 'Seychellois people mourn a man who had been an inspiration to many generations.'
"He has inspired the world to believe that even in the face of unspeakable evil as represented by Apartheid, the spirit of freedom, equality and common humanity will prevail," said the President.
President Michel remarked that in Seychelles, our the liberation movement that took shape from 1964, situated itself within President Mandela’s vision of independent African nations, based on liberty and justice and freedom from racial oppression.
He added that, "President Mandela’s passing is reminder that the future of all our nations lies in building states around values of tolerance, compassion and mutual understanding."
President Michel surmised Mandela’s legacy as man who built bridges no matter how great the divide across the chasm and in his message noted:
“His long walk to freedom is one which has redefined our definition of what it means to be free. He has reminded us, that the end of oppression is but the start of a journey of peace and reconciliation.”
The President has decreed 3 days of national mourning in the memory of Nelson Mandela, which starts from noon today and ends noon on Monday.
GOVERNMENT SAYS THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING TOURISM
Christmas with the Stars show in Seychelles
Dec 06, 2013
With the end-of-year festive season fast approaching, the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture has confirmed that that are joining in to help get the island into the Christmas spirit by announcing a “Christmas with the Stars” musical and dance show.
“Christmas with the Stars” will bring together big names and acts to the stage for a star-studded concert packed with live music and entertainment. The National Children’s Choir, National Conservatoire of Performing Arts, and National Choir will join prominent outstanding artists like Sandra Esparon, Patrick Victor, Jean Marc Volcy, Ion kid (Michael Savy), David Andre, John Wirtz, Scale (Andre Sinon), Michelle Marengo, Patrick Joseph, Telcy (Tracy Carolla), and Joseph Sinon to spread the spirit of Christmas in a magical evening. An impressive setting will be erected right in the front of the National Conference Centre in Victoria giving families and friends a special Christmas event as would be expected by Seychelles.
Benjamine Rose, the Principal Secretary for Culture, said that the “Christmas with the Stars” show will provide the perfect setting for an extensive array of performances and fill the public’s heart with the Christmas spirit that should remain alive all through the end-of-year season.
"There’s a special feeling associated with Christmas. ‘Christmas with the Stars’ will help create this beautiful image and fantasy surrounding Christmas and the end-of-year season. We will have Santa, and we should even be able to bring the white Christmas effect and so many more surprises to Victoria - surprises that Christmas can no longer be complete without. We will be bringing fantasies and mak[ing] dreams of our young children come alive,” Benjamine Rose said.
Ms. Rose explained that the show is a Christmas gift to say thank you to Seychelles for being supportive of the work by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in the promotion and in the preservation of the Seychelles culture. It is also, the PS for Culture said, the opportunity for the Ministry to also say thank you to Seychelles for understanding, appreciating, and supporting the island's tourism industry and the long list of annual events organized by Seychelles.
‘’Throughout the year, the Seychellois public massively rallied behind our many events. Without their support, these events would not have been a success. We’re ending the year giving all families of Seychelles a special Christmas gift to say a big thank you to all of them,” Benjamine Rose stated.
“Christmas with the Stars” will be a free open-air concert outside the National Cultural Centre in Victoria. This fantastic concert for the whole family will be held on December 13 from 5 pm, and everyone is being encouraged to come down as families and with friends.
The “Christmas with the Stars show will be a festive celebration filled with the best Christmas love songs.
SEYCHELLES BEACH WINS TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE BEACHES AWARD
Anse Lazio still better than the rest
Dec 03, 2013
“Picture perfect, with crystal clear, warm waters, shade, sun, and powder white sand,” says the internationally-recognized and respected TripAdvisor of Anse Lazio beach on Praslin.
The iconic beach’s pristine beauty has once again clinched a spot among the top 25 beaches in the world to impress tourists. Anse Lazio has the added bonus of being accessible to tourists all year round – on top of being blessed with majestic beaches, the Seychelles also has summer all year round!
Upon hearing the good news, the Seychelles Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Sherin Naiken, has expressed her joy at Anse Lazio featuring among the top best beaches in the world.
“Today STB proudly recognizes Anse Lazio Beach in the Seychelles as a recipient of the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® Beaches awards,” she said.
Anse Lazio was voted as one of the best beaches following reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers who detailed their experiences of beach spots around the world, online.
In total, 276 winning beaches were named across Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and more.
“The Travelers’ Choice beaches winners have joined an elite list of destinations that are enjoyed and appreciated by a large community of travelers,” said Christine Petersen, President, TripAdvisor for Business. “This award is a great honor for the local tourism industry and reflects the destination’s great charm and appeal.”
The TripAdvisor accolade is the latest in many that Anse Lazio beach has collected over the years – among them are the World Travel Award in 2012.
A few years earlier, it had been praised for its “swimming, snorkeling” and “its wide beach is also ideal for ball games or impromptu volley ball,” reported the Daily Telegraph in the UK.
The TripAdviser is also a reassurance to the many visitors who had been reading of the shark attacks on that stretch of beach, which the Seychelles authorities have thankfully taken care of.
Meanwhile, for those curious to see the other contenders Anse Lazio has managed to surpass, the complete list of 2013 Travelers’ Choice Beaches can be found at:http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches
Restructing of Seychelles Tourism Board
Dec 03, 2013
Amb Barry Faure and Board members of the Seychelles Tourism Board have met with Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, on the proposed restructuring of the Seychelles Tourism Board.
The meeting took place in the Minister's Conference Room at the National Cultural Centre in Victoria. The meeting was also attended by Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism; Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board; her Deputy, Nathalie Didon; and Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture.
The Chairman of the Tourism Board and his Board members discussed in detail the proposed restructure which will now make marketing of Seychelles the sole responsibility of the Tourism Board. All policy and other administrative responsibilities of the Board will now be moved to the Department of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
After the discussions the Chairman and Board members of the Seychelles Tourism Board confirmed their support for the proposed restructuring of the Tourism Board saying that it was always important to see the tourism industry as a “business” and structures remodeled to suit that vital industry that remains the pillar of the Seychelles economy. Minister St.Ange on his part said that he appreciated the positive feedback from the Board of Directors of the Tourism Board and assured them of his continued support.
SADC tourism ministers meet behind closed doors during RETOSA meeting in Mozambique
Dec 02, 2013
Tourism ministers from the SADC Block who had gathered in Maputo, Mozambique, the end of last week decided to meet behind closed doors to discuss the restructuring of RETOSA, the tourism body of the Southern Africa region.
It was Minister Sylvia Masebo, the Minister for Tourism of Zambia, who was in the Chair for both “closed door” meetings by the SADC tourism ministers.
After lengthy discussions based on the report submitted by the tourism officials of the region, the ministers decided that the time had arrived for RETOSA tourism to be restructured to see the region reintegrated in the SADC proper. The SADC tourism ministers also decided to develop a working strategy to see tourism in Africa be taken as a responsibility of the African Union (AU).
A four-person committee made up of tourism ministers from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, and Malawi were named to oversee the restructure transition, and they will be reporting back to the SADC tourism ministers at a meeting by February 2014.
Air Seychelles major international expansion plan
Dec 02, 2013
Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, today announced, subject to regulatory approval, it will launch flights to Paris-Orly as part of a significant expansion to its international schedule.
Plans for an optimised regional network include the introduction of several new routes in 2014.
From February 2014, Air Seychelles will operate two return services per week between Seychelles and Paris-Orly via Abu Dhabi with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured with 18 flat-bed Business Class seats and 236 Economy seats.
The new Paris-Orly services complement Etihad Airways’ existing double-daily services to Paris-Charles De Gaulle, giving travellers between the French capital and Abu Dhabi a choice of more flights per week, and new convenient connections to key destinations in the Etihad Airways network such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and Chengdu, as well as the cities across the Middle East.
Joel Morgan, Seychelles’ Minister for Home Affairs & Transport and Board Chairman, said: “I am delighted to see Air Seychelles return to France, Seychelles’ top market. Travellers boarding the flight in Paris-Orly will once again enjoy a seamless Air Seychelles operated flight and experience our unique and famous Creole warmth on their entire journey to Mahé.
“Our Abu Dhabi service schedule offers one of the fastest routes for travel between Seychelles and major European destinations, and has built a solid position in this important historical market. With our new service, we will be able to provide a fresh option for overseas visitors to travel to Seychelles on our flights, and we expect further significant growth from Europe.”
Currently, the iconic island carrier codeshares on 14 flights per week to Paris-Charles De Gaulle with equity partner Etihad Airways, offering a daily service between the archipelago and the French capital. The new flights will increase the connections to 18 per week.
The airline also unveiled a new regional network plan, subject to approvals, which will see significant expansion of its operations in the Indian Ocean in Q4 2014, following the delivery of an Airbus A319.
Highlights of the plan include:
· The launch of regional services to Antananarivo, Reunion and Mumbai
· An increase in services to Abu Dhabi from seven to eleven per week, offering a double daily service with equity partner Etihad Airways
· A network designed to maximise connectivity through the Seychelles, with two way connectivity throughout the region with Mumbai and Abu Dhabi and beyond.
The new regional schedule will see Air Seychelles operate three return flights per week to Mauritius and Mumbai, two return flights per week to Antananarivo and Reunion, and 11 return flights per week to Abu Dhabi.
The airline will also offer three return flights per week to Hong Kong, three return flights per week to Johannesburg, and two flights per week to Paris-Orly.
Altogether, the airline will see its weekly international services nearly double from 16 to 29 flights per week.
Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, said: “The new schedule will see Air Seychelles spread its regional footprint and build a solid position that will establish us as the carrier of choice in the Indian Ocean. It also greatly increases options for travel to and from the Indian Ocean, and with our new flights to Paris-Orly, we will also enjoy network feed provided by our convenient schedule times over Abu Dhabi, contributing to the bottom line.”
TRAVEL IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
Pirates transferred for prosecution
Dec 01, 2013
The Ministry and Foreign Affairs and that of Home Affairs have agreed to accept the transfer, for Seychelles to prosecute 9 suspected Somali pirates captured on the high seas by the Royal Danish Navy participating in the ATALANTA Operations against Piracy in the region.
The 9 suspected pirates were apprehended on November 10 after they attacked Danish Ship M/V TORM KANSAS on November 9. M/V TORM KANSAS retaliated, managing to repel their attacks and soliciting back up from their base to arrest the attackers.
It was another Danish Navy Ship, HDMS ESBERN SNARE, which was tasked to locate the position where the attack was reported on their colleagues.
After the capture of the suspected pirates, a whaler, which was being used as a mother ship by the suspects, was destroyed, whereas a skiff which they were using to actually carry out their attacks, has been seized for the purpose of investigation.
According to information collected, the 9 suspects tried to attack Hong Kong Flagged M/V ZHONGJI NO1 on November 6, but armed security personnel on board retaliated and repelled their attacks.
The suspected pirates, aged between 14 and 35 years old, together with their skiff, were handed over to the Seychelles authority late yesterday afternoon.
LIST OF WORLD TRAVEL AWARD 2013 WINNERS
World Travel Awards reveals global winners in Doha
Dec 01, 2013
The 2013 World Travel Awards Grand Final was hosted at a glittering ceremony at La Cigale Hotel in Doha, Qatar on 30th November 2013.
The industry’s elite - including CEOs of leading travel companies, government ministers and tourism board chiefs - travelled from around the globe to join guests of honour HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority and Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz al-Thani to celebrate the very best travel and tourism brands. Guests of the gala event, hosted by Turkish broadcaster Ece Vahapoglu, were treated to exclusive live performances from Lebanese artiste Maya Diab, dance group Enana and electric violinist Micah.
World Travel Awards celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade, celebrating those companies, organisations and brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence in product and service.
Winners on the night included Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts who were voted “World’s Leading Hotel Brand” whilst JW Marriott Marquis Dubai was named “World’s Leading New Hotel” and “World's Leading Hotel” went to Burj Al Arab. “World's Leading Spa Resort” was awarded to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai.
In the destination categories, Kenya triumphed with “World’s Leading Safari Destination”, “World’s Leading Culinary Destination” was captured by Peru with “World’s Leading Golf Destination” was awarded to Portugal. Dubai won the coveted “World’s Leading Destination” trophy in a week which saw the destination chosen as the first Middle Eastern city to host of the 2020 World Expo trade convention.
Voters from around the world selected Etihad Airways as “World’s Leading Airline” whilst AirAsia was voted “World’s Leading Low-Cost Airline”.
From the Travel Technology sector, highlights included Expedia who were voted “World's Leading Online Travel Agency Website” and Marriott Hotels & Resorts who were awarded “World’s Leading Hotel Brand Website”.
It was also an evening of celebration for Qatar with Doha being named “World's Leading Business Travel Destination” for the third year running. The St. Regis Doha was named “World's Leading Business Hotel” while “World's Leading Hotel Residences” was awarded to W Doha Hotel & Residences. “World's Leading Travel Agency” went to Regency Travel & Tours, “World's Excellence in Service Award” to La Cigale Hotel and “World's Leading Villa” to the Royal Villa at Sharq Village & Spa.
Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards said: “We are proud to have held these Awards in Doha, showing our continued support for innovative development of tourism in this region. The Grand Final is a very competitive evening for our World Travel Awards nominees from all over the world, and these particular winners continue to serve as an example of the most luxurious and innovative brands with unique hospitality products and services. Tonight’s recipients strive to set the highest possible bar to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism and they carry these accolades into 2014 with pride and passion”.
WorldTOP
World's Excellence In Service Award La Cigale Hotel, Qatar
World's Leading Adventure Tour Operator Mantis Extreme
World's Leading Air Travel Service Provider dnata
World's Leading Airline Etihad Airways
World's Leading Airline - Business Class Virgin Atlantic Airways
World's Leading Airline - Economy Class Hainan Airlines
World's Leading Airline - First Class Etihad Airways
World's Leading Airline Alliance Oneworld
World's Leading Airline Lounge - Business Class Virgin Atlantic ClubHouse – London Heathrow Airport, UK
World's Leading Airline Lounge - First Class Emirates First Class Lounge – Emirates Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport, UAE
World's Leading Airline Rewards Programme Emirates - Skywards
World's Leading Airport Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore
World's Leading Airport Hotel Airways Hotel Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
World's Leading Airport Resort Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives
World's Leading All Inclusive Company Sandals Resorts International
World's Leading All Inclusive Family Resort Brand Beaches Resorts
World's Leading All Inclusive Resort Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, The Bahamas
World's Leading All Suite Hotel Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading All Suite Hotel & Spa Hotel Les Ottomans, Turkey
World's Leading Apartment Hotel The Regent, South Africa
World's Leading Beach Destination Grace Bay Beach (Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands)
World's Leading Beach Resort Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Boutique Cruise Zambezi Queen
World's Leading Boutique Hotel Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa, South Africa
World's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand Small Luxury Hotels of the World
World's Leading Boutique Resort Vila Joya, Portugal
World's Leading Boutique Villa Resort Eagles Nest, New Zealand
World's Leading Business Car Rental Company Sixt
World's Leading Business Hotel The St. Regis Doha, Qatar
World's Leading Business Hotel & Apartments Grosvenor House Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Business Hotel Brand Rotana Hotels
World's Leading Business Travel Agency Carlson Wagonlit Travel
World's Leading Business Travel Destination Doha, Qatar
World's Leading Cabin Crew Etihad Airways
World's Leading Car Hire Avis
World's Leading Caribbean Attraction Company Island Routes Caribbean Adventures
World's Leading Casino Resort MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, USA
World's Leading Charter Airline Tui Fly
World's Leading City Break Destination Paris, France
World's Leading City Hotel Banyan Tree Bangkok, Thailand
World's Leading Classic Hotel Dukes Hotel, England
World's Leading Conference Hotel Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE
World's Leading Conservation Company Parques de Sintra - Monte da Lua, Portugal
World's Leading Corporate Resort Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, UAE
World's Leading Cruise Brand Royal Caribbean International
World's Leading Cruise Destination Jamaica
World's Leading Cruise Line Royal Caribbean International
World's Leading Cruise Port Port Rashid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
World's Leading Cruise Travel Agent Cruise.co.uk
World's Leading Culinary Destination Peru
World's Leading Desert Resort Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, UAE
World's Leading Design Hotel The Vine Hotel, Portugal
World's Leading Destination Dubai, United Arab Emirates
World's Leading Destination Management Company Kuoni Destination Management
World's Leading Dive Destination Seychelles
World's Leading Dive Resort Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
World's Leading Eco-Lodge Shamwari Game Reserve - Eagles Crag Lodge, South Africa
World's Leading Emerging Luxury Hotel Brand Shaza Hotels
World's Leading Extreme Adventure Bear Grylls Survival Academy
World's Leading Family Hotel Angel's Peninsula, Turkey
World's Leading Family Resort Jebel Ali Golf Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
World's Leading Ferry Operator DFDS Seaways
World's Leading Fully Integrated Resort Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Turkey
World's Leading Golf Destination Portugal
World's Leading Golf Resort Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
World's Leading Golf Resort & Spa Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, Turkey
World's Leading Green Cruise Line Star Clippers
World's Leading Green Destination Ecuador
World's Leading Green Hotel Conrad Macao, Cotai Central, China
World's Leading Green Resort Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Thailand
World's Leading Green Tour Operator Explorandes, Peru
World's Leading Green Transport Solution Company Europcar
World's Leading Heritage Hotel The Raj Palace, India
World's Leading Honeymoon Destination Mauritius
World's Leading Honeymoon Resort Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua
World's Leading Hospitality Company Katara Hospitality
World's Leading Hotel Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Hotel Alliance Leading Hotels of the World
World's Leading Hotel Brand InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
World's Leading Hotel Dining & Entertainment Experience La Cigale Hotel, Qatar
World's Leading Hotel Loyalty Programme Starwood Preferred Guest
World's Leading Hotel Penthouses The One Penthouse @ One&Only Cape Town, South Africa
World's Leading Hotel Residences W Doha Hotel & Residences, Qatar
World's Leading Hotel Spa The Regent Palms. Turks & Caicos
World's Leading Hotel Suite Palace Suite at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
World's Leading Ice Hotel ICEHOTEL, Sweden
World's Leading Island Destination Maldives
World's Leading Island Resort Pullman Timi Ama Sardegna, Italy
World's Leading Island Villas Baros Maldives
World's Leading Landmark Hotel Armani Hotel Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Landmark Resort Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Large Ship Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line
World's Leading Lifestyle Hotel Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi, UAE
World's Leading Lifestyle Resort Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel, UAE
World's Leading Low-Cost Airline AirAsia
World's Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel Tower Club at lebua
World's Leading Luxury Beach Resort Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE
World's Leading Luxury Business Hotel Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, Russia
World's Leading Luxury Car Hire Avis Prestige
World's Leading Luxury Chauffeur Service Sixt Limousine Service
World's Leading Luxury Hotel The Oberoi Gurgaon, India
World's Leading Luxury Hotel Brand Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
World's Leading Luxury Island Resort Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius
World's Leading Luxury Leisure Resort & Spa Conrad Algarve, Portugal
World's Leading Luxury Lodge Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
World's Leading Luxury Resort InterContinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort, Thailand
World's Leading Luxury Safari Company &Beyond
World's Leading Luxury Sailing Cruise Company Star Clippers
World's Leading Luxury Sharia Compliant Hotel Angel's Peninsula, Turkey
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator Kuoni Group
World's Leading Luxury Train Maharajas’ Express
World's Leading Luxury Villa Resort Raffles Praslin, Seychelles
World's Leading Marketing Campaign Welcome To Yorkshire
World's Leading Medical Wellness & Spa Operator VAMED Vitality World
World's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
World's Leading MICE Hotel Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading New Hotel JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, United Arab Emirates
World's Leading New Resort Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, UAE
World's Leading Palace Hotel The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
World's Leading Polar Expedition Operator Quark Expeditions
World's Leading Private Game Reserve Shambala Private Reserve, South Africa
World's Leading Private Island Resort Necker Island
World's Leading Private Jet Charter Royal Jet
World's Leading Resort Forte Village Resort, Italy
World's Leading River Cruise Company American Cruise Lines
World's Leading Safari Destination Kenya
World's Leading Serviced Apartment Brand The Ascott Limited
World's Leading Serviced Apartment Hotel Oasis Beach Tower, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Serviced Apartments Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysees, France
World's Leading Small Ships Cruise Line American Cruise Lines
World's Leading Spa Resort Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai, UAE
World's Leading Specialist Cruise Line Swan Hellenic
World's Leading Sports Academy Forte Village Resort, Italy
World's Leading Sports Resort Meydan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
World's Leading Thalasso Resort Aldemar Royal Mare, Greece
World's Leading Themed Resort Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, USA
World's Leading Tour Operator TUI Travel PLC
World's Leading Tourist Board Incredible India
World's Leading Travel Agency Regency Travel & Tours
World's Leading Travel Club DreamTrips by Rovia
World's Leading Travel Management Company FCm Travel Solutions
World's Leading Villa Royal Villa, Sharq Village & Spa, Qatar
World's Leading Villa Resort Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica
World's Leading Water Villa Resort Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
World's Leading Wellness Hotel Grand Hotel Lienz, Austria
World's Most Innovative Airline Korean Air
World's Most Romantic Resort Baros Maldives
World's Responsible Tourism Award National Ferries Company
