Tourism Annual Marketing Meeting 2013 in Seychelles opened by Minister St.Ange

 

 

Nov 28, 2013

The Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture yesterday official opened the Tourism Annual Marketing Meeting 2013 of the islands. This was made in the presence of the CEO and Deputy CEO of the Tourism Board, the Director of Marketing, all Managers from the different Seychelles Tourism Board's Offices in the four corners of world and their Marketing Colleagues based in Seychelles, and interested members form the Private sector.

Minister St.Ange used the opportunity to give a short brief on the situation of the island's tourism industry.

The Minister said: "It gives me great pleasure to speak to you this morning, to welcome you most cordially at the official opening of the Tourism Board's Annual marketing meeting, the meeting where we look at how we, as an industry and the Seychelles Tourism Board, has performed and how this can be improved for the year 2014.

Friends of the tourism Trade, Tourism has performed well in the year 2013, by year end, visitor arrivals is expected to increase by at least 10% to reach over 228,000 visitors and set another record for the country. Despite the lack of direct non-stop access to Europe, our main core markets has rebounded and increased by 10%, according to latest figures. Indeed, Europe remains the largest market for Seychelles. This is being led by France, Germany, Italy, Russia, although visitors from Italy is still down 7% compared to 2012. Diversification of the tourism markets continue to bear real gains with an increase of visitors from Asia by about 21%, in particular China up 74% and Middle East by 11. Asia is now the second largest market, followed by Africa up 8%, with South Africa increasing by 10%.

For 2014, the Tourism Board foresees an increase of between 5 to 8 per cent in visitor arrivals over 2013 figures. The Tourism Board will continue with its plans to consolidate its efforts in the traditional markets of Europe by channelling adequate funds to appropriate activities – be they marketing activities, road shows, workshops, media or press, this is not forgetting as well as working with existing ‘partners’ who remain passionate about selling the destination whilst seeking new interests at every given opportunity. This approach I fully support, because for many many years Seychelles, and here both the private sector and the Government, have invested heavily to get this market to be where it is today. The market that knows the Seychelles well, that market that now understands Seychelles and that Market that appreciates the Seychelles as a relevant tourism destination for their market.

As we also endeavour to intensify efforts in our emerging markets in Asia, Middle East and the Americas, we are conscious that adequate research continues to be required. This is of prime importance as it will assist us in targeting the right kind marketing to the right ‘clientele’, as well as working with the right ‘partners’ such as the Tour Operators, Press, Media so as to maximise visitor potential.

Important for us all to appreciate are also the constraints we face as we stimulate the different markets. Tour Operator partners will move to seek press visits and educational tours for their agents. This are we are today seriously suffering because we are unable to pay for all the airline seats we need to keep our destination relevant and visible. The big question for you all will be to reflect seriously before looking at new offices and opening new markets, because we are unable to service these markets and then this hurts the destination.

The Tourism Board’s strategy in 2014 also includes to keep on developing our various niche markets with potential to be further explored. Sailing and cruise ship tourism is one where the time is now for us to reactivate and capture the growing market. As Piracy in the Indian Ocean begins to be less of a threat, we must prepare ourselves for 2014 and beyond. We will work with the right partners to reactivate this market, and here we must say that we are relying on the input of our Trade partners who specialise in this kind of Tourism to work with us to make this a success.

In our aim to continue promoting Seychelles as an ‘affordable’ destination, we need to keep on working with the smaller establishments to help them to become active in the world of marketing and sales. Affordable accommodation must be marketed and the right markets for them should be targeted.

Our aim is to showcase the Seychelles as a destination which offers different types of accommodation – and thereby attract visitors from different budget range. We hope that with the willingness and input of the owners and management of such establishments, the year 2014/2015 will see an increase in the performance of our smaller establishments. While talking on small establishments, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture together with the Seychelles Tourism Board endeavour to also look at our various small operators which supports the tourism industry. Today I am happy to announce that following discussions with the CEO of the Tourism Board, proposals are now in place to have a dedicated Senior Marketing Executive to work with, and to work for the small home grown Seychellois establishments and to get them more known, so that they be better prepared to face increased competition.

For us to succeed in achieving all of our targets for the New Year ahead, there are challenges that we need together as an industry to surmount.

The first being accessibility which remains an important factor in the equation. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Seychelles Tourism Board together with the Ministry for Transport we are working together to ensure we remain accessible as a destination to our core as well as our potential markets.

Earlier this year in April 2013, Air Seychelles, now in equity partnership with Etihad, launched its inaugural flight to Hong Kong and only 2 weeks ago, one of our new airline partner, Mihin Lanka in code share agreement with Sri Lankan Airlines, started its new direct services to Seychelles, a new route which will definitely open us to the Far East Market. We remain grateful to still have the partnership of other airlines such as Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airline, Condor and Emirates. We were sad to learn about the suspension of the Qatar Airways services to Seychelles earlier this year, and now more recently with Emirates reducing their number of flights from 12 per week to a single daily flight come May next year. This will be for a few months as works are undertaken on the runway at Dubai Airport. For this reason we have to continue working together to ensure we increase accessibility to our islands. This is a National Concern and one we need to dedicate time looking at our options.

Another vital component of the equation is our tourism Statistics which plays a major role in planning. As we plan for the 2014, it is important that we have the right statistics to work with. To that end the Seychelles Tourism Board is in dialogue with the National Bureau of Statistics with the aim of ensuring that the statistics we are provided with, be it for hotel occupancy, yield or length of stay are accurate. On that note, may I ask the Trade to please co-operate with the National Bureau of Statistics when important information are requested from your establishments and businesses.

Without accurate statistics we are unable to achieve proper planning and forecasts. Important for you to help us to help you.

To be able to compete in this new global competitive tourism world it is of paramount importance that we stay up the curve when showcasing our destination. The making of the Seychelles new destination video along with its various niche market videos and viral of which all of it filming has just been completed will be launched just in time for the ITB Berlin. We also have in-house Imran Ahmad – a professional photographer/diver whose work is well known and respected worldwide. We are confident that he will deliver stunning pictures and footage which will assist us immensely in revamping and reactivating the interest of Diving Tourism in Seychelles.

Friends of the Tourism trade, by mid next year we will also hopefully have our new destination as well as corporate website and a set of e-marketing tools; a combination of smartphone applications and social media which will put us at par to other leading tourism destinations who have already mastered the art of virtual marketing.

Equally important are also our brochures, posters and other print material which the Seychelles Tourism Board is in the process of revamping.

Last but not least, we have in addition as collaterals, the new Sesel Sa publication, a magazine for the tourism industry which we shall continue to work on so that it becomes more and more informative and will be seen as a reference tool for our partners when selling the Seychelles. This magazine is the one publication that will be at every tourism trade fair and used at each and every workshop the Tourism Board organises.

Friends of the Tourism trade, to be able to consolidate our position as a tourism destination, the Government have decided to restructure the Seychelles Tourism Board to make it more relevant in addressing our various challenges in the industry. The Seychelles Tourism Board’s function will now focus on marketing of the destination. The Ministry will assume the regulatory functions of products and standards as well as policy and international cooperation. Events management will move into a new national body being set up.

Friends of the trade, my concluding words today is to make an appeal to various actors that should come together to make this industry works. Marketing Seychelles is not solely the responsibility of the Seychelles Tourism Board and the people of the Trade. Marketing the Seychelles requires the understanding and co-operation of other Ministries and organisations because the ‘Product’- Seychelles is made up of various important components.

From security for our visitors – be it in their hotel room, on the nature trail or on the beach, the tackling of noise pollution and this is more obvious in areas surrounding smaller establishments and public beaches affecting the peace and tranquility statement we make around the world, the increased numbers of dogs and of rats, waste pollution and management, the level of cleanliness needs to be improved, operators who make a quick ‘kill’ by purposefully and knowingly overcharging the visitor, courteous taxi drivers, good customer service delivery by people who work in hotels and other tourism establishments, to name but a few.

This list is for the first time endless and there is a lot of work to be done. The Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture will continue to make noise in the four corners of the world. This we do, and this we have to do to ensure that Seychelles remains visible as a tourism destination, and in so doing relevant as a tourism destination. The day we stop making noise in the marketplace, the pillar of the economy of our country will suffer. Everyone must take their responsibility and everyone must deliver for Seychelles.

The willingness and good will of our counterparts in other organisations, in other Ministries and the public at large can help Seychelles sort out the list of worrying challenges our country is facing today.

I will just repeat that he work of the Seychelles Tourism Board is selling and promoting the destination, this work will be greatly enhanced when the worrying challenges are dealt with, then together we will improve the visitor’s experience in Seychelles and keep our country's tourism industry on its path of consolidation.

Success can only be achieved if we are all on the same page and if we all move forward with the same objectives and with the same goals. Therefore the input, the support and the co-operation of everyone involved in Tourism remains invaluable – whether you are involved directly or indirectly - your input remains invaluable as we look forward to a successful 2014 and beyond.

But as I call for the private sector and other Ministries and State Organisations, I have to express my disappointment with the Tourism Board's Marketing Department for being aloof if being part and parcel of National Events organised by the Tourism Board itself or by the Ministry. I have discussed my disappointment with the CEO and your No SHOW for example at last weekend's SUBIOS, your very own Festival of the Sea shows your disconnection with the new marketing approach using culture, and in so doing people of our country through events as USPs over and above the traditional sun, sea and sand tag line.

With this I would like to declare the marketing meeting opened and wish you all successful deliberation" Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said.

 

Creole capital of the world in the tourism spotlight

 

 

                Nov 27, 2013

Seychelles capital of Victoria continues to hold the “title” as the “Creole Capital of the World,” says the Mauritian press. Articles published from daily press coverage in the Seychelles islands and posted on “Le Mauricien” by Jean Clement Cangy, took a different approach to the angle of the story and focused on a balanced assessment of the 2013 Festival Kreol.

In recent years, Jean Clement Cangy has written many articles about the annual Festival Kreol that is staged in the Seychelles. Mr. Cangy has been challenging other Creole-speaking countries to follow Seychelles’ undisputable status of taking pride in its Creole identity and culture. The author’s analytical approach of the Festival Kreol is more sharpened in his article “Season and Creole Civilization 2” of which he rightly took the stance proclaiming “Seychelles is the Creole Capital of the World.”

“Seychelles Kreol Festival is the celebration of Creole identity. The pride of being a Creole…" Jean Clement said.

Mr. Cangy continued his article by explaining that the Festival Kreol hosted in Seychelles regroups Creole-speaking nations. He said that this was a splendid expression of Creole civilization of 13 million Creoles in the world. “A civilization rooted from the post slavery era giving birth to rainbow color nations...” Jean Clement Cangy said. He went on to say that the Seychelles 28th edition of Festival Kreol was successful in bringing to the limelight the different facets and the richness of Creole civilization. Mr. Jean Clement Cangy went further in his article to use the following quote from President James Michel of the Republic of Seychelles a “nation without culture is a nation without future.” This now famous quote from the 2013 Festival Kreol has been plastered in the international and regional press in coverage of the festival.

The “Season and Creole Civilization 2” article credited Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, for his tireless effort in making the annual Festival Kreol an aquarium of Creole diversity.

Le Mauritian was not the only Mauritian press coming out with articles on Seychelles Festival Kreol. Defitmedia posted a special chronicle on the Festival Kreol in Seychelles on its website. Annick Rivet, the Defitmedia journalist who was in Seychelles to cover the 2013 Festival Kreol, came out with a chronicle, “douceur de vivre,” propelling the colorful Creole serenade which took place in the heart of Victoria, one of the most acclaimed events of the 2013 Festival Kreol.

 

         Born and bred Seychelles pursues and achieves excellence

 

                Nov 26, 2013

The Ashdown-Ingram 2013 National Conference that was recently held in Melbourne brought together the senior directors of this Australia-wide company and all senior managers for all the States of Australia. Ashdown-Ingram celebrated their REACH Gala Dinner with Repco Australia as well as Genuine Parts Company guests all the way from Georgia, Atlanta. It was at this National Conference that Christine St.Ange, the company's Marketing Specialist, won the REACH Team Member of the Year Award.

Christine not only achieves great business results in her role, such as exceeding all expectations on their last troppo day by delivering a massive 53% above all previous largest-ever sales days, she does it in a way which is aligned to their values of genuinely caring, going the extra mile, winning together, and relentlessly pursuing excellence. There is so much more that Christine successfully manages on a daily basis ensuring the branch network across Australia and New Zealand has the marketing tools to generate profitable sales for the business and that customers receive exceptional service and remain loyal to the business. Christine won the Regional Award for Support Services as well as the National Team Member of the Year Award.

Christine St.Ange is born and bred in Seychelles. She is the daughter of Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture. She did her studies in Seychelles and Australia, Secondary Schooling at Gordonstoun in Scotland, and undertook a degree in Business Management and Marketing at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia.

The company's newsletter said when addressing their 2013 Conference that "A key feature of this year’s conference was the combining with Repco for GPC Asia Pacific Presentations where we were fortunate to hear directly from Mr. John Moller, Managing Director, GPC Asia Pacific, and Mr. Tom Gallagher, Chairman and President, GPC. What was incredibly evident was the scale of GPC Asia Pacific as well as the potential of all business units with the backing of our rightful parent company, GPC. A key goal is for each team member and their families to feel very proud that mum or dad work for one of the GPC Asia Pacific businesses.”

 

Etihad Airways apponts new GM for the Seychelles

 

 

Nov 26, 2013

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has appointed Ahmed Ershood Al Shehhi as its new General Manager in the Republic of the Seychelles.

Ahmed Al Shehh replaces Rashed Saif Al Shabi who has taken up the role of General Manager in Cyprus.

His key responsibilities will include driving commercial results and further enhancing the strong relationships with the airline’s travel trade and corporate customers in Mahé. He will also work closely with international tourism partners in developing the leisure and business passenger traffic between the Seychelles and key destinations across Etihad Airways’ fast growing global network, in the Far East, Asia, Australia, America and Europe.

As part of Etihad Airways’ alliance with Air Seychelles, Ahmed will also support Air Seychelles’ service between Mahé and Abu Dhabi, ensuring that passengers travelling with either airline are provided with a seamless travel experience.

Ahmed Al Shehhi, an Emirati national, joined Etihad Airways in 2008 under its Graduate Management Development Program. He initially worked in the airline’s office in Jakarta, where he gained strong industry experience in sales development, working closely with key industry partners. He later moved to the marketing department at head office in Abu Dhabi, where as Regional Marketing Manager, he was responsible for supporting the development and growth in brand recognition and sales in all six countries across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and in Iraq, Iran and Yemen.

Danny Barranger, Vice President Global Sales, Etihad Airways, said: “Ahmed has extensive experience working in a commercial environment. He also understands the leisure market and has excellent contacts with local industry partners, making him the ideal candidate for this important position.”

Etihad Airways launched its service between Abu Dhabi and Mahé in the Seychelles in November 2011, and currently operates three flights a week with a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft configured to carry 16 guests in Pearl Business, and 120 guests in Coral Economy class.

This, combined with Air Seychelles’ four flights per week service from Mahé to Abu Dhabi, provides passengers with a daily service from the Seychelles to the UAE and beyond on Etihad Airways’ fast growing global network.

 

Seychelles tourism pushes to further diversify source markets

 

Nov 26, 2013

For years, the Typhoo Restaurant of Au Cap has delighted Seychellois and tourists alike with delicious local cuisine with a Chinese flare. When the restaurant closed down awhile back, the District of Au Cap had lost one of its key entertainment premises and a public licensed restaurant.

This was until the Pillay R. Group of Companies took up the business venture and undertook upgrading works to the property. They have now rebranded the restaurant and bar into the “Asian Fusion” restaurant. What makes this restaurant unique is that it is one of the very few restaurants on the island offering a fusion of Asian food.

“Asian Fusion” as it is aptly called, offers a casual dining atmosphere and a service based on the Singapore Chinese standard. What is amazing is how the owner gave a fresh look to the restaurant now named ‘’Asian Fusion.” The interior is an open and bright dining area and a fully-stocked modern looking bar. One distinctive feature of the restaurant is the private dining room, ideal for corporate events and private parties.

Mr. Tajudeen is the General Manager of the new “Asian Fusion” restaurant of Au Cap. Mr. Tajudeen who was living in Singapore before taking this position in Seychelles said the restaurant will offer a fusion of Asian food to Seychellois and visitors alike.

“I would like to bring the authentic cuisine of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, and India to Seychelles and give something different to both Seychellois and visitors,” he said.

Mr. Tajudeen outlined that he is proud to lead the team of the “Asian Fusion” restaurant.

“I am very proud to be the General Manager of the ex-Typhoo restaurant. The restaurant is known to have been very popular in the past. I am going to make it a friendly place and try my best to give the best service and a high quality of food to our clients,” Mr. Tajudeen said.

On Friday, November 22, “Asian Fusion” had its official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. It took “Asian Fusion” eighteen months to be fully renovated. K. Ramaskrishnan, owner of the restaurant and bar, said he is “delighted to have a restaurant of this quality in the Au Cap community.” He explained that he has received an “outpouring of support towards the new venture.”

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, who was invited to speak at the official opening ceremony of the new restaurant and bar, congratulated the Pillay R. Group of Companies for investing into a new product for Seychelles.

“The thing that really gets me excited is to see the tourism industry attracting new local investors and new products. The Seychelles tourism industry can only prosper with innovative ideas and with new outlets. We need people in this industry who are creative,” Minister Alain St.Ange said.

Minister St.Ange added that the Seychelles Tourism Board and his ministry will be supportive of the “Asian Fusion.”

“It is important for us to give recognition to investors who put their money where their mouth is,” said Minister St.Ange.

The new “Asian Fusion” restaurant is being marketed as a restaurant and bar that is ideal for parties, and the management of the premises pride themselves on their extensive menu, covering a variety of Asian dishes. The only Asian food that will not appear on the menu is “sushi,” considered by “Asian Fusion” as a menu requiring specialized technique. “Asian Fusion” opens on November 27 for lunch and dinner. The restaurant will eventually expand its services offering an Asian buffet on the weekend.

 

TOURISM BOARD PROMOTION

Imran Ahmad underwater photography to be used for Seychelles Unexpected Treasures coffee table book

 

 

                Nov 25, 2013

Imran Ahmad, the known and very respected Nikon professional photographer, with his pictures already published in the coffee table book edition, “Fifty Fathoms,” will see his underwater photographs of the Seychelles used by the Seychelles Tourism Board in their very own coffee table book which will be called “Seychelles Unexpected Treasures.”

This announcement was made by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, as he was addressing the opening ceremony of 2013 SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea last Friday afternoon.

Minister St.Ange said: "Today at the opening of the 2013 SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea, we are pleased to announce that the Seychelles Tourism Board is planning to celebrate our ocean with a new book on Seychelles’ underwater world. This coffee table book will be titled, ‘Seychelles Unexpected Treasures.’ All the pictures are by the renowned Nikon photographer, Imran Ahmad, who has come to know and love our waters and the many wonders beneath our waves. This work that he is actively engaged in as we speak, in collaboration with the Seychelles Tourism Board, will include extraordinary images of our underwater world and will greatly raise our profile as a diving destination. We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Imran for making available his personal pictures that have all been taken in Seychelles."

The Seychelles Tourism Board has already published several coffee table books which are used as part of the marketing of the islands. Minister St.Ange said that he remains convinced that with the spectacular pictures being offered to the Seychelles Tourism Board by Imran Ahmad will help to consolidate diving as an important niche market for Seychelles.

 

GLOBAL TOURISM EVENT

Report on first edition of Seychelles-India Day Celebrations as a feast for all your senses

 

 

                Nov 25, 2013

While the three-day festival attracted a number of known Bollywood popular stars and had lots of cinema, dancing, Indian music & culture, and Indian culinary delights, the underlining was that it strengthened the relationship between India and Seychelles.

His Excellency Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, has always been innovative. When I met him the first time, I was pretty impressed by his fondness to India. In order to bring the countries more close to each other, he decided to hold a Seychelles-India Day. This idea has turned out to be a success and also played a vital role in strengthened their relationship with India.

This first edition of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations attracted to the mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles a number of known Bollywood popular stars who have themselves tweeted their positive impressions of the breathtaking islands. Bollywood, Indian cinema, Indian dancing, Indian music & culture, and Indian culinary delights overtook Seychelles for this three-day celebration with the very popular film star R. Madhavan leading the long list of Indian celebrities to Seychelles.

The Indian celebrities included Sanjeev Kapoor, the decorated best chef of India; Sivamani, the world-class percussionist; Anjana Sukhani, the pretty Indian film actress and model who starred with the likes of Amitabh Bachchan; Anil Kapoor; Sanjay Dutt; John Abraham; Tushar Kapoor; Ajay Devgan; Kareena Kapoor; and the south star, Ravi Teja. The list of celebrities who flew to Seychelles also included Shazahn Padamsee, the pretty daughter of noted actors Alyque Padamsee and Sharon Prabhakar and herself an Indian film and stage actress; the prominent beauty queen and Bollywood vocalist and performer, Akriti Kakar; the latest sensation in Bollywood, Benny Dayal; former Miss Universe India 2010, Ushoshi Sengupta who was the Master of Ceremony for the three-day celebration in Seychelles; the musical prodigy of India, Tanmoy Bose; India's leading flautist, Naveen Kumar; India's most creative fashion designer, Mayyur Girotra; and the known, popular, and respected Terence Lewis of the dance world.

Exhibition of historical collection of photographs

Historical events of Seychelles and India seen through a collection of photographs and historical findings dating back to the first Indian settlers in Seychelles in 1770 was unveiled at the official opening of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations Exhibition by His Excellency Alain St.Ange.

The exhibition, “A Voyage in Time” – walks the visitors through the exhibition of almost 250 years of Seychelles history. The objects on show start with Brayer du Barre’s settlement on St. Anne Island, which incidentally included Indians – among the very first to settle on the island - and subsequently founded the Seychelles population.

“A Voyage in Time” also tells the story of the first Indians: Charvy, Moulia, Meinatte, Corinthe, and Domingue. Originally from the Malabar Coast in India, the five then settled as laborers on St. Anne Island in 1770. “A Voyage in Time” also showcases successive Indian migrations and integration into Seychelles’ community. The exhibition also shows that 82% of the Seychelles population has some Indian roots.

“A Voyage in Time” is also about Seychelles’ long-standing diplomatic ties with India established after the island's independence in 1976. When he was officially opening the exhibition, Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, said that the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations Exhibition is of great importance for the nation.

“The stories being depicted in this exhibition are the stories of India and Seychelles as well as those of Indians and Seychellois. They may not be perfect. They may at times appear flawed. But in them, essentially lay answers to what makes the relationship between India and Seychelles a privileged one,” said His Excellency St.Ange.

A “Voyage in Time” is above all a success story of two nations which have clearly mastered the notion of co-existing in perfect harmony!

Inaugural event

The Seychelles-India Day’s official opening performance featured a star-studded line up, including Tanmoy Bose the known percussionist; and table player Sivamani, India's best drummer and percussionist; and Navreen, best-known flautist mirroring the most recognized performers in India today.

The evening was hosted by the beautiful Ushoni Sen, the former Miss India Universe. The official opening of Seychelles-India Day started with the lighting of the lamp by Seychelles Minister Idith Alexander and Sarah Rene, wife of former President France Albert Rene, and H.E. the Indian High Commissioner, and the Bollywood superstar R. Madhavan.

Termed by organizers as “three days of spicy cuisine,” the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations official opening was launched by Danny Faure, the Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles. Vice President Faure used his address to congratulate the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, and the Indian High Commission and the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations Committee for staging such a great event in Seychelles. The Vice President also retraced the ties of friendship that exist between Seychelles and India, “two countries sharing the same ocean,” he said.

In his opening remarks at the evening ceremony, His Excellency Alain St.Ange said that the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations is aimed to give due recognition to the local Indian community for all they have done to help build the nation that Seychelles is today.

He further said: “For many years we’ve celebrated La Francophonie, Fet Afrik, the Commonwealth, and then we jumped [over] India and China and went straight to celebrating the Creole Festival which is what we are today. But to be where we are today, to be who we are today, we have come from different places and from different parts of the world. Yes, we came from France, Africa, the UK, India, and China, and tonight I am so happy that the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has been able to fill in these two holes in the list of national events celebrated by our country. As we are now celebrating our first Seychelles-India Day, we shall also be celebrating from January 31 next year our first Seychelles-China Day Celebrations,” said His Excellency Alain St.Ange added, “We are thrilled to have you here with us. I really hope that when you go back home you become good ambassadors for Seychelles. Your first point of view of our country, your first impressions have been that Seychelles is magical. Please convey this back to India and become good ambassadors for Seychelles.”

The Minister also used his address to convey a message to the Seychelles-Indo community: “Today there’s a political will to work with you and to see you all united as an important group within our population. Today we see as an example the launch of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations, and this shows that the government of Seychelles stands behind you and with you, because we recognize that you are a solid and respected force. You are a strong business community, and we value your presence in Seychelles and all your efforts for the good of Seychelles. So as we have now made a big step forward, let us ensure we take no step backwards again. Let us keep uniting ourselves. Let us work together so that this event, the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations, remains on Seychelles’ calendar of event."

Bollywood stars capture hearts in Seychelles

Seychellois and Indian communities got to witness the magical chemistry between Benny and Akriti Kakar, creating a real Bollywood-style event. At the International Conference Centre, Akriti and Benny went all out to give the audience a taste of Bollywood’s blockbuster soundtracks. The Seychelles-India Day Celebrations musical concert was, after all, the perfect fusion between Benny and the very pretty Akriti.

Introduced by Akriti as one of India’s “hottest male voices and the fastest-growing Indian youth icon,” Benny’s moves mesmerized the crowd, and he displayed moves that reminded the audience of Michael Jackson, and for the unique occasion in Seychelles, Benny and Akriti did India proud. As Benny and Akriti performed a combined live and play-back hits from some of their most popular albums and recent movie chart-toppers, the crowd got to their feet and were calling for more. The International Conference Centre Musical Concert was turned into an interactive show with Akriti and Benny driving the crowd to the front of the stage, turning ICCS into a party atmosphere.

The musical gala turned into a real India–Seychelles affair when Akriti Kakar introduced the popular Seychellois music star, Telcy, on stage, describing her as a “fantastic artist she has met.” The two divas performed an exotic duo of Telcy’s song, “Party Time,” and a beautiful Indian melody winning the heart of the audience.

The lungi dance

Members of the Indian community living in Seychelles, and young dancers from the Seychelles National Conservatoire of Performing Arts met at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles for the first-ever lungi classes held in the country.

It is believed the dance is named after the lungi garment worn by males in South India, who raise the long skirt above their knees when they dance.

In order to introduce the Seychellois to this dance, Terence Lewis, a top Indian choreographer, who has had a hand in producing dances for countless Bollywood movies, held a workshop in the country. Lewis took those who attended the class from a warm-up to slowly performing the dance moves, without the youngsters even realizing that they were actually picking up the rudimentary steps of the lungi dance.

As the whole idea of the festivities was to promote cultural exchanges between the two countries, Lewis was also able to pick up a few Creole words on his visit to Seychelles, which he used to describe his experience there. “Tre zoli, tre bon, (very beautiful and very good),” he said.

Lewis also explained that nothing bridges cultures better than art, which is why he would love the opportunity to work more with Seychellois dancers in future. “Contemporary dance has that scope of bringing people together. Everybody in the world should dance, because dance is A B C D, so anybody can dance. You in Seychelles have wonderful dance talents. I have been surprised by the talents from the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts. I would like to explore the Seychelles cultures in general and see what mixed cultures bring about. I would like also to discover indigenous dances and dancers of Seychelles. I would like to come back with other Indian dancers for a common production with the National Conservatoire of Performing Arts,” said Lewis.

Those who had taken part in the workshop were then able to show-off their new skills in the gala held at Freedom Square on Sunday evening, they all joined Lewis on stage during the spectacular event.

The curtains

On the last day, a stunning finale was held at an open-air gala evening in Freedom Square in the center of Victoria. Sivamani opened the gala evening mesmerizing the crowd with tunes coming out from a water dispenser and a suitcase.

The great Sivamani, who’s been gifted with the gift of transforming any object into a musical instrument, submerged Victoria, the Seychelles capital, into the most magnificent tune of Indian drums. As rightly put, Sivamani “rhythm is God. My first drum sound was my mother’s heart when I was in her womb,” the sound he produced from beating his different instruments is as powerful as that of a heartbeat.

Akriti Kakar, the star of the moment who has captivated everyone by her beauty and with her honey voice, was the talk of the town throughout the three days of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations. She made her entrance after Sivamani’s performance with a series of rhythmic songs. The stunning Ushoshio Sengupta, the host of the evening, presented her to the audience as “the complete package of grace, elegance, beauty, and talent.” Her performance opened the way for Terrence Lewis, India’s contemporary dance guru, the ace of Indian choreography, and his dancers from “Terrence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company” (TLCDC).

Terrence and his team staged a fantastic repertoire, telling the story of Bollywood music and dance from 1950 to the present day.

The open-air performance in the center of Victoria on Sunday, October 6, was also the day marking the 100th anniversary of Bollywood cinema.

Thanglura Darlong, the Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles, was given the honor to say a few words to close the gala evening. The Indian High Commissioner said that “a few months ago, we thought about the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations in a very small way, but it has turned out many times bigger. We now look forward to next year for an even bigger event.”

The popular Bollywood Star, R. Madhavan, the guest of honor of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations said he will not forget such a beautiful trip. “My presence here is an honor that I will pay back by boasting about Seychelles. The hospitality has been exceptional, so I am going to take this back with me, and I will surely come back for more.”

To be an annual feature from now on, Seychelles India Day will be celebrated on the weekend succeeding the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2, the Indian high commission here said.

 

EIBTM Barcelona sees Seychelles' strength for the MICE market

 

 

                Nov 23, 2013

The tropical islands of the Seychelles used the EIBTM trade fair in Barcelona to tell the world that they are ready for the incentive and conference market. IBTM is the leading global event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, events, and business travel industry, which took place in the award-winning business and tourism destination of Barcelona. The event gathers over 15,000 MICE industry professionals for three days of focused access to a dynamic business environment with over 3,100 exhibitors.

The Seychelles Tourism Board’s delegation to EIBTM was headed by Bernadette Willemin, the Board’s Director for Europe based in Paris.

The Seychelles private sector after the MICE market was Eric Renard of Creole Travel Services, Leonard Alvis of Mason’s Travel, Freddy Karkaria of Select Seychelles, and Olivier Levi of Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel.

"Incentives and conferencing in Seychelles is now a real possibility," said Bernadette Willemin after the EIBTM Trade Fair. "As economic pressures in the Eurozone begin to wane, there will be increasing opportunities for outbound business, and it is important for us as a destination to stay top in the mind of the potential buyers," she added.

With easy air access facilities and increasing hotel MICE product offers, the Seychelles islands should in the future benefit more from this market segment. Olivier Levi of the Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel used the EIBTM trade fair platform to present the group with information about the soon to open new hotel, The Savoy Resort and Spa.

Meetings, events, and business travel will continue to remain critical drivers assisting organizations in their efforts to reach their strategic business objectives and effectively communicate with their employees, customers, and partners worldwide. The Seychelles Tourism Board will continue its promotional effort worldwide to attract more MICE business to its shores.

The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture in the meantime has announced that they are finalizing the details for the creation of a "Creative Industries & National Events Agency" which is set to work with the private sector in the promotion of the MICE market. The agency will also have under its very town management the International Conference Center in Victoria, the National Theatre, and the Theatre des Palmes. This agency will also be mandated to take over the organization of all the national events of the country as well as other responsibilities related to the arts and to heritage listed establishments.

 

CTP MEMBER NEWS

Seychellois and tourists join the fun at the Festival of the Sea

 

 

                Nov 23, 2013

The annual SUBIOS Festival of the Seas is taking place at the Beau Vallon Promenade in Seychelles and the Official Ceremony had attracted a large number of Seychellois and tourists. In an atmosphere of “fun fair,” the festival, which is well on its 20th year, remains true to its mission as an event with an educational angle aimed at keeping the Seychellois nation and all visitors to Seychelles aware of the importance of the ocean surrounding the Seychelles.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, in the presence of a large contingent of local and international press, officially declared the event open. Sherin Naiken, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, had the honor of welcoming everyone to the Opening Ceremony of the 2013 SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea. Mrs. Naiken said that the festival remained an important event of the calendar of national events of the islands and that she wanted to ensure that this important festival continues to grow from strength to strength.

Seychelles Minister St.Ange said when he took to the podium that this event gives Seychelles the unique chance to reflect on the significance of our marine heritage, and also on the importance of our surrounding ocean in our daily lives.

Minister St.Ange continued by saying: "In this super-interconnected world of today where happenings on the other side of the planet can, and do, have an impact upon us, SUBIOS, our Festival of the Sea, I hope this will once again serve to remind us that we are the custodians of our children’s future, and of their chance to prosper.

“While the effects of global warming and of climate change in general pose a very real threat to our world and the way we live, we must also ensure that our own practices, and the way we live our lives, do all that they can to mitigate this and to pave the way for the sustainability which is the key to our being able to continue doing tomorrow what we are doing today.

“This is not a unique responsibility of government, although government may take the lead and identify the direction that needs to be taken. This is the responsibility of each and every one of us to ensure that we are careful consumers of our resources which are in no way finite, and that we treat ‘Mother Earth’ gently and with great respect.

“Today at the opening of the 2013 SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea, we are pleased to announce that the Seychelles Tourism Board is planning to celebrate our ocean with a new book on the Seychelles underwater world. This coffee table book will be titled ‘Seychelles Unexpected Treasures.’ All the pictures are by the renowned Nikon photographer, Imran Ahmad, who has come to know and love our waters and the many wonders beneath our waves. This work that he is actively engaged in as we speak in collaboration with the Seychelles Tourism Board, will include extraordinary images of our underwater world and will greatly raise our profile as a diving destination. We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Imran for making available his personal pictures that have all been taken in Seychelles.

“To conclude, I ask you, each one of you - man, woman, and child - to use this SUBIOS, our Seychelles Festival of the Sea, as a moment to reflect upon the role that you can play to protect our nature and our ecosystems upon which our very livelihood depends.”

The address by Minister Alain St.Ange was followed by a film produced by local diver Elizabeth Fideria entitled “A Paradise Surviving,” which was followed by a video presentation by Dr. Sarah Torres on coral reef restoration and an underwater slide show by Imran Ahmad.

A dance show choreographed by Ruth Louise, a song by Joe Samy, and music by local group Berno Cedras followed.

The festival will end on Sunday, November 24.

 

            AIRPORT WORK IN DUBAI FORCES EMIRATES TO REDUCE AIRLINE CONNECTIONS

Emirates to reduce flights to the Seychelles

 

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | NOV 22, 2013

Information was received from the Seychelles that Emirates has told the local tourism trade that come May next year, when the runways at the Dubai International Airport will be resurfaced and capacity limitations, therefore, will be in place for all airlines flying into the Seychelles, that they will reduce their number of flights from 12 per week to a single daily flight.

It could not be confirmed if this will result in Emirates using a larger aircraft like a B777, as presently the service from Dubai to Mahe is operated by Airbus A340 and Airbus A330 equipment.

“We hope they can use a larger aircraft when they have to combine the two flights, but I guess that will depend on the bookings they have. For now we are not sure about that and, of course, we hope that after the repairs in Dubai have been ended, Emirates will resume the present flight schedule of 12 weekly services,” said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture.

Tourism arrivals to the archipelago have increased once again significantly according to data available from January to October 2013, and the remaining two months should help to establish a new visitor record once again.

Another source suggested that Air Seychelles and Etihad could step up their present number of flights between Abu Dhabi and Mahe, but that, too, is likely to depend on demand for seats. The two partner airlines have benefitted from the withdrawal of Qatar Airways from the Seychelles route according to another source close to Air Seychelles who also indicated that such decisions will not be taken at the spur of the moment but only after a thorough analysis of demand vis-a-vis available seats.

 

3RD ARAB AFRICAN SUMMIT

Partners in Development and Investment

 

Nov 22, 2013

Under the theme of “Partners in Development and Investment,” the 3rd Arab-African Summit was held from November 19-20, 2013, in Kuwait City in the State of Kuwait. Seychelles Vice President Faure represented President James Michel of the Seychelles at the summit.

Vice President Danny Faure expressed his profound gratitude to his Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah for his generous initiative for the Kuwait Fund for the Arab-Economic Development to grant concessionary loans to African countries to the amount of US$1 billion over the next 5 years.

This initiative is also manifested through investment and its insurance amounting to US$1 million for the next few years, with emphasis on infrastructure, through cooperation and coordination with the World Bank and other international institutions.

The Vice President of the Seychelles described the summit as an historical one that will further strengthen the partnership between Africa and the Arab world.

In his address to the Summit, the Seychelles Vice President highlighted the importance of the Arab world to the African continent. He stressed that the Arab world has been a loyal partner to the African continent on its road to socio-economic development. He further added that the Afro-Arabic relationship is one of the world’s oldest examples of exchanges having existed between two civilizations.

He pointed to the fact that the 50th anniversary of the African Union is being celebrated this year, and this summit showcases to the whole world a shining example of the vitality of the long-standing partnership between the Arab world and the African continent.

In looking towards elaborating new development targets for post 2015, the Vice President called for more concrete and effective measures to expand cooperation in economy and trade, energy, investment, finance, agricultural development, tourism, and human resources development. These, he added, will bring renewed impetus to the long-standing ties between Seychelles and the Arab countries.

He reiterated Seychelles’ appreciation and vital engagement of the Arab world in the region and their understanding that small island developing states, like Seychelles, remain very vulnerable to external shocks and need to be supported in maintaining their achievements.

Regarding the importance of the ocean to Seychelles’ economic development, Vice President Faure stated that the “sea is to Seychelles what land is to most other African states; it is a depository of our resources; it holds the promise of our economic potentials. This overriding importance of the ocean is reflected in the ‘blue economy’ initiative that Seychelles is championing under the auspices of the United Nations.”

In the same vein, he underscored the need to protect our oceans, which is essential to sustain human life firstly and the very existence of island and coastal states. This also underlines the need for their sustainable development through intelligent exploitation of resources found in the oceans.

 

All sails ahoy for Seychelles tourism Festival of the Sea

 

Nov 21, 2013

Everyone interested in the sea can finally go to Beau Vallon to the much-awaited SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea, being held from Friday, November22, to Sunday, November 24, at the Regatta site at Beau Vallon.

Although many activities held annually to mark the festival have been launched many months ago, it is only this week that SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea 2013 takes place in earnest.

This edition of the SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea, kick starts with the arrival of the reggae stars due to arrive in the country for the Festival of the Sea reggae festival.

For the first time in its history, the Seychelles Tourism Board has joined forces with Explorer entertainment to add a musical twist to the festivities aimed at highlighting the importance of the ocean – which is also two thirds of the Seychelles territories.

First to land was Everton Blender early yesterday morning, and he was followed by Mr. Vegas on Friday and Tanya later that same afternoon.

However, the popular reggae artist performing at the mini stadium in town will not be the only attraction at the festival this year.

The Seychelles Tourism Board, which is behind SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea, will also have educational games and fun days organized at the Regatta site at Beau Vallon as well.

Traditionally, SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea, is held to educate and create more awareness of the importance of the beautiful turquoise blue seas of the Seychelles. This is done through photo and video competitions launched earlier on in the year. Video and photography enthusiasts were invited to submit their best works of the underwater world for the opportunity to win air tickets in return.

Still with the aim of educating the public, the event’s organizer, the Tourism Board, has already published its annual treasure hunt in the daily Nation newspaper – a game whereby playing a word game could give the participants the chance to win a surprise prize sponsored by Jouel Jewelers.

Finally, for those interested in the sea as well as sports, there will be the triathlon at Beau Vallon again in the hope of clinching one of the many interesting prizes.

The Seychelles Tourism Board says this year it has kept with the tried and tested formula of including sports, entertainment, and good food to educate people about the wonders of the sea that surrounds us.