Seychelles Tourism Minister closes in on hotel visits on Praslin

Jun 30, 2014

Alain St.Ange, Sherin Naiken & Nathalie Didon working to complete hotel door-to-door visits

Seychelles vision, that its people should claim back its tourism industry, is well set in the business attitudes of its nation. More than ever, Seychellois are taking ownership of their country’s tourism industry and are giving an increased commercial value to the island's hospitality industry.

Praslin, the second biggest island of the Seychelles with a range of 117 small and large hotels, is a perfect example where 90% of the properties are owned by Seychellois, who not only know their island inside out, but are today providing personalize service with a special touch of the Seychellois warmth. In his continued drive to visit all 117 small and large hotels on Praslin, Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture; Anne Lafortune, Principal Secretary for Tourism; Sherin Naiken, the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board; and Nathalie Didon, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board headed to Praslin on Thursday June 12 for a third visit on the island to visit another 20 hotels.

With 72 hotels visited so far and 45 remaining, this has kept Minister St.Ange and his delegation much closer to the undertaking of completing its door-to-door visits on Praslin by the month of July. Getting closer to Baie Ste. Anne, Praslin’s downtown, it was evident that guest houses and self-catering properties are owned in this area of Praslin by islanders who believe that they are today the machine of the island’s economy.

The great bonus for holidaymakers booking a room in these properties is its proximity to the island’s jetty. Within walking distance from the jetty and close to commercial areas, these guesthouses and small hotels are ideal for international and domestic travelers visiting Praslin. Guesthouses and hotels located in Praslin’s center not only develop the sense of business hospitality but venture into craft and textile as well.

The hospitality and tourism industry on Praslin has come to the realization that business can only grow on the Island if holidaymakers have places to go to cash in on locally-made products. Having a small souvenir shop with products made in Seychelles, or venturing into an open-air museum contributes to adding value to their properties.

Guest houses and small hotels in the Baie Ste. Anne downtown area provide a conducive level of comfort, design, and personality at all-inclusive prices. They are the gateway to the island of La Digue they all say. With the Southeast Monsoon and strong winds at this time of the year, beach goers are inconvenienced by some seaweed. Owners of tourism establishments explained to Minister St.Ange and his delegation that they have to be innovative in their approach, so that beaches remain clean at all times. In general on Praslin, the small establishments are receiving positive guest feedback.

Jenny’s Self Catering at Grand Anse, Villa Calice at La Pointe, Coco de Mer - Black Parrot Hotel at Anse Bois de Rose, Le Grand Bleu, Pointe Cabris, Chalet Cote Mer and Colibri at Baie Ste. Anne, Cavern Self Catering Apartments at Baie Ste. Anne, Le Port Guest House at Baie Ste. Anne, Maison Belle at Baie Ste. Anne, and Chez Roro at Baie Ste. Anne all have a feeling of belonging to the Praslin tourism industry and have expressed their desire to grow their businesses.

On the second day of the visit, Friday, June 13, which started with an early morning tour of properties located at Anse Gouvernement, it was interesting to observe that hotels in this region of Praslin, as they are steadily growing their businesses and continue to strive in their efforts to win a bigger share of the island's tourism market. Innovative ideas are surfacing in these establishments to retain their positions up front in the market especially in the Cote d’Or region, the prime beach destination of Praslin, with a high number of small properties and restaurants. As some restaurants saw a chance to diversify into new activities such as guesthouses, there’s growing concern of emerging “illegal restaurants” on the beach. Such activity is seen as detrimental to legal restaurants positioning in this area. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, condemned this practice saying it should be curbed because it tarnishes the Seychelles image. Talking with owners and managers of L’Archipel, Villa Milles Etoiles, Sky Blue Guest House, Omusee Self Catering, Les Villas D’Or, Cote d’Or Lodge, Cote d’Or Footprints, Coconut Residence, Cote d’or Self Catering Apartment, Pirogue Lodge and Iles des Palmes, and National Heritage Treasure Trail, the same message was echoed that Seychelles should claim back its tourism industry.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

SMALL ISLAND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Seychelles Minister Alain St.Ange delivers heartfelt speech at UN conference

BY KITTY POPE, AFRICAN DIASPORA TOURISM - USA | JUN 29, 2014

Minister St.Ange at the United Nations Headquarters in New York

It has been said that when a speaker or presenter puts his notes aside, you can be assured that what he is about to say is coming from his spirit and what you are about to hear is the real deal. This was the case when Seychelles Minister Alain St.Ange chose not to use his prepared notes to address the United Nations (UN) conference on Sustainable Tourism in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Those attending the conference got the chance to witness the tourism passion of Minister St.Ange as he was moved to put aside his notes and speak from his spirit. What St.Ange was about to say was unrehearsed, serious and candid on a subject that he holds very dear to his heart.

St.Ange recently went to New York to deliver a keynote address at the UN meeting that was co-organized by the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF). He went leading a delegation made up of Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, the Seychelles Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, the Seychelles Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing States. The UN conference was the opportunity for the Republic of the Seychelles to highlight its achievements in the Sustainable Tourism framework.

http://africandiasporatourism.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=arti...

The Seychelles Minister surprised everyone by saying that the topic being discussed demanded that he spoke from the heart instead of using his prepared official text. "Sustainable Tourism is not just a terminology, it is instead a concept that needed the political will and tenacity. To deliver for our respective population we need to believe in this concept of sustainable tourism and then move to implement it. To be seen and remembered as having been good custodians of what we have been blessed with, we need to act today and follow the sustainable tourism route," said Minister St.Ange.

MinisterSt.Ange, Ambassador Marie Louise Potter and Consul General Justin Etzin

ATATrade Relations and Communications Specialist Andrea Papitto, Minister St.Angeand CEO of ATA Eddie Bergman

By then it was obvious that the minister’s message was heartfelt and he was talking about something that he sincerely believed in. Minister St.Ange went on to say that he wanted Seychelles to be seen and remembered as good custodians of what the islands had been blessed with. He reminded the ambassadors, country representatives and others present that Seychelles had today over 50% of their total land area declared protected zones as Nature Reserves.

A tourism minister known for putting the people first and foremost, St.Ange emphasized that involving people in tourism for Seychelles has been the pillar of their economy because without that approach Seychelles could never have sustainable tourism that could be consolidated for the long term. He also said that his administration had given their culture its rightful place in the tourism development of their country, and that when Seychelles was speaking of culture, Seychelles was speaking of its people which we are putting at the center of their development.

"No Country has the right to be ashamed of their culture and of their people. It is the duty of the Tourism Authorities to showcase one's culture and in so doing one's people as real assets of their country," Minister St.Ange said.

He went on to explain that Seychelles has also embarked on the training of their people to ensure that they could join their tourism industry workforce and how they are presently building a brand new tourism academy. Under Minister’s St.Ange leadership in tourism, Seychelles has continued with the program of Wildlife Clubs in their schools to ensure that their younger generations were developing the interest for appreciating what the islands of the Seychelles had in order to protect these natural attractions and assets.

St.Ange also let it be known that the Seychelles was always extending its hand in the developing of partnership in the region through the Vanilla islands, and in Africa through the new African Union tourism initiative. He said that Seychelles is reaching out to the world through working as a committed partner at the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization).

Both Ambassador Potter and Minister St.Ange explained how climate change impacts more broadly the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and that this was why that subject matter was seen as being major challenges for the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) . They reminded everyone present about the importance of believing in the concept of Sustainable Tourism Development. Ambassador Potter and Minister St.Ange are satisfied with how the meeting at the UN turned out, and they were pleased with that member states of the UN were as interested as evident by the lively debates and Q & A sessions during the meeting.

Minister St.Ange also discussed with Ambassador Potter and Consul General Justin Etzin different matters relating to a greater presence by the Seychelles Islands in the USA and the potential of increased promotion of the Seychelles as a holiday destination for the Americans. They analyzed holiday packages for the USA as a target market that would take in an African safari before the relaxing break in the pristine environment of the Seychelles.

Following his UN address and talks with the Ambassador Potter and Consul General, Minister St.Ange met with the CEO of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) Eddie Bergman during his visit to New York. Also present at the meeting between the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the Seychelles Minister was Andrea Papitto, responsible for Trade Relations and Communications at for ATA.

Bergman briefed Minister St.Ange about the benefits of tourism destinations becoming members of the Africa Travel Association (ATA). Bergman spoke about the next General Assembly of the association that is set for later this year in Uganda and he invited the Seychelles Minister to consider attending the General Assembly and to get involved with the Africa Travel Association. Bergman and Minister St.Ange discussed tourism promotion for Seychelles and a possible cooperation with the ATA.

Minister St.Ange is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP), an organization dedicated to green growth and sustainable tourism. He also sits on the Executive Council of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For more information about Minister Alain St.Ange, visit: www.alainstange.com

Seychelles tourism – a success story

Jun 29, 2014

Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, has again been described as the man who has turned around tourism on the islands and that also, thanks to his campaign to increase visibility of the destination in the world press, the latter is today enjoying a success story.

Ile en Ile Mag magazine of Mauritius has recently carried out an exclusive interview with the minister, entitled “Seychelles Tourism – A Success Story,” with an introduction which tells of the Seychelles’ tourism remarkable progress in the last few years.

“When one says Seychelles, one can immediately start dreaming. You think of the beaches, the sun and the holidays…” says the article, adding that the visitor figures to the islands have increased steadily over the last few years even when the rest of the world was in economic turmoil.

Minister St.Ange starts the interview by describing the tourism climate in Seychelles, citing that it is living a true success and achieving its objectives at all levels. He says at the time of the interview (in May) that all the hotels were enjoying a good occupancy level, and that Seychelles has managed to maintain its reputation as a “quality” getaway and not as a mass tourism destination.

A total 230,272 tourists traveled to Seychelles in 2013, representing a 10.7% increase on the previous year.

“I am very happy, and I congratulate the Seychelles Tourism Board for its continued efforts to market and sell the destination all over the world. But they are not alone; we also have the government and private sector, all coming together to find the right strategies for this very important industry,” Minister St.Ange says.

He is then asked about the new regulations being implemented to encourage more “home grown” establishments. He says that two-and-a-half years ago, Seychelles’ President James Michel laid out a new road map for tourism, and his wish was to see more Seychellois take ownership of the tourism industry. Minister St.Ange stresses that it was never the government’s intention to have an economy of only big businesses.

“It is important for everyone to feel part of this development and this important industry. That’s why we have ensured that proper regulations and facilities are in place to encourage the opening of smaller establishments such as guest-houses, self-caterings, and smaller hotels,” he said.

He adds that over 200 small establishments have been registered recently, and this is the result of “the Seychellois people wanting to claim back their industry.”

When asked about the future of Seychelles tourism in the next few years, Minister St.Ange says that the country has a Tourism Master Plan which is now in its second year. The aim, he explains, was to assess where the country is going with its tourism industry and how it wants it to contribute to the economy.

“The President gave me a mission, to go out there and speak to the tourism trade and all other services that gain their businesses and livelihood through tourism (hotels, restaurants, car rentals, airlines, etc. and also farmers, fishermen, artists) to discuss their aspirations and what they want to see and achieve,” he explains.

“It is a mutual agreement amongst all groups that we don’t want mass tourism and no charters, because our people will not benefit from it. We all want to keep the beautiful image of our destination and everything else that conjures the image of ‘Seychelles’ in someone’s mind,” he adds.

Minister St.Ange says that tourism will remain the pillar of the Seychelles economy and that the country needs to continuously prepare human resources to sustain the growth. A new hotel school will open at the end of the year.

“It is important for the colors of Seychelles to be visible in all our hotels,” says the minister.

He also stresses that the country needs to have new hotel developments to keep up with the growth of the industry. Tourism on the islands helps to finance other sectors such as social services, health, and education, and thus attention must be given to that industry so that the whole nation can benefit.

“But this development to bring tourism to new heights must take place in phases, we need to grow the industry, but we must do it well. This year we will see the opening of two hotels and next year another two.

“But we have to be careful. We don’t want to open new hotels without the guarantee that we have airline seats availability to Seychelles. This is very important, and as Minister for Tourism, I am well aware of that. We need to have other facilities in place as well to sustain the growth such as adequate electricity and water. We need to plan ahead and calculate well. The bottom line is that we need the country and the people to benefit,” says Minister St.Ange.

The Minister also says that he has the Seychellois culture at heart, and he wants both culture and tourism to complement each other. By putting the local culture at the forefront, he stresses, the country is also putting its people at the forefront.

“Culture is at the center of our development and our communication. This is why we have the carnival, the Creole festival, and other such cultural events. Our culture is at the center of our tourism promotion, and this is what our visitors look for. We are proud of what we are and what we have,” he concludes.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) 

Seychelles Airlines formally applies for licenses

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | JUN 28, 2014

Image via Seychelles.travel

According to information received from a reliable aviation source on Mahe, new wings will spread from the archipelago once a new applicant for an air service license, Seychelles Airlines, has received the relevant permits and clearances.

It is understood that the process was formally started by Intershore Aviation Limited, the limited liability company under which the brand Seychelles Airlines will operate, which a week ago lodged the relevant documents with the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

All eyes are now on the SCAA and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Transport to see how expeditiously the application for an air services license is processed before the company can then bring in their first aircraft, supposed to be a B767-300ER in a two-class configuration of business and economy class, and start the audit process before obtaining an air operator certificate.

While it could not be established if added processes are required vis-a-vis traffic rights out of the Seychelles and from the proposed destinations the new airline intends to fly to, it is likely that the new kid on the block, once fully licensed and cleared for flight status, will also require SCAA designation for certain routes, especially if the flights are to be operated as scheduled services and not as charter flights.

The venture was already discussed with key members of the private sector, who, while supportive of their national airline, were keen to see a new venture take off to add much-needed extra seats on nonstop flights from key European source markets like France and Italy without having to travel through a waypoint as is currently the case, which costs added time to reach the archipelago and increases the risk of delays.

It is understood that the support from a wide range of businesses among the Seychelles-based tourism sector was a key to driving the project ahead, with one regular source commenting: “The time is now right for a second airline to fly from and to Seychelles. There are gaps in our connectivity which the national airline apparently cannot fill due to their ties with Etihad. That link requires all northbound and eastbound flights to fly via Abu Dhabi. This may be instrumental for the financial recovery of Air Seychelles, but it does not match the expectations of tourism operators in Europe or here. Many of our important partners have time and again said they would prefer a nonstop flight to Mahe; we also have said that, but the logistics at the national airline dictate otherwise. So it is time to look at new options, and Seychelles Airlines has told us they intend to fly nonstop to Paris and at least two other European destinations. This will be a boost for our hotels, because more clients means higher occupancies. If they can get their fare structure sorted out, it should open new markets for Seychelles and not just cut into the market share of the airlines already coming here. The big question is, and I think we discussed this in April, how expeditious the license application will be processed and that no conflict of interest comes into play to the disadvantage of the new airline and in favor of the national airline. We will be watching this closely.”

Chief Executive of the new airline is one Mr. Ahmed Afif and efforts are underway to have him comment directly to eTN on plans for the new airline, once it has become operational.

Seychelles’ beauty queen joins fight against drug abuse

Jun 27, 2014

Photos from Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture

"By standing together as a nation with determination, we can curb the rise of substance abuse in Seychelles." The Seychelles newly-crowned beauty queen said this at a ceremony held last Thursday to mark the end of a four-day resilience relay organized as part of activities to commemorate the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking (June 26).

Miss Camila Estico, “Miss Seychelles… another world” 2014 called on the young people of Seychelles to find their purpose in life, believe in a dream, and follow it until the end, no matter what their dream is.

“Dedicate yourself to a healthy lifestyle rooted in deep spiritual meaning with strong moral values that you have inherited from your parents, guardians, and the society as a whole. Then and only then, is when drugs will never be an option in your life,” said “Miss Seychelles… another world” 2014.

“Drug usage and abuse is not a solution to one’s problem. On the contrary, drugs only aggravate one’s life situation and eventually lead to total destruction. Substance abuse stands in the way of someone to achieving his or her purpose in life. Do not let yourself be a victim,” the Seychelles Beauty Queen went on to say.

Miss Camila Estico urged those that life may not be easy for them and who think that drug usage is the way out, to strive to be on the positive side of life by keeping away from the influence of substance abuse. “If you are fortunate to be alive, God has a purpose for you. Believe and have the faith that no mountain shall be too high to climb in rising above one’s difficulties to the promise of a better future,” she said.

“It is a reality that we all face difficulties in life, and sometimes it may prompt us to give up. But turning to drugs is not the solution. Believe in yourself that you will rise above your difficulties if you face life with a positive attitude,” “Miss Seychelles… another world” 2014 went on to say.

The four-day activity held under the theme "Pa les drog pran control" was organized by Campaign for Awareness, Resilience and Education against substance abuse (CARE) since June 23 where the relay started on La Digue. The relay baton went to Praslin before going to schools around Mahe and lastly ending at the Mont Fleuri secondary school on Thursday, where students read messages pertaining to resiliency against drugs and the theme for the activity.

Present at the ceremony were Designated Minister Vincent Meriton who is also the chairperson of Drug and Alcohol Council and of the National Social Renaissance Committee, Health Minister Mitcy Larue, leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, Ambassador for Women and Children’s Affairs Dr. Erna Athanasius, and CARE’s Chairperson Sarah Rene, among other high government officials, partners, teachers, and students.

Addressing those present, Minister Meriton called on students to lend a hand in helping to keep drugs away from the communities.

He congratulated the young people who are devoted to the cause of fighting against drug abuse. Mrs. Rene also saluted the young people who were present for their engagement in joining this fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) 

Seychelles UN Mission satisfied with SIDS Meeting called with Organisation De La Francophonie

Jun 27, 2014

Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, the Seychelles Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador accredited to the USA, has said that she was satisfied with last Monday's meeting she co-organized with the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) on the question of sustainable tourism development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which was moderated by Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, the Seychelles Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing States.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, who had travelled especially to New York for this meeting also said as he left the USA, he was thrilled that the question of sustainable tourism development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) had been well debated and that he was sure that member states of the UN were as interested as Seychelles was because of the lively Q & A open session that followed the presentations at the meeting. The Seychelles Minister had been at the United Nations (UN) this week to deliver a keynote address at this meeting co-organized by the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) and the Seychelles on the question of sustainable tourism development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Minister St.Ange was leading a delegation made up by Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, the Seychelles Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, the Seychelles Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing States.

Ambassador Potter worked closely with the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) to stage the meeting which has resulted in an appeal now made to rally all the SIDS Group around a table for a follow-up meeting prior to the Samoa Meeting. It was at this UN Meeting that the Seychelles Minister surprised everyone by saying that the topic being discussed 'Sustainable tourism is not just a terminology, it is instead a concept that needed the political will and tenacity' as he demanded that he speak from the heart instead of using his prepared official text. "Sustainable tourism is not just a terminology, it is instead a concept that needed the political will and tenacity. To deliver for our respective population we need to believe in this concept of sustainable tourism and then move to implement it. To be seen and remembered as having been good custodians of what we have been blessed with, we need to act today and follow the sustainable tourism route," Minister Alain St.Ange said.

The Minister spoke after Ambassador Potter had made her opening remarks which reminded everyone present of the importance of believing in the concept of Sustainable Tourism Development. Both Ambassador Potter and Minister St.Ange who took the floor after her said that climate change impacts more broadly the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and that this was why that subject matter was seen as being major challenges for the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) as was being discussed at that meeting at the United Nations on Monday the June 23 in which a committed delegation from the Seychelles was present. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said that he needed to thank the Organization International de La Francophonie (IOF) for co-organizing this meeting with and alongside the Seychelles.

"We note that in the framework of the Samoa Conference preparations, which is to be held from the 1st to the 4th of 2014, the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) is working to develop an initiative on sustainable tourism within the SIDS members. We are all very appreciative of this," the Seychelles Minister said.

This UN (United Nations) meeting in New York was the opportunity for the Republic of the Seychelles to highlight its achievements in the sustainable tourism framework. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said as he delivered his keynote address to the conference that Seychelles wanted to be seen and remembered as good custodians of what the islands had been blessed with. He reminded the ambassadors and country representatives present that everyone in Seychelles had today over 50% of their total land area declared protected zones as nature reserves, and he went on to say that Seychelles had appointed an ambassador to only work with other interested parties on the climate-change issue, he said that Seychelles had put into place the necessary approach to claim back its tourism industry in order to get there people more involved in their very own tourism that remains for Seychelles the pillar of their economy, because he said that without that approach of involving their people, Seychelles could never have a sustainable tourism that could be consolidated for the long term.

The gathered ambassadors and country representatives present were also informed that Seychelles was continuing with the program of Wildlife Clubs in their schools to ensure that their younger generations were developing the interest for appreciating what the islands of the Seychelles had in order to protect these natural attractions and assets. The Minister said that Seychelles had also embarked on the training of their people to ensure that they could join their tourism industry workforce and that they were presently building a brand new tourism academy. The Seychelles Minister also said that they had given their culture its rightful place in the tourism development of their country, and he went on to say that when Seychelles was speaking of culture, Seychelles was speaking of its people which they are putting at the center of their development. "No country has the right to be ashamed of their culture and of their people. It is the duty of the tourism authorities to showcase one's culture and in so doing one's people as real assets of their country," Minister St.Ange said.

Alain St.Ange is a founding member of the ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners) and sits on the Executive Council of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation). For more information about Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles visit:- alainstange.com

Seychelles’ Tourism Minister Alain St.Ange looks at the future of tourism

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | JUN 26, 2014

Seychelles Minister of Tourism Alain St.Ange

There are few tourism ministers in Africa I know who have mastered their portfolio like Alain St.Ange has. Kenya’s Najib Balala was often cited as an example of a politician who knew what he was talking about and what he was doing until he fell foul of his dictatorial party leader for reminding him of democratic principles – and coming from the Kenya coast clearly had a positive impact here – but then again, Alain St.Ange is in a class of his own.

Born into a family which had both politics as well as tourism at its center, this clearly rubbed off on him.
A former member of parliament himself, he then worked in the private sector before the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association put him forward for appointment as Director of Tourism Marketing when the Seychelles Tourism Board underwent the much-needed restructuring in 2008/9, before then being appointed CEO of the organization and setting the course for one of the world’s most amazing marketing juggernauts, putting the archipelago on the world map.

His appointment as Minister for Tourism and Culture, having previously been an opposition member of parliament, is now seen as a masterstroke by President James Alix Michel, whose policy of opening political spaces, of broad-based inclusion, and of making the best use of Seychellois talent has helped to make tourism THE cornerstone of the country’s economy. More Seychellois than ever before now own or co-own tourism-related businesses, and more young Seychellois than ever before are receiving quality training at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, which also falls under the tourism portfolio.

Kitty Pope used her presence at the 4th edition of the Seychelles Carnival to talk to Alain St.Ange and here is some more of her interview and the answers:

USA & Seychelles - Kitty Pope of the African Diaspora Tourism in the USA caught up with Alain St.Ange,
the Seychelles Minister of Tourism, to complete her story on the Tourism Minister who can change the world.

Alain St.Ange, “Seychelles’ Iconic Native Son,” has grown up in Seychelles; St.Ange’s island home is very much a part of who he is, and he takes it with him everywhere he goes as he travels the world. He never neglects a chance to promote its beauty and other qualities to whomever he meets. Here he talks with Kitty J. Pope about Seychelles and his future plans to establish a boutique hotel on the island of La Digue after he retires from the Seychelles Ministry. The full report by Kitty Pope of the African Diaspora Tourism of the USA on the Seychelles Minister is published on the following website:www.alainstange.com

Why do you want your future hotel property to be located in La Digue?

St.Ange: I am a Diguois born and bred. La Digue Island has been my home, and it remains the island where my parents and grandparents are all enjoying their eternal peace. La Digue is also a key tourism island of the Seychelles, and that said, what a better place to then have a boutique hotel?

Has owning a boutique hotel always been one of your dreams from childhood or did you decide that this is what you wanted to do after you got involved in tourism as an adult?

St.Ange: I have always wanted to have my own small hotel, an establishment where my flair can be showcased. As a family, we have always been involved in the tourism industry. My father was a pioneer in the hospitality industry opening his “Cabanes Des Anges” Hotel right on the main beach of La Digue in 1972. This was but a year after Seychelles opened its International Airport. The time is now for me to set my own place and put my personal flair into the property.

I know that your father had an impact on your career as a tourism official. What are some of the things that you learned from your father that also could help you with hotel ownership?

St.Ange: My father did not study tourism, nor did he study hotel management, but he was a gifted tourism personality because the art of being a tourism personality was born in him. He was human and could relate to that industry that remains first and foremost a people’s industry. His joie de vive and jovial nature made him the perfect host. I saw my father working to establish his hotel when this industry was but in its infancy. I appreciated what he was doing and the passion with which he was managing his establishment. This is when I decided to move and follow my formal hotel training that was to be followed by a sales and marketing specialization course.

What do you want your legacy to be in the field of tourism and in Seychelles?

St.Ange: My only legacy can be what I have achieved for Seychelles. Today we are seen, and we are being counted as a tourism destination. The world of tourism speaks about Seychelles, because we are today relevant as a tourism destination. We have always had what is considered to be the ideal destination for holiday makers looking for the best of the best. But we kept this to ourselves as the country’s tag line of the past, “The Best Kept Secret.” Today, we are bolder in saying that we are a tourism destination, and we have put into place the mechanism to disseminate the necessary positive information to the world at large. We now need to continue this line of work as we consolidate for the long term, our industry that remains the pillar of our economy. This will be my legacy for our tourism industry and for Seychelles.

If you could envision Seychelles 50 years from now, what would you like to see?

St.Ange: I would like to see Seychelles as that tourism destination that has cared about itself. We are being seen today as being good custodians of what we have been blessed with as far as natural beauty, and I would love to see that undertaking continue. I would also like to see the bold statement we make as a country to get our people to work with us to claim back our tourism industry and to see more Seychellois involved in the industry that is the bread basket of their islands. Every Ministry of the Government must embrace this philosophy, as this is what will keep our tourism industry strong for the long term.

Alain St.Ange is a founding member of the ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners) and sits on the Executive Council of the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization). For more information about Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles visit:www.alainstange.com

Seychelles tourism officials meet in USA for UN meeting

Jun 26, 2014

L-R: Minister Alain St.Ange, Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, and Consul General Justin Entzin

Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, the Seychelles representative at the United Nations and also the Ambassador in the USA, met with Alain St.Ange, their island's Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, who had traveled to the USA this week to address a meeting at the United Nations (UN).

Ambassador Potter and Consul General Entzin discussed with Minister St.Ange different matters relating to a greater presence by the Seychelles Islands in the USA. The potential of increased promotion of the Seychelles as a holiday destination for the Americans was discussed and also the potential of the USA as a target market analyzed for holiday packages that would take in an African safari before the relaxing break in the pristine environment of the Seychelles. "Everyone knows that the mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles offers the best in a sun, sea, and sand holiday, but for this, the USA was too far to be a target market. But for a safari and beach combination, Seychelles partners perfectly with mainland Africa, which was why our Tourism Board launched the twin-center holiday approach. "This is why we launched the concept of AFTER THE BIG FIVE… COME TO THE BEST FIVE. This was the spirit of working together as a region to grow the tourism cake - the same approach of beach and mountain holiday combinations we are doing with the island of La Reunion named the Switzerland of the Indian Ocean because of its spectacular mountains. La Reunion is also blessed with an active volcano and makes an ideal partner for Seychelles," Minister Alain St.Ange said.

Following these talks with the Seychelles Ambassador and Consul General, Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, held a meeting with the CEO of the Africa Travel Association based in New York itself to discuss tourism promotion for Seychelles and to see about possible cooperation.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

TRIP ADVISOR AWARDS ANSE LAZIO BEACH AMONG TOP 10

Seychelles beaches continue to rank among top travel awards

Jun 26, 2014

Photo from Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Trip Advisor, the world’s largest travel site, has recognized Anse Lazio beach on Praslin Island in the Seychelles as one of the 2014 winners of its Travelers’ Choice (TM) awards for Beaches.

“Picture perfect in every way. Gorgeous beach and the bluest water ever!” – This is how the site described Anse Lazio Beach which has always been seen as one of Seychelles’ top beaches offering unrivaled swimming.

More than 320 beaches are recognized globally, with Seychelles’ Anse Lazio Beach also earning recognition to be among the best.

Other beaches that have also been listed in this Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice are: Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha in Brazil; Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Flamenco Beach, Culebra in Puerto Rico; Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa in Italy; Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island in Australia; Playa de ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain; Hawaii’s Lanikai Beach, Kailua in Oahu; Rhossili Bay in Swansea Wales; and Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres Mexico.

Winners of the Travelers’ Choice Beaches Award were chosen based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period.

Seychelles is renowned for its beaches that are described to be of exceptional beauty. The islands have a weather pattern that has given them the name of the islands with perpetual summer. The beaches of Seychelles are white and clean and lapped by the warm turquoise blue sea of the tropics.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, has welcomed the latest recognition of the island’s beaches. "We are known to be a country promoting eco-tourism since the launch of our tourism industry. We intensified our conservation approach declaring over 50% of our total land area as protected national parks and embarking on the sustainable tourism approach. Today the world at large is recognizing the tenacity with which the people of Seychelles have embraced the concept of being seen to be good custodians of the natural beauty of our mid-ocean islands,” said Minister St.Ange.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) 

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES

United Nations hears appeal by Seychelles

Jun 25, 2014

Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles outside the United Nations (UN) building in New York

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, was at the United Nations (UN) this week to deliver a keynote address at the meeting co-organize by the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) and the Seychelles on the question of sustainable tourism development in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Minister St.Ange was leading a delegation made up by Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, the Seychelles Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, the Seychelles Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing States.

The Seychelles Minister surprised everyone by saying that the topic being discussed demanded that he speak from the heart instead of using his prepared official text. "Sustainable tourism is not just a terminology, it is instead a concept that needed the political will and tenacity. To deliver for our respective population we need to believe in this concept of sustainable tourism and then move to implement it. To be seen and remembered as having been good custodians of what we have been blessed with, we need to act today and follow the sustainable tourism route," said Minister Alain St.Ange.

The Minister followed down the line made by Ambassador Potter in her opening remarks. They both said that climate change impacts more broadly the sustainable development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and that this was why that subject matter was seen as being major challenges for the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) as was being discussed at a meeting at the United Nations on Monday the June 23 in which a committed delegation from the Seychelles was present. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said that he needed to thank the Organization International de La Francophonie (IOF) for co-organizing this meeting with and alongside the Seychelles.

"We note that in the framework of the Samoa Conference preparations, which is to be held from the 1st to the 4th of 2014, the International Organization of La Francophonie (IOF) is working to develop an initiative on sustainable tourism within the SIDS members. We are all very appreciative of this," the Seychelles Minister said.

This UN (United Nations) meeting in New York was the opportunity for the Republic of the Seychelles to highlight its achievements in the sustainable tourism framework. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said as he delivered his keynote address to the conference that Seychelles wanted to be seen and remembered as good custodians of what the islands had been blessed with. He reminded the ambassadors and country representatives present that everyone in Seychelles had today over 50% of their total land area declared protected zones as nature reserves, and he went on to say that Seychelles had appointed an ambassador to only work with other interested parties on the climate-change issue, he said that Seychelles had put into place the necessary approach to claim back its tourism industry in order to get there people more involved in their very own tourism that remains for Seychelles the pillar of their economy, because he said that without that approach of involving their people, Seychelles could never have a sustainable tourism that could be consolidated for the long term.

The Seychelles Minister also said that they had given their culture its rightful place in the tourism development of their country, and he went on to say that when Seychelles was speaking of culture, Seychelles was speaking of its people which they are putting at the center of their development. "No country has the right to be ashamed of their culture and of their people. It is the duty of the tourism authorities to showcase one's culture and in so doing one's people as real assets of their country," Minister St.Ange said.

The gathered ambassadors and country representatives present were also informed that Seychelles was continuing with the program of Wildlife Clubs in their schools to ensure that their younger generations were developing the interest for appreciating what the islands of the Seychelles had in order to protect these natural attractions and assets. The Minister said that Seychelles had also embarked on the training of their people to ensure that they could join their tourism industry workforce and that they were presently building a brand new tourism academy.

It was also emphasized at that meeting that the Seychelles were always extending their hand in the developing of partnerships in the region through the Vanilla Islands, and in Africa through the new African Union tourism initiative, and accessing the world through working as a committed partner at the UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization). The Seychelles Minister ended his address by saying that Seychelles had launched their very own sustainable tourism brand, because they wanted to get their hotels who walk with them down the road of sustainable tourism to be seen and noticed.

Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter who had spoken before her Minister took the floor opened the Sustainable Tourism Meeting at the UN saying that she remained committed to working with other like-minded representatives, and Ambassador Ronny Jumeau was the one mandated to moderate the lively meeting that was full of comments and questions from the floor.

Minister St.Ange appealed to L'Organization de La Francophonie to get the SIDS group around a table for a meeting before the Samoa meeting and to help countries protect their cultural heritage by working with UNESCO to simplify the procedures for achieving UNESCO World Heritage sites status when countries had the desire to protect unique assets they had for prosperity. The Minister also appealed for a sustainable tourism brand to be agreed on in order to increase the visibility of tourism establishments who were joining their respective country's programs to go down the path of promoting sustainable tourism.

When he replied to questions from the floor, Minister Alain St.Ange said that the Seychelles had been successful in developing its tourism industry, because they had embraced the three key words that remained so essential for any tourism destination. "The three words that will always ensure a tourism destination remains relevant are 1. visibility, 2. Visibility, and 3. Visibility," the Seychelles Minister said. He went on to say that this was why Seychelles had entered the world of carnivals with their annual Carnaval International de Victoria in April which gave visibility to their co-host partners and to every participating country. The Minister emphasized that the carnival in Seychelles appeared on the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands calendar of events alongside the International Tourism Fair of Madagascar in May, the Culinary & Cultural Festival of Comoros in August, and the Festival Liberte Metisse (marking the abolition of slavery) of La Reunion in December.

Minister Alain St.Ange also said as he met the press after the United Nations meeting that he was happy to have flown to New York especially for this meeting. "We are here because we are putting our money where our mouth is. We believe in sustainable tourism, and we stand to be counted with all those who are like us, serious and committed partners of this change of mindset," the Seychelles Minister said.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .

Africa Travel Association receives Seychelles Minister for Tourism in New York

Jun 25, 2014

Mr Edward Bergman, the Executive Director of the Africa Travel Association today welcomed Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture at the Association's Headquarters at Madison Avenue in New York.

Also present at the meeting between the Africa Travel Association (ATA) and the Seychelles Minister was Ms Andrea Papitto, responsible for Trade Relations and Communications at the Association.

Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles was briefed about the benefits for Tourism Destinations to become members of the Africa Travel Association (ATA). Mr Bergman spoke about the next General Assembly of the Association that is set for later this year in Uganda and he invited the Seychelles Minister to consider attending the General Assembly and to get involved with the Africa Travel Association.

The discussions also centered on the Seychelles hosting the 2015 General Assembly of the Africa Travel Association (ATA).

Minister Alain St.Ange said that he appreciated being received at the Headquarters of the Africa Travel Association (ATA). He said that he found the discussions interesting and that he better understood the importance of working with the Africa Travel Association (ATA) to help on the America Market.

The Seychelles Minister also invited Mr Edward Bergman of the Africa Travel Association (ATA) to be in Seychelles for the historic October meeting called by the UNWTO & ICAO for Tourism and Transport Ministers.

LA FRANCOPHONIE & SEYCHELLES AT THE UN OM CLIMATE CHANGE

United Nations hears Initiative for Sustainable Tourism (SIDS)

Jun 24, 2014

Ambassador Potter, Ambassador Jumeau, Minister St.Ange, Mr Tounan Kiri and Mr Gerard Ruiz

The Climate change impacts and more broadly the sustainable development issues that are seen as being major challenges for the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) were at the forefront of a meeting at the United Nations on Monday the 23 June. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture was leading a delegation made up by Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, the Seychelles Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Ambassador Ronny Jumeau, the Seychelles Ambassador for Climate Change and Small Island Developing States were all working with the International de La Francophonie (IOF) to co-organise and to chair the meeting.

In the framework of the Samoa Conference preparations, which is to be held from the 1st to the 4th 2014, the International Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF) is working to develop an initiative on sustainable tourism within the SIDS members.

This meeting as the opportunity for the Republic of the Seychelles to highlight its achievements in the Sustainable Tourism framework. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture said as he delivered his Keynote Address to the Conference that Seychelles wanted to be seen as good custodians of what the islands had been blessed with. "We have today over 50% of our total land area declared protected zones as Nature Reserves, we have appointed an Ambassador to only work with other interested parties on the climate change issue, we have claimed our tourism industry to get our people more involved because without our people we cannot have sustainable tourism that can be consolidated for the long term, we have give our culture its rightful place in the tourism development of our country and when we speak of culture we speak of our people which we are putting at the centre of our development, we are continuing with the program of Wildlife Clubs in our schools to ensure our younger generations are developing the interest in appreciating what we have in order to protect what we have, we are training our people to join our tourism workforce through the building of a brand new tourism academy and last but not least we are extending our hand for the developing of partnerships in the region through the Vanilla islands and in Africa through the new African Union tourism initiative, we have launched our very own Sustainable Tourism Brand because we want to get our hotels who walk with us down this road to be seen and noticed" said Minister Alain St.Ange.

Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter who opened the Sustainable Tourism Meeting at the UN said that she was committed to working with other like minded representatives and Ambassador Ronny Jumeau was the one mandated to moderate the lovely meeting full of comments and questions from the floor.

Minister St.Ange appealed to L'Organisation de La Francophonie to get the SIDS group around a table for a meeting before the Samoa Meeting and to help countries protect their cultural heritage by working with Unesco to simplify the procedures for achieving Unesco World Heritage Sites Status.

Minister Alain St.Ange said as he met the press after the United Nations Meeting that he was happy to have flown to New York for this meeting. "We are here because we are putting our money where our mouth is. We believe in Sustainable Tourism and we stand to be counted with all those who are like us serious and committed partners of this change of mindset" the Seychelles Minister said.

NEW VANILLA ISLANDS AIRLINE CONNECTION BY AIR AUSTRAL

Air Austral resumes direct non-stop commercial flights from Reunion to Seychelles Island

Jun 24, 2014

Air Austral first non-stop commercial direct flight between La Reunion Island and the Seychelles has landed in Seychelles. It was exactly 20h25, Monday 23rd of June that an Air Austral Boeing 737, made its historical landing on the Seychelles International Airport with 93 passengers on board.

Passengers made their descent onto the tarmac, to entertainment by the Seychelles National Cultural Troupe. Joel Morgan, Minister of Home Affairs, Transport and Energy was joined by Anne Lafortune, Principal Secretary for Tourism and Sherin Naiken the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board as he made his way to the run way to welcome Air Austral’s six crew members.

Didier Alenard, Air Austral captain, piloted the 162 seater aircraft and along with his crew were greeted by Minister Morgan and his delegation at the foot of the air stairs. Minister Morgan said the resumption of Air Austral’s first commercial flight in Seychelles is an important step in opening direct link between Seychelles and Reunion.
“It’s an important step for Seychelles and Reunion because the resumption of Air Austral flights to Seychelles is the result of the political will of James Michel, President of Republic of Seychelles and Didier Robert, President of Regional Council of Reunion Island, to open connectivity between Seychelles and Reunion.” Joel Morgan, the Seychelles Minister of Home Affairs, Environment, Transport and Energy said

It was in 2013 that Air Austral suspended its flights to Seychelles. The recommencement of Air Austral’s direct non-stop flights to Seychelles sends a positive message to the tourism trade partners in Seychelles. The Reunion traffic benefits the small guest houses, self catering and small hotels and this business all but disappeared when the airline had discontinued its services sometime back.
It is known that the Seychelles secret brand, exclusively for small hotels, guest houses and self caterings, are all members of the island’s home grown properties and they were the preferred choice of establishments for tourists from Reunion Island.

Air Austral pulled out from Seychelles was a recipe of disaster for these properties, which had to tap into alternative markets to stay in business. With the re-surfacing of Air Austral on the Seychelles route, the Seychelles Tourism Board is intensifying its visibility campaign in La Reunion to help grow the business from this neighbouring island. Anne Lafortune, the Principal Secretary for Tourism said her department hope to work closely with the grouping “Vanilla Islands”, to consolidate the inter-island networking and have more twin and three centre packages soldacross the four corners of the world that would include Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion, Comoros, Mayotte and Maldives.
Sherin Naiken, the Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) said the resumption of Air Austral flights to Seychelles is a positive move for the Seychelles tourism industry. She said the Tourism Board and the Reunion Tourism Office in Reunion Island (IRT) are working on joint marketing approaches to increase Air Austral’s loading factor. She said that the Tourism Board is being innovative in its approach to work with local tour operators and airlines to develop twin centre packages which will be beneficial for the Reunion and Indian Ocean market alike.

Air Austral’s two direct weekly flights will be operated on Mondays and Thursdays and returns flight to Reunion will leave Seychelles Tuesdays and Fridays. Passengers in Seychelles travelling to Reunion can book their flights with Mason’s Travel, the local agent of Air Austral in the Seychelles.

Cabo Verde President meets Seychelles creative artists at the International Creole Institute

Jun 23, 2014

Urny Mathiot, Golbert Nourrice, the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde and Robert Alexis

Cabo Verde President meets Seychelles creative artists at the International Creole Institute

The President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr Jorge Carlos De Almeida Fonseca met with Seychelles known and popular creative artists Urny Mathiot, Golbert Nourrice and Robert Alexis as he visited the International Creole Institute in Seychelles.

The three Seychelles artists who had exhibited some of their works of art at the Institute, explained their works to President of Cabo Verde as he toured the International Creole Institute in the company of Minister Alain St.Ange. the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Minister Jean Paul Adam, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs, Minister Humberto Brito, the Cabo Verde minister responsible for Tourism, Industry and Energy, Ms Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture in the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Mr Jose Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Mayor of Praia, the Capital of Cabo Verde among others.

The International Creole Institute in Seychelles is aiming at rallying everything that is Creole and that makes Creole what it is today. It was launched a year ago with the support of La Reunion and with the expression for support by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mauritius, both islands that form part of the Creole World.

Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, explained to the President of the Republic of Cabo Verde, H.E. Dr Jorge Carlos De Almeida Fonseca that each island of country with an attachment to the Creole Culture must see themselves in this International Creole Institute. "This is why we are hoping that by working together a Cabo Verde Room will be named in this International Creole Institute because like us you are Creole Islands" Minister St.Ange said.

The Island of La Reunion has already committed to work with the seychelles to see this project through.