October 2013 | alainstange

CTP MEMBER NEWS

Seychelles tourism strategy paying off

Oct 31, 2013

Derek Savy, the local feature writer for the Today newspaper in Seychelles has retaken the list by Lonely Planet Guide.

Derek Savy writes: The Lonely Planet guide has published its bucket list of the best places to visit in 2014. This list, which reads like the “who's who” of destinations that are most likely to be in vogue for the coming year, highlights the best of the best of travel - countries and cities that are a “must” to visit - from the best budget spots, the best family spots… everything. And newswires are abuzz as it becomes almost an obsession!

Seychelles has been shortlisted in the “Best Countries for 2014” category along with Sweden, Mexico, Malawi, Scotland, Brazil, Macedonia, Belgium, and Malaysia. And “Why you should go?" Well, Lonely Planet seems to have figured it out: "Long known as a spot for more well-off travelers, now more economical options are popping up, thanks to more airline competition and budget-friendly hotels. Believe the hype: the Seychelles' 115 islands are awesome."

These 115 divine islands strewn across the peacock-blue Indian Ocean have all the key ingredients for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, but their reputation as a millionaire’s playground may have kept you away. Good news: on top of exclusive island hideaways and elegant eco-villas, you can benefit from the wallet-friendlier B&Bs, picturesque Creole guesthouses, and self-catering apartments that have sprung up over the past decade. And if expensive air tickets deterred you from visiting, rejoice! Increased competition has dramatically changed the situation over the past few years. And there’s much more to do than sipping cocktails on the beach. Hiking, diving, snorkeling, boat tours, and other adventure options are all readily available, with the added appeal of grandiose scenery. Wildlife lovers will get a buzz, too – the Seychelles is not dubbed “The Galapagos of the Indian Ocean” for nothing.

This accolade surely crowns the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in its quest to make the Seychelles a more affordable destination. A proud Minister Alain St.Ange beamed: "This latest distinction is proof that Seychelles is on the right track, and the future of our tourism industry is promising. As more and more Seychellois take ownership of this industry with new homegrown hotel establishments, we are constantly looking at ways to increase our visibility, encouraging more airlines to service the destination and making it more accessible and affordable to a wider public. This is very much in line with our growth strategy as we see year-on-year, double-digit increases in arrival figures. I take this opportunity to thank everyone involved as our concerted efforts are indeed paying off."

Other categories include “Best Cities for 2014” of which the likes of Auckland, Zurich, Vancouver, Shanghai, Adelaide, Riga, Chicago, Trinidad (Cuba), and Paris are short listed. In the “Best Destinations for 2014” category, the likes of Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Portugal, Nicaragua, Greek Islands, Italy's heel, and Palawan (Philippines) made the final cut.

The Magic Circus of Samoa performs on islands half a world away

Oct 31, 2013

The Magic Circus of Samoa prepares to stage their last show with some Seychellois performers this coming Sunday.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture accompanied by Benjamine Rose, his PS for Culture and Beryl Matatiken, the Manager for Events at the Seychelles Tourism Board met with Bruno Loyal of The Magic Circus of Samoa to personally thank the Circus to have accepted to include the Seychelles on their itinerary as they toured the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Region.

"We want to take this opportunity to thank you Bruno and to also thank your delegation. It was good having you in Seychelles and we can assure you that the People of Seychelles as a whole have appreciated your performance in Seychelles. You are the first Circus to stop in Seychelles and to bring a new form of entertainment to our islands. We only hope when you are again in the region Seychelles will again feature on your itinerary" Minister St.Ange said to Bruno Loyale.

For this Sunday performances by the Circus, Minister Alain St.Ange requested that some Seychellois performers participate alongside the Samoa Group. It is now confirmed that Stephen Fred will perform alongside the rubber man in the circus whereas the local group Tingkapella will perform on stage in the ring of fire show. This will be for both the 2 and 6 pm shows.

ICTP MEMBER NEWS

Qantas lands in Seychelles on world tour

Oct 31, 2013

A Qantas Boeing 747 plane landed in Seychelles on Tuesday night with 215 passengers and crew. This Qantas plane is on a special charter by the Captain’s Choice, the Australian-based firm that remains a world leader in private jet tours. It is over a year ago now that Minister Jean Paul Adam, the Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, met with Phil Asker of the Captain's Choice in Melbourne, Australia. Both Minister Adam and Minister St.Ange formed part of a delegation accompanying President James Michel on his official state visit to Australia and were invited by Gaetan Barallon, the Seychelles Consul General for Australia, for the working dinner.

Since the Captain's Choice was established in 1994, they have become Australia’s experts in inspired travel. This is the third such visit to Seychelles by Captain's Choice using a Qantas plane. They are being handled by Mason’s Travel to facilitate their trip with over 200 passengers landing in Seychelles. This particular private charter on Qantas has traveled from Phnom Penh, Manadalay, Agra, Amman, Addis Abbaba, Ngorogoro/Serengeti, and to end the holiday in the idyllic Seychelles.

Captain’s Choice chooses remote destinations that offer diversity and uniqueness, yet provide ease and luxury throughout the destinations. Mason’s Travel has created a tailor-made itinerary for this group to include resorts such as Constance Ephelia, Kempinksi Seychelles, and Le Meridien Barbarons. The group, albeit for a short stay of 3 days, will explore the Seychelles through marine park excursions, Mahe discovery bus tours, and outings to Praslin and La Digue islands.

Upon their arrival at Seychelles International Airport, the passengers from the Qantas flight were greeted by a Kreol band and dancers, and the guests’ comments included “the best welcome they have had.” Journalists from Today newspaper and Pure FM radio station were on hand to cover the story.

ICTP MEMBER NEWS: GLOBAL TRAVEL GUIDE

Indian Ocean island named a top 10 country to visit in 2014

Oct 31, 2013

The Indian Ocean island of Seychelles was voted the 7th best country to head to in 2014 behind Brazil, Antarctica, Scotland, Sweden, Malawi, and Mexico.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said that this recognition by Lonely Planet is a great plug for Seychelles. "As small as we are, once again we are being featured amongst big and traditional must-visit countries. Seychelles has been steadfast in its policy of safeguarding what the islands have been blessed with. Our natural beauty is recognized right around the world, but that alone would never give us the appeal we today command as a tourism destination in our own right. This is why we are pushing our culture, and through this asset, our people, as this remains the strongest USP we can ever call on to keep our beautiful islands ahead of the pack," Minister St.Ange said.

Seychelles also is one island destination that believes in regional and international cooperation. They have worked and continue to work closely with islands like La Reunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Maldives in the creation of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organization which is set to make the Indian Ocean the new tourism region. The also work with KwaZulu Natal of South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique in the EAST3ROUTE Grouping to bring tourism to the grassroots level.

The rationale for the compilation of the list by Lonely Planet refers to "jam-packed schedule of world-class events" made it "the place to be" in 2014.

Lonely Planet said its Best in Travel annual is a collection of the world's hottest trends, destinations, and experiences for the year ahead. It highlighted the top ten countries, cities, and regions to visit in 2014:

In the Top 10 Countries: Number 7 – Seychelles, with a tagline: Paradise within reach

Lonely Planet writes: An idyllic spot on Anse Lazio beach on Praslin in the Seychelles.

TOP 10 COUNTRIES

1. Brazil
2. Antarctica
3. Scotland
4. Sweden
5. Malawi
6. Mexico
7. Seychelles
8. Belgium
9. Macedonia
10. Malaysia

ANNUAL EVENT FOR TOURISTS AND LOCALS

Kreol Festival profile raised on world stage

Oct 31, 2013

The Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange, has said that he was thrilled to have seen the Kreol Festival listed for over a week by Sky News on their daily Cultural Diary. "Sky News has done the Creole community of the world a real service by making known that their annual gathering in the Seychelles is an event worth a mention alongside the great events in New York, Paris, Australia, etc.," Minister St.Ange said.

The Creole population of the world gathered again this year in Seychelles for the annual Festival Kreol from October 25-31, 2013.

This is the only gathering of the Creole community of the world, and this year musical performances for the festival came from the Creole islands of the Seychelles, La Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Martinique, and Haiti.

Official delegations from the world of Creoles also flew into the Seychelles from Mauritius, La Reunion, and Rodrigues.

Treasure Cove Hotel a new addition to Seychelles home-grown tourism establishments

Oct 31, 2013

The MacGregor and Laporte families have this week opened a new hotel accommodation establishment at Bel Ombre on the main island of Mahe right adjacent to the La Buze Treasure Site.

The property was declared officially open by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, in the presence of Minister Christian Lionnet; former Minister Patrick Pillay; Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism; Gaelen Bresson, the elected Representative for the Bel Ombre Constituency in the National Assembly; John Stravens, the Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA); members of the local tourism trade; business partners; and family members of the MacGregor and Laporte families.

When she welcomed everyone to the evening ceremony at the swimming pool deck of the hotel, Marie-France MacGregor, the main driver behind the project, thanked her husband, Francis MacGregor, the President of the Seychelles Court of Appeal, for his support and encouragement that helped her and her partner with the project.

Marie-France MacGregor also requested Minister St.Ange to convey to President James Michel her appreciation for the time he took to visit her establishment when he toured tourism establishments in the northern part of Mahe. She then went on to thank her family for all their support, Minister Alain St.Ange for his personal encouragement and advise, and her many friends present for all their continued support.

Minister Pierre Laporte, who is the brother and partner of Marie-France MacGregor, took the opportunity to introduce his brother Alain Laporte who had just migrated back to Seychelles with his family after more than 23 years in Canada. Alain Laporte, a chef by profession, has taken over the catering responsibilities of the new Treasure Cove Hotel.

When he took to the podium to officially open the latest addition to the long list of Seychelles home-grown tourism establishments, Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, congratulated the MacGregor and Laporte families for opening a great small hotel. "We are proud of you for what you have achieved in doing. I have seen your bedrooms and know that the spectacular and uninterrupted views over the turquoise blue seas will be appreciated by all visitors who will be lucky to select your property," Minister St.Ange said.

The Minister went on to appeal to more Seychellois to join the island's tourism industry. "When we said that Seychelles needed to claim back its tourism industry, it was an appeal to get more of our Seychellois business community to do like the MacGregor and Laporte families have done. We need Seychellois onboard to help our country consolidate its tourism industry for the long term. When Seychellois are involved, they will defend and they will protect our tourism industry, the industry that remains the pillar of our country's economy," Minister Alain St.Ange said.

The Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture assured the developers of the new Treasure Cove Hotel of Bel Ombre of his Ministry's support and also of the support of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Air Seychelles signs historic fleet deal with Viking Air in Canada

Oct 29, 2013

Air Seychelles today announced the purchase of three Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, in a deal which will see the iconic island carrier renew its domestic fleet. The new aircraft will be used for services between Mahe and Praslin, as well as other islands in the archipelago, including Bird, Denis and Fregate.

All three aircraft deliveries are scheduled for mid-2015, with an option for earlier delivery if aircraft become available. The airline currently operates one Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 and three Series 300 aircraft.

The multi-million dollar fleet announcement was made at a joint Air Seychelles-Viking Air press conference this morning at Mahe International Airport, and comes as Air Seychelles marks 35 years in business.

Present to share details of the new fleet order were Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer, Cramer Ball, Viking Air President and Chief Executive Officer, David C. Curtis, the Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport and Chairman of Air Seychelles, Joel Morgan.

Cramer Ball said: “On the eve of our 35th anniversary, I’m delighted to mark a major milestone in our carrier’s development with this historic fleet order. This announcement is testament to the success of our turnaround strategy, which has seen an expansion in both our international and domestic services, and the synergies derived from working closely with our equity partner, Etihad Airways. Once delivered, the new aircraft will replace our three existing DHC-6 Series 300 Twin Otters, forming the backbone of a younger Air Seychelles domestic fleet. The aircraft will secure the future of our inter-island services, Seychelles tourism and our economy.”

Mr. Ball added the Canadian built 19-seat twin engine Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 aircraft are ideally suited for short sector flying, being able to land on rugged, short airstrips, and having few issues operating in a saline and humid environment. “These aircraft are designed for Short Take-offs and Landings, and are robust in extreme conditions – something we have a lot of experience with in the Seychelles since the Twin Otters were first introduced here in the early 1980s. The new aircraft are the right tools at the right time for Air Seychelles.”

Joel Morgan said: “This purchase of three brand new Twin Otters to serve the inter-islands is a win-win situation for both the Seychellois community and Air Seychelles. Twin Otters have proven to be the best and most reliable type of aircraft to serve the islands. The replacement of the domestic fleet had long been planned by the government, however, due to previous financial constraints this was not possible. Today we are delighted that we are able to do so not only for the benefit and comfort of our international visitors but, for our local commuters as well.”

David C. Curtis, said: “Air Seychelles has been a long time and loyal operator of the Twin Otter aircraft, and was one of the first customers to commit to the new Viking Series 400 Twin Otter during development. They put a great deal of faith in Viking and our ability to deliver, and their return to Viking for additional aircraft speaks to Air Seychelles’ on-going commitment and confidence in the Twin Otter Series 400. We value the relationship we have developed with Air Seychelles, and are honored that such a world-class organization has made the Twin Otter Series 400 their aircraft of choice in the 19-passenger category.”

The new aircraft will be manufactured at Viking Air’s state-of-the-art production facility in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Previously, Twin Otters were manufactured by de Havilland Canada, and of the 850 built since the mid-1960s, more than 600 are still in active service around the world.

Mr. Ball concluded that 2013 has been an historic year for Air Seychelles. So far in 2013 the carrier has introduced a second Airbus A330-200 aircraft, launched services to Hong Kong, signed codeshare agreements with airberlin, South African Airways and Czech Airlines, expanded the number of codeshare destinations with equity partner Etihad Airways, witnessed surging passenger growth in its domestic services, and crucially, posted its first profit in three years. The indicators also point to the carrier being on track for a second successive year of profitability.

“Key to this fleet deal has been the growth in our domestic traffic since the beginning of 2013, up 15 percent for visitors and up 13 percent for local commuters, and we’re already seeing strong bookings going into next year. We have also seen solid business with our charters. Working alongside our international and local tourism partners, as well as Viking Air, we look forward to a successful entry into service of these new aircraft.”

ICTP MEMBER UPDATE: SEYCHELLES

La Digue island to get electric carts to eventually phase out regular cars

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | OCT 29, 2013

The delegation from Reunion to the Festival Kreol did not just come for fun in the sun but also staged on the opening day a successful renewable energy exhibition, showcasing some of the technology available from Reunion which can equally be installed in the Seychelles, where similar weather conditions exist.

In fact, during the week was a solar unit launched at the Constance Ephelia Resort in Port Launay, which fully powers the entire energy needs of a villa, a start towards greater use of sustainable and renewable energy sources to which the Seychelles government is committed.

This comes just two weeks after President James Alix Michel instituted a ministerial task force to explore how to roll out such sustainable energy sources and make use of them, with in particular the island of La Digue singled out for the introduction of electric carts, eventually substituting the use of petrol and diesel propelled vehicles.

Transport needs on La Digue have risen in recent years as tourism expanded and new resorts, guest houses and small locally owned hotels sprang up, and the pace of motorization has clearly not kept up with the growing number of visitors. Besides the conventional and traditional mode of transport by ox drawn wagon, or by bicycle, have regular saloons and minibuses been introduced to the island over the last decade, but, going by the brief the task force has, this will soon be a thing of the past.

Accommodation providers will be able, with immediate effect, to apply for the allocation of electric carts, which can then take guests to and from the ferry port, although it has been pointed out that the number will be limited overall and strictly controlled to avoid proliferation beyond a clearly defined number matching arrivals on the island. The move to electric vehicles on La Digue should be completed by the year 2020 in line with the government’s commitment to turn La Digue into the eco capital of the archipelago, and by doing so also setting new standards for tourism islands and resorts elsewhere around the world.

Already are resort operators, business owners and the public at large called upon to use energy saving lamps and equipment, install solar water heaters to cut down on the use of electricity and install solar panels to supplement their electricity needs, all of which is aimed to reduce the amount of fuel burnt in generating electricity. Half a year ago were wind turbines installed and commissioned on the main island of Mahe and more such ventures are presently being explored to accelerate the "going green" rollout across the Seychelles. Some smaller islands have already converted, as was reported here, to renewable energy sources but none on the scale as is now proposed for La Digue. Be sure to watch this space for future updates and news.

SEYCHELLES TOURISM

Reunion’s presence everywhere is testament to very special relationship

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | OCT 29, 2013

“Is Reunion your choice partner in cultural and tourism cooperation,” I asked the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St. Ange, earlier in the day, and he quipped back with the broadest of smiles lighting up his face: “We have choice partners in everything we do, everyone cooperating with us is a choice partner,” to which an earlier quote of his came to my mind when he highlighted Seychelles’ policy of “we are friends with all and enemies of none.”

He did, however, confirm that clearly a very special relationship had developed over the past years with the Ile de la Reunion, regular participants in the annual Carnaval de Carnivals, the Carnival International de Victoria, and also in the annual Festival Kreol, where Reunion arrived with the largest delegation of performers, journalists, and officials, led by none other than the President of the Regional Council of Reunion, Didier Robert.

Reunion used the opportunity to be in the Seychelles in big numbers by first staging a sustainable energy exhibition before then being at the forefront again of commissioning a solar energy system at the Constance Ephelia Resort. Reunion went on to partnering with the Seychelles in several aspects of the culture side of the Festival Kreol, when they committed funds to the rehabilitation of the “Cimetiere Bel Air” where many of the early French settlers were buried. “We want to showcase this to our visitors, because it is part of our history, and that is something we take very seriously here,” said an official of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

The Bel Air cemetery was created in the early 1780s and was the first burial place after the creation of L’Etablissement du Roi by the French government. The cemetery contains the graves and vaults of the first French settlers – the founding families over 200 years ago of some of today’s great Seychellois names. At the cemetery are the tombs of some notable personalities whose names are enshrined in the first chapter of the Seychelles history. Sadly, many graves were buried under mud and debris during the great landslide (lavalas) of 1862 while others were dislodged and washed away at the time in the raging floods. Today, the rubble of broken tombs, dilapidated vaults, and rusted wrought-iron crosses constitute precious fragments of the Seychelles history. The Bel Air cemetery was officially closed in1902 but was eventually declared a National Monument in 1985.

And then it was time to move to the next stop, “Venn’s Town – Mission Lodge,” which came into sight high above the beautiful beaches of the island deep inside the Morne National Park.

The Seychelles have applied to have Mission Lodge recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for culture, and with the support of Reunion it should be easier to accomplish that goal in the near future.

The last major stop of the morning was then at the Institute Creole, or “Lenstiti Kreol” in the right language, and here it was again Reunion coming to the aid of the institute with a sizeable donation of books and learning materials which will assist the students of the institute to appreciate the language, poetry, writings, and music even more. The Creole Institute is unique around the Creole world as it brings a scientific approach to the studies of all things Creole, and it is hoped that in the not too distant future the phrase coined by this correspondent at the opening press conference of “The Creole Nation” will indeed take root and become an accepted fact, a fact of the Creole people, all over the world, becoming one, united through language, culture, art, food, and music, of course.

Festival Kreol continues until October 31 when a colorful gala with performances from across the Creole world and nation will close the 28th festival in style.

France Reunion will work with Seychelles for restoration of Bel Air Cemetery

Oct 29, 2013

The October 28 declaration at the Bel Air Cemetery by Madame Nassimah Dindar, the President of the General Council of La Reunion, in the presence of President Didier Robert, the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion, and H.E. Madame Genevieve Lancu, the French Ambassador to Seychelles, is set to see the General Council of La Reunion provide know-how and support for the restoration of the tombs at the Bel Air Cemetery in the outskirts of Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles.

This show of support by La Reunion follows the official visit just months ago in La Reunion by the Seychelles President, Mr. James Michel. "La Reunion will bring not only their expertise in the restoration of the tombs, but they will also work to fence in the cemetery to ensure that the place is more secure," said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, when he addressed the gathering at the Bel Air Cemetery.

This Bel Air cemetery was opened in the early 1780s. It was the first burial place to be opened after the creation of L’Etablissement du Roi by the French government. The cemetery contains the grave and vaults of the first French settlers – the founding families of some of today’s generation. At the cemetery are the tombs of some notable personalities whose names are enshrined in the first chapter of the Seychelles history. Many graves were buried under mud and debris during the great landslide (lavalas) of 1862. Many were dislodged and washed away in the raging floods. Today, the rubble of broken tombs, dilapidated vaults, and rusted wrought-iron crosses constitute precious fragments of the Seychelles history. The Bel Air cemetery was officially closed in1902. It was declared a National Monument in 1985.

At the ceremony, Madame Nassimah Dindar, the President of the General Council of La Reunion; H.E. Madame Genevieve Lancu, the French Ambassador to Seychelles; and Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture addressed the ceremony in front of a new monument which carries details of the Bel Air Cemetery and the original map of that historical cemetery.

Seychelles Tourism Board lineup complete with appointment of Deputy CEO

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | OCT 28, 2013

The lineup at the top of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) is now complete with the appointment by President James Alix Michel of Ms. Nathalie Didon as Deputy Chief Executive last Friday.

The various changes became necessary when former CEO Elsia Grandcourt left for Madrid to take up her new position as Director for Africa at the United Nations World Tourism Organization, in short UNWTO. Sherin Naiken at the time was appointed as new CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board. Since then Rose Marie Hoareau was seconded to the Tourism Board by the private sector as Director of Marketing and with the vacant position of Deputy CEO now filled, the trio at the top can now move forward in keeping the momentum up for the archipelago’s continued marketing juggernaut.

Chairman of the Board of the STB remains Mr. Barry Faure, with Minister Alain St.Ange holding the portfolio as the island's Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture.

LOCALS AND TOURISTS CELEBRATE ALL THINGS CREOLE

Festival Kreol number 28 launches in Victoria

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | OCT 28, 2013

Victoria has truly become the capital of the Creole world, as Creole people from around the globe have come to the Seychelles to celebrate what has all the hallmarks of the Creole nation in the making, their food, their music, their art, their culture, and their unique language.

A very special blend of people has emerged over the generations, with origins in Africa, Asia, China, the Middle East, and Europe, and this is visible in a rainbow of different colors and similar traits which can be found wherever Kreol people live.

Visitors for the Festival Kreol arrived from Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Reunion, and also from as far as Haiti and Martinique though the official delegation from Louisiana had apparently fallen foul of the recent government shutdown which scuttled their travel plans for this year.

The Seychelles celebrate October 28, the International Day of the Creole People, with a dedicated festival for the past 28 years now, longer than any other country has acknowledged and showcased “being Creole,” and it is no wonder that the Creole language is truly the main means of communication between the people of the island, besides their spoken English and French, uniting them beyond any other measure.

This year’s festival, the largest and longest ever with events chasing events for an entire week will, among other key activities, see the Seychelles Music Walk of Fame inaugurated with two dedications outside the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, a dedicated plaque unveiled at Venn’s Town, Mission Lodge – a location which awaits UNESCO’s approval to become the archipelago’s third World Heritage site and the commemoration of all things Creole at the “Lenstitit Kreol,” the Creole World Institute at Au Cap, where the traditions of Creole culture, poetry, art, cuisine, and language, among other elements, are studied, preserved, and shared with the Creole nation, wherever they are around the world.

Later today “Laserenad” and “Pilpili” will unfold in the center of Victoria, which has rightly claimed the title as the “Kapitla Lemonn Kreol” or in English, the “World Capital of the Creole” people, after the gala launch of the festival last night, graced by the presence of Seychelles’ President James Alix Michel, his Vice President Danny Faure, the Vice President of Mauritus, and the President of the Regional Council of Reunion, Didier Robert.

39 program components make up a nonstop juggernaut of “Creolism,” including church services held in the Creole language where choirs perform hymns in Creole, fashion shows, art exhibitions, childrens’ talent shows, cabarets, public-speaking competitions to promote the use of “high Creole,” and even a traditional wedding reception, one for real I am told and not staged.

The color displays across the city of Victoria, arguably the smallest capital in the world, have been running riot and provided a delightful background against the white-washed walls of buildings and the bright blue skies overhead, showcasing the Seychelles from a side few would so far have heard about.

Most visitors come to the archipelago for the pristine crystal clear waters, the world famous beaches, and the glorious sunshine when the weather back home in Europe, America, and the Asias have turned all grey and dull, but those on Mahe will have an eye opener or two in coming days, when they learn and experience more than they have possibly bargained for when coming face to face with the Creole people and their culture at every street corner and across the entire center of Victoria. The streets around the main launch venue yesterday were packed with locals and tourists alike, who had come to enjoy the music from the center stage, and long after the official part had ended the city center of Victoria stayed alive with impromptu song performances and, of course, bands playing, their sound levels competing with each other from opposite sides of the festival area, and food and drink stalls did brisk business, especially those drinks containing the elixir of island life, the Takamaka rum.

And with that potent, some say perhaps “lethal” mixture – which reminded me of the “Dawa” at Nairobi’s Carnivore – be sure to follow the daily updates from Victoria, almost certainly from the standpoint of an elevated mood, spirited and inspired by what can only be described as coming from highly infectious smiles, genuine expressions of happy celebrations, and generous amounts of Takamaka being proffered at far too many corners.

SEYCHELLES - SRI LANKA CONNECTED

Colombo - Mahe about to launch

BY PROF. DR. WOLFGANG H. THOME, ETN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT | OCT 27, 2013

Following a state visit by Sri Lanka’s president to the Seychelles a few months ago, it did not take long for the promised air links between the two island countries to be announced.

While in the Seychelles this week it was reliably learned that Mihin Lanka, a government owned low cost carrier closely aligned to national airline Sri Lankan, will commence flights between Colombo and Mahe on the 16th of November, using an Airbus A320 on the route, configured in a single class cabin. Initially there will be two weekly flights between the islands, operating on Wednesday and Saturday.

While initially there was talk of Sri Lankan been keen to operated themselves with the option to fly on to the African mainland – Nairobi, Kenya, was mentioned at the time – there were apparently no breakthroughs yet on the thorny issue to 5th freedom rights from Mahe into Kenya, ultimately leading to Mihin Lanka then becoming the designated carrier for the route but flying in codeshare with Sri Lankan.

This will permit passengers travelling from Mahe to Colombo to seamlessly connect to a large number of destinations in for instance India or further in to the South and Far East, with tickets to for instance Bombay or the Thai capital Bangkok being way under the fare levels of other airlines. Aviation sources spoken to here in Victoria expressed their satisfaction over the fast tracked permissions and landing rights which has also delighted the tourism fraternity in the Seychelles. A source close to the Seychelles Tourism Board in fact commented that ‘these flights will allow us to tap even more into the Indian and Asian markets.

Their fares are very attractive and can bring us a clientele which will support our indigenous hospitality industry. We can match a low cost ticket price with budget hotel accommodation, guest houses, self-catering establishments and even holiday apartments, which can bring the cost of a Seychelles holiday down. The details are on the tourism board website under the links of Seychelles Secrets and budget accommodation, most of which can be booked on line. This will then give travelers the comfort to have accommodation secured and when they arrive in Mahe, because they need no Visa, all they have to show is their return ticket and their hotel or guest house booking confirmation. The new flights will help the Seychelles to meet our growth targets and will be especially beneficial for local hospitality owners’.

Creole community of the world joins together

Oct 27, 2013

Artists from the Creole community of the world joined together to perform at the official opening ceremony of the 2013 Festival Kreol in Seychelles.

The annual gathering of Creole artists in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world, was a spectacle described by all present as a show of force by the Creole community of the world. Musicians from Seychelles, La Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Martinique, and Haiti were all on stage performing one after the other before all joining for a family show of force as the opening ceremony of the 2013 Festival Kreol closed.

The Creole community is clearly growing in the world, and this annual gathering in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world, to mark World Creole Day on October 28 is now an event well positioned on the international calendar of events as the annual gathering being used by the Creole community of the world to showcase their respective unique culture, music, dance, and cuisine.

"Unbelievable" is the word used by the large number of foreign journalists to describe the diversity in the Creoles from the world and in this diversity the strength displayed in unity and pride.

"Seychelles remains proud to have pioneered this annual gathering for the Creole community of the world in a Festival Kreol now celebrating its 28th edition," Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said after all the musicians from six islands from the world of Creoles had gathered on stage in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world.

LOCALS AND TOURISTS CELEBRATE ALL THINGS CREOLE

Vice President of Mauritius in Seychelles for Festival Kreol

Oct 25, 2013

Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau, the Mauritian Vice President, is in Seychelles for 28th edition of Festival Kreol which will be officially opened tonight, October 25. The mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles are witnessing for the first time such a high Mauritian government dignitary who will be the guest of honor of Festival Kreol.

Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau, the first woman to hold the position of Vice President in Mauritius, is heading a strong delegation from Mauritius and Rodrigues who have also arrived in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world, to showcase their artistic talents in this 2013 edition of Festival Kreol.

“I am so happy to be invited in Seychelles for the festival. I visited the island years back, and it’s the first time that I come for Festival Kreol. It’s a great pleasure for me to be here, and I am looking forward for the festival,” said Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau in a short interview upon her arrival at Seychelles International airport.

As the Air Seychelles plane landed at Seychelles International Airport, the Seychelles Vice President, Danny Faure, accompanied by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, and Mr. Nirmal Shah, the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Mauritius, welcomed Mrs. Bellepeau and her delegation.

Mauritius and Rodrigues have always played an active role in the annual Festival Kreol that is staged in the Seychelles, and over the years the number of their delegations converging to the Seychelles islands for Festival Kreol has grown in strength. The Rodrigues Commissioner responsible for Culture is also in the delegation being represented in the 28th edition of Festival Kreol with a 9-member delegation.

“Rodrigues Island is overwhelmed to be part of this great manifestation. Seychelles and Rodrigues share common cultural bonds and a Creole way of life. We’re here to showcase our culture, cuisine, and we will contribute in our own special way in this cultural event, because Rodrigues Island puts a lot emphasis on the role of culture within its economy. We believe that our presence in Seychelles will be beneficial for our island future.”

Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau started her career in politics in 1995 as a member of National Assembly and was elected Vice President of Mauritius in 2010. It is her first official visit in Seychelles.

CREOLE EVENT FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS

Dignitaries from Creole islands arrive in Seychelles for Festival Kreol

Oct 25, 2013

On Wednesday evening the largest Festival Kreol delegation landed in Seychelles accompanied by dignitaries from the Creole islands of La Reunion, Mauritius, and Rodrigues. Mme. Monique Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau, Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius; President Didier Robert, the President of the region La Reunion; Mrs. Nassimah Dindar, the President of the General Council of La Reunion; and Mme. Rose De Lima Edouard, Commissaire de la culture of the island of Rodrigues were all on the two-and-a-half-hour Air Seychelles flight to the Seychelles from Mauritius.

At the Seychelles International Airport to welcome the dignitaries were the Seychelles Vice President, Mr. Danny Faure; the island's Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange; the CDO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Mrs. Sherin Naiken; the PS for Culture, Ms. Benjamine Rose; the French Ambassador in Seychelles, HE Madame Genevieve Iancu; and the Honarary Consul for the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Nirmal Jivan Shah.

Over one hundred members of the different delegations are now already in Seychelles for this year's gathering of Creoles.

Seychelles remains the island nation with its capital, Victoria, that has been declared the Creole capital of world.

Source: Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Mauritius VP joins Seychelles Tourism Minister on popular TV program

Oct 24, 2013

Mme. Monique Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau, the Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, and Mr. Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, were jointly guests on the popular television show “News Extra” of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).

Mr. Michael Payet, the popular and respected SBC news presenter, was the host of the News Extra program which was aired on Thursday, October 24. Mr. Payet was also the one to welcome the Mauritius Vice President and the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture to the SBC's Hermitage Television Studio.

Mme. Monique Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau, the Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, is among the official dignitaries who are in Seychelles from the Indian Ocean Islands for the 2013 Festival Kreol. The other members of the official dignitaries include President Didier Robert, the President of the region La Reunion; Mrs. Nassimah Dindar, the President of the General Council of La Reunion; and Mme. Rose De Lima Edouard, Commissaire de la culture of the island of Rodrigues.

The Mauritian Vice President and the Seychelles Minister spoke about the need to consolidate cultural tourism as a key element for the growth of tourism in the region. Both also talked about the diversity of the people of the region and described this as a strength in itself.

This is the first visit of Mme. Monique Agnes Ohsan Bellepeau, the Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius, to the Seychelles, and she spoke on camera in the News Extra program about the warm welcome she has received from the Seychelles authorities.

Seychelles pavilion dubbed a paradise at Taipei International Travel Fair

Oct 24, 2013

For its first participation by the mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles in the Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF), the Seychelles stand has been among the most successful at the event. The Indian Ocean island nation’s stand at the event was a fusion of a beautiful private beach and location map backdrop – and also carried the legendary Coco De Mer which is the unique symbol of Seychelles.

“Because of the uniqueness of Seychelles and the first-time participation, the Seychelles stand also got big attention from the local media. After two days’ promotion, the Seychelles stand made the headlines of the papers,” explained the Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Stephanie Lablache.

TTN Taiwan, a travel and leisure magazine in the region, was also talking highly of the Seychelles stand in addition to other publications that were aware of the event taking place.

“What we want to show tourists is more into its beautiful nature and scenic attractions, with Seychelles’ unique spots, flora and fauna, its privacy - no wonder that even Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, chose to spend their honeymoon [here]. Now it’s time for you to follow in the prince’s footsteps and pay a visit to Seychelles,” she said in an interview to World Travel Weekly.

While Ms. Lablache was talking to certain Taiwanese media houses, Mr. Huanhuan Li was also invited to give a radio program to Taiwan Education Radio found outside the exhibition area.

Ms. Lablache also headed the Seychelles delegation, Senior Marketing, while STB Senior Marketing Executive in Beijing, Huanhuan Li, also came to give great support.

Alongside the STB team were the following local trade partners namely: Creole Travel Services with its General Manager, Guillaume Albert, and Business Development Manager, Rose Sham.

Mason’s Travel also sent in its delegation which included Market Coordinator, Hilda Camille, and Hazel Wang who as a representative from its China office; as did Air Seychelles with the Head of Sales, Cindy Vidot, and Constance Ephelia and Resorts sent the Sales Manager, Armand Guyano Amadis, and its Marketing Manager in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Singapore, Carol Tsang. The other member at the Seychelles stand was Constance Ephilia Regional Marketing Coordinator for Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and Singapore, Cecilia Chen.

The fair’s organizers say a total of 900 exhibitors from more than 60 countries had erected 1,350 booths at this edition of the ITF – a 12.5 percent increase from last year’s figures.

Among the large group of participants were representatives from Guam, Hawaii, and many other island states from the Pacific Ocean and South Asia.

It was only during the first day of the fair that Taiwanese trade representatives were given the chance to network; the remaining three days mainly targeted consumers.

“Must say that it is very much business oriented and grand on site sales generate a lot of income. It is incredible that the whole event venue is like a hotpot of [a] performance stage as many cultural events and entertainment promotions took place in many of the stands. The discounting on site sales make visitors screamingly buy a lot,” said Ms. Lablache.

She continued to explain that the hectic pace of having 280,000 people visiting the fair made the Seychelles stall an oasis in the large bustling crowd, saying “You felt that you were lost in paradise when at our pavilion.”

It was also a time for the Seychelles’ trade representatives to establish contact with their Taiwanese counterparts. Lion Travel, Start Travel Service, and South East Travel Service, were among the many they have created new links with; it was an added bonus that Golden Formosa Travel of the Golden Foundation Tours was present at the fair, since it has already been selling Seychelles products in the country.

Given Seychelles’ substantial experience in the field of tourism, Mr. Huanhuan Li and Ms. Lablache were invited to give a 35-minute products introduction on the morning of October 20, whereby more than 50 professional travelers came to learn and interact.

This year’s edition of the Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) was held at the Taipei World Trade Centre from October 18-21.

The event has been touted by industry pundits as one of the most popular and extravagant travel shows, as it has drawn the attention of people in the tourism industry worldwide.

The Seychelles’ first participation in the ITF is also due to the help of Golden Foundation Tours Corporation - Air Seychelles ground service agent in Taipei.

Literally millions in Southern Africa learn about the Seychelles

Oct 23, 2013

The Seychelles profile as a holiday destination has further been uplifted now that the Seychelles Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Sherin Naiken, has appeared on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) television.

Miss Naiken – who has spent the last week on the East3Route expedition through Mozambique, Swaziland, and South Africa – was given a prime time slot on SABC TV channel to talk about Seychelles' involvement in the East3Route initiative. East3Route is an initiative that Seychelles joined last year aimed at boosting tourism and related investment between the three partner nations: South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland.

The live SABC interview took place late last week, at the Richard's Bay Yacht Club, covering several aspects of the East3Route initiative including future plans for its financing and investment strategies as well as Seychelles' involvement.

During the interview on the popular TV channel Miss Naiken gave her opinion on the progress East3Route has so far as well as voice her strong support for future plans to expand the scope of its drive.

Her time on air was also an excellent opportunity to further raise Seychelles' international profile in the media came in the wake of several popular addresses the CEO made during the course of the expedition. In addition to the interview, Miss Naiken also addressed the East3Route investment forum which took place in Swaziland and was televised live.

"This SABC interview helps to put us on the map and fill the knowledge gap about our islands which is a crucial component of our visibility, as we study the East3Route terrain to see how we may best take advantage of the opportunities it offers,” she said.

To note, the SABC which receives funding through both license fees and advertising broadcasts on three domestic channels, with a mixed entertainment and public service mandate. Recent figures show that SABC 1 is the most popular and watched television channel in South Africa with a weekly viewership of 22 million. SABC 2 comes in second with 18.8 million and SABC 3 pulls in 14.9 viewers weekly – large figures bound to get people in the Southern African region noticing Seychelles.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, congratulated the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board for her show on SABC TV in South Africa. "We are the friendly neighbor of South Africa and with only water of the Indian Ocean in between us. Seychelles is known in South Africa as being the idyllic destination for their holidays. Your appearance on SABC TV will help to increase our visibility and keep us being relevant as a tourism destination for South Africans and for the people of Southern Africa as a whole," said Minister St.Ange.

Strong Caribbean influence in Festival Kreol

Oct 23, 2013

This year’s edition of Festival Kreol will take on a truly global feel – with even the participation of Martinique’s known and well-loved artist, DedeSaint Prix.

Mr. Saint Prix is due to land in Seychelles early this week accompanied by his merry band of musicians – just in time to take part in the 2013 Festival Kreol in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world.

Dede Saint Prix was born February 10, 1953. He is a Martinique singer of traditional chouval bwa music. He has used elements of modern styles in his recordings, including tambour, hip hop music, charanga, ragga, son, zouk, kompa, and rara. He has been performing for more than 38 years and has released at least 25 albums. He is also a composer and flautist.

After a foray into jazz album, Kaladjazz, in November 2012, Mr. Saint-Prix returned to his love for salsa "Raices y Culturas" (roots and cultures), the rhythm of the congas and brass Latino.

The album, which mixes traditional Martinican music and Cuban music, was recorded in Cuba, Martinique, and France, with artists from these countries, influences which are bound to be highlighted during his shows in Seychelles.

Mr. Saint Prix’s arrival in Seychelles and his ensuing performance in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world, follows in the Festival Kreol’s tradition of hosting musicians from the Creole-speaking islands of the Caribbean.

Previous well-known acts to have featured in the annual festival are Kassav and Zouk Machine.

This year, the Creole musicians from Seychelles will be performing alongside those coming from La Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Martinique, and Haiti.

ONGOING ANTI-PIRACY PROGRAM TO PROTECT TRADE AND TOURISM

HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway in Seychelles

Oct 23, 2013

Seychelles was this week visited by HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of the Kingdom of Norway who visited his country's navy ship that was in Seychelles’ waters as part of the ongoing anti-piracy operation.

This visit was also the opportunity for members of the government of Seychelles to meet with HRH Crown Prince of Norway to update him and his delegation on the current developments in Seychelles.

Vice President Danny Faure; Minister Jean Paul Adam, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture were all three at the airport to bid farewell to the HRH Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of the Kingdom of Norway as he left Seychelles on Emirates on Sunday night.

KENYA TOURISM TRADE FAIR

Kenya learns all about Seychelles at Magical Kenya Travel Expo

Oct 22, 2013

The Seychelles Tourism Board, in partnership with the island's DMC 7 Degrees South, participated at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi from October 18-20, 2013. Over 150 international buyers visited the show, and it is said that it is the biggest trade show in Africa after INDABA.

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya officially opened the tourism trade fair. The President met with Marsha Parcou, the Seychelles Tourism Board Manager for Africa, and took time to visit the Seychelles stand. "We were privileged that the President visited our stand. He expressed his wish to visit Seychelles next year together with the newly-appointed Tourism Cabinet Secretary Mrs. Phyllis Kandie," said Marsha Parcou, the Seychelles Tourism Board Manager who is based in Pretoria and holds the responsibility for Africa.

Marsha Parcou also believes that the time is right to invite Kenya tourism to participate in the 2014 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria and showcase Kenyan tourism through culture and through the Kenyans. "In that same token, the two countries could further enhance collaboration in the different sectors, particularly in tourism and perhaps tie the pending discussions on an MOU in the field of fourism," said Marsha Parcou in Kenya.

Popsy Getonge, the Seychelles Tourism Ambassador in Nairobi, Kenya, is responsible for assisting to showcase Seychelles at this Kenya tourism trade fair.

NEWS EXTRA TV BROADCASTS INTERVIEW FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS

Festival Kreol takes to the airwaves

Oct 22, 2013

This is the week in October when the Creole community of the world gathers in Seychelles for the annual Festival Kreol. The Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange was on the NEWS EXTRA TV program on SBC TV (Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation) explaining the importance of this annual event of the Creole people of the world. "The Festival Kreol in the Seychelles is the only gathering of all the different Creoles, and in this festival, the diversity that exists in speaking Creole, in writing Creole, is clearly showcased. This year, the Creole islands of La Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Martinique, and Haiti will all join together in Seychelles in a unique explosion of Creole music, food, and culture extravaganza," Minister St.Ange said.

The one-on-one interview was conducted by the news presenter, Michael Payet, who questioned Minister Alain St.Ange on pertinent points about Festival Kreol and on the program for this year's edition of the festival. The Seychelles Minister also said that Seychelles had clearly achieved their objective through this Festival Kreol as it has not only raised the profile of everyone who feels he or she is a Creole. "Today no one who is a Creole is ashamed of saying that he is so. We are all proud to be associated with the Creole culture as islanders. This was not always the case, and the Festival Kreol organized for the Creole community of the world has helped in a big way to achieve this respect and visibility," Minister St.Ange said.

The Minister also used the NEWS EXTRA TV program to speak about the drive by Seychelles as an events-based destination. He said that Seychelles had since days gone by been involved in staging what was then called fancy fairs often organized to coincide with a religious feats as a means to fundraise. "These were mini festivals in their own way, but today instead of just burgers being sold and hoop-la with the aim of grabbing a liquor bottle, a degree of culture has been added to the event, and the opportunity for the people of Seychelles to get up and be counted as small entrepreneurs through innovation and the want to use the events in Seychelles for business opportunities," Minister St.Ange said.

The 2013 Festival Kreol is being staged for October 25 in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world.

EVENT FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS

Festival Kreol gives Seychelles Minister first experience on Pure FM

Oct 22, 2013

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, had his first experience on the new Pure FM, Seychelles' first private radio station.

Minister Alain St.Ange was welcomed by Sandra Hanks, the host of the tourism program, “Sands in Seychelles,” which aired live in the Seychelles islands between 9 to 11 am and was broadcast via the Internet on purefm.sc .

Sandra Hanks, Pure FM presenter, uses the “Sands in Seychelles” program to raise the profile of Seychelles as a tourism destination. Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture, was, therefore, the perfect candidate to promote Seychelles on Sandra Hanks’ tourism program. Presenting Minister St.Ange on Pure FM, Sandra Hanks described him as was quoted in one of the recent CNN articles as a “natural phenomenon.” Minister St.Ange used the live interview to mark the Seychelles as an event-based destination. He spent time to propel the concept behind the Seychelles Festival Kreol. The Minister said on air that Seychelles prides itself as being the Creole Capital of the World.

He also detailed the program of Festival Kreol 2013 which this year will see emphasis being put on mass participation by the people of Seychelles and anyone proud to be a Creole.

Pure FM, the only private radio station of Seychelles, is this year covering its first Festival Kreol. The radio station had said that they will stand behind the Festival Kreol committee to increase the visibility of the event.

LOCALS AND TOURISTS CELEBRATE

Seychelles female artist wins 2013 Festival Kreol song competition

Oct 21, 2013

Seychelles’ undisputed female artist, Sandra Esparon, is the winner of the 28th edition of the Festival Kreol song competition. Sandra, the Seychelles’ popular star of the musical arena, walked away with a 40 thousand rupees cash prize and a trophy of Tom Bowler. Sandra's creole song, “Nou Identite” (Our Identity), was chosen among 34 participants ranging from amateurs, young budding artists, and also the country's known and popular professional artists who had submitted songs in this year’s Festival Kreol Song competition.

Sandra Esparon's song outshined that of the other contestants. The announcement that Sandra Esparon had won the first prize in the 2013 Festival Kreol Song Competition was made by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, to the local press. The Minister also announced that the two joint second position recipients were Allen Camille with his song, “Victoria Manman Kreol,” and Norville Ernesta with his “Moutya Festival.” The third position went to Aaron & Antoniette Dodin with their song, “Mon anvi Selebre.”

This year’s Festival Kreol song competition is rewarding only the first prize winner.

Minister Alain St.Ange thanked all the musicians who entered the song competition, saying that the quality of songs were remarkable.

The song competition was launched in August 2013 and closed on October 4. Seychelles has this year re-launched the Festival Kreol Song Competition. The Festival hosted its last song competition in 2010 when Josee Charles came out as the winner.

Tourism Minister visits new hotel project construction at popular Seychelles beach

Oct 21, 2013

Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, accompanied by his PS and members of his Secretariat, led a delegation to the New Savoy Hotel project on the promenade at popular Beau Vallon Beach. The Minister's delegation also included representatives from the Seychelles Tourism Board.

The new Savoy Hotel Project is a 173-room property which is expected to announce its soft opening date soon. With a large central swimming pool complex with a restaurant, the hotel accommodation blocks are positioned in a semi-circle arrangement all facing the spectacular beach of Beau Vallon of the main island of Mahe.

Minister St.Ange and his delegation were guided through a tour of the new hotel complex before holding a meeting with the project's management in their construction Board Room.

The Minister responsible for Tourism discussed the staff recruitment process and procedures in place and impressed on the developers to set the date for their soft opening as this was important for the country bearing in mind the constraints of air access for mid-ocean islands.

Minister St.Ange also reiterated to the developers that “SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea” that is held every November at Beau Vallon needed all the support to ensure that the construction site does not impact negatively on this Seychelles popular event.

The current construction of the Beau Vallon public promenade passing right in front of the hotel was also visited.

Tourism Industry Association of Seychelles utilizes Minister for Tourism’s open-door policy

Oct 21, 2013

Mr. John Stravens, the Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association, accompanied by Eddie D'Offay, Kate Carolus, Amit Wasserberg, and Louise AhKoon, all members of the association's Executive Committee, met with Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, at his offices at the National Cultural Centre in Victoria.

This tourism private sector trade meeting with the Minister takes place on a regular basis and remains a commitment made by Minister St.Ange after he took office, for his office to be managed with an open-door policy for the tourism trade.

The Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association had submitted their agenda for the meeting with the Minister and Anne Lafortune, his PS for Tourism.

When he opened the meeting, Minister Alain St.Ange said that he was always happy to welcome representatives of the trade to the Ministry. "We are here to work with you to continue to look at the challenges you face and to find solutions to help ensure our industry moves from strength to strength," Minister St.Ange said.

Mr. John Stravens, Chairman of the Tourism Industry Association of Seychelles, thanked Minister St.Ange for his open door approach and tabled points submitted by his members for discussion.

These included ceasing of the fast-track airport service, regulations for all small cruise ships operations based in Port Victoria, the Tourism Board budget and their activities for 2014, the cost for private sector participation at tourism trade fairs, air access, and the Ministry of Tourism & Culture calendar of events for the year, among others. Each of the agenda points raised were discussed in a frank, open, and transparent manner.

At the end of the meeting, Minister Alain St.Ange requested the tourism trade to come out for the Official Opening of the La Reunion products fair that will take place at the national Cultural Centre at 3 pm on Thursday, October 24. "It will be an opportunity for hoteliers and the Seychelles business community to see products made in La Reunion and to meet the responsible business community of La Reunion. It is an opportunity to seek representation in Seychelles for these products," Minister St.Ange said.

The Minister also spoke about the Sustainable Development Encounters between La Reunion and Seychelles that will be opened at 9 am on October 25 at the ICCS, the International Conference Centre of Victoria. "We all say we want to embrace green technology, so let us see what is available and in use in La Reunion," the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said.

Local and tourist traffic comes to a halt in Seychelles

Oct 20, 2013

The popular Laserenad and Pipili (festival parade and street party) remains the main event of the annual Festival Kreol that is staged for the Creole Community of the World in Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World, and capital of the Seychelles.

The 2013 Festival Kreol will be taking place from October 25-31, and this year, delegations from the Creole-speaking islands of La Reunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues, Martinique, and Haiti will be flying to Seychelles to celebrate together the Creole culture in all its diversity.

The Festival Kreol in Seychelles is the only such event that annually brings together the Creole Community of the World to celebrate the World Creole Day.

On Sunday, the final preparations for the popular Laserenad and Pipili (festival parade and street party) was staged with a practice run by some 200 representatives of the different groups who will be participating in the 2013 Festival Kreol. The practice run followed the exact route for next Saturday's festival procession and street dancing event in the center of Victoria.

"The annual Festival Kreol is a day that should bring pride to everyone who feels he or she is a Creole. This is our festival, the festival for the people from the World of Creoles. The Laserenad and Pipili is the only event when the center of Victoria is handed over to everyone who says he wants to be counted as a Creole, and on this day, the center of Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World, will see everyone who feels s/he is a Creole take over the main roads of Victoria to dance, to walk, and to enjoy together the Creole Culture,” Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, said after the practice run of Laserenad and Pipili in Victoria.

3-day festival marked good ties between India and Seychelles

Oct 20, 2013

The recent Seychelles-India Day Celebrations has been covered well by the international press, earning the Seychelles positive coverage and ensuring they remain visible as they 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 and 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; and 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 the noted actors Alyque Padamsee and Sharon Prabhakar and herself an Indian film and stage actress; the prominent beauty queen 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 designers, Mayyur Girotra; and the known, popular, and respected Terence Lewis of the dance world.

The Seychelles Indian community rallied to make this event the success it deserved to be, and they worked closely with the Indian High Commissioner and the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, whose idea it was to stage the Seychelles-Indian Day Celebrations. Today, press in the four corners of the world are reporting on another successful cultural event staged by Seychelles in their bid to remain visible and relevant as a tourism destination using culture and people as their main catalyst instead of just their sand, sea, and sun unique selling point even though they probably have the best for beach holidays.

Haiti popular female Creole artist on her way to Festival Kreol 2013 in Seychelles

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Oct 20, 2013

Mellow jazz, with a soulful sound, is how many have described Emeline Michel’s singing. Soon the Seychellois public and all coming from the World of Creoles will have the chance to sample what the amazing vocalist from Haiti has to offer during this year’s edition of Festival Kreol.

The well-known Haitian songstress is among many other Creole artists who have confirmed their participation in the 28th edition of Festival Kreol. This an annual event held in Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World to celebrate the diversity and flamboyant and unique Creole culture. The islands of La Reunion, neighboring Mauritius and Rodrigues, as well as Martinique will also be joining Seychellois artists at this year’s Festival Kreol edition in Victoria, the Capital of the Seychelles.

Together with the other delegations from the Creole Diasporas descending upon the Seychelles in droves, the “Joni Mitchel of Haiti;” will also add an extra touch to this year’s festivities. Emeline Michel’s earlier release “Flanm” has been played on the local airwaves over the years – making her no stranger to the Seychellois public.

An accomplished international singer, songwriter, composer and amazing dancer, Emeline Michel was born in 1966 in Gonaives, a city in Northern Haiti. Before hitting the secular music scene, the youngster started out by singing in church. She left her hometown to pursue her secondary education in Port-au-Prince, almost immediately after moving to the capital, Emeline Michel was discovered and within a couple of months she released her first single, Akai Kao.

After completing high school, Emeline received a scholarship to study music at the Detroit Jazz Center in the United States upon winning a talent contest. She received her bachelor in music studies, then returned to Haiti as a professional musician, and established herself as one of the top artist in Haiti, touring much of the Caribbean. The newest sensation of Creole music became an icon, and her appearance was in high demand, in numerous jazz festival all over the world; including Canada, France and the United States of America.

However, not content with only being a singer, Emeline has also used her music to speak for the ordinary Haitian. It was no surprise, when former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, chose Emeline Michel as the headline performer for his 2006, Clinton Global Initiative in NY City, an event gathering over 2000 world's leaders, Presidents, famous thinkers, and prominent dignitaries.

Armed with many years of musical accomplishments, Emeline Michel is on her way to the Festival Kreol in the Seychelles soon – an event that also celebrates her own Creole heritage as a Haitian.

TO DELIGHT OF LOCALS AND TOURISTS

Mauritian comedian and singer makes Seychelles debut at Festival Kreol

Oct 17, 2013

Gino Langevin, alias “Laval Disco,” is Mauritius’ most appreciated singer and comedian, and he will travel to Seychelles for the 28th edition of Festival Kreol for his first break among the Seychellois and public. The Mauritian artist will be joining Creole artists from Seychelles, the Rodrigues Island of Mauritius, La Reunion, Martinique, and Haiti at the 28th edition of Festival Kreol in Seychelles in the week starting October 25.

Gino Langevin, a new generation of singer and comedian unknown to the Seychellois public, has taken Mauritius by storm with his most successful track of “Zoli,” “ou ene zoli fanm,” and “dalon.” Word-of-mouth of Gino Langevin’s tracks, interpreted with his personal comic touch, has ranked him as one of the most promising artists of the region.

“Laval Disco,” who began his career as a comedian, collaborated with Mauritian singers on a number of songs already written of whom he successfully interpreted. But it’s the song “Ou ene zoli fanm” which made his benchmark in the musical industry.

Although he proudly admitted that he “has never written any songs” despite his on-going success, Gino Langevin’s craving to write his own composition is more than ever pressing. By incorporating comical lyrics in the songs he interpreted, the singer still sees himself as a comedian but in a different form: one that uses humor to make music.

It is humor that “drives me to music,” said Gino Langevin in one of the interviews he gave to a Mauritian paper.

Gino Langevin is the perfect example to illustrate that the two art forms of comedy and music can co-exist. Presently his song track “dalon” is making a big buzz in the region. Interpreted by Gino Langevin with his own musical arrangement, the sega song with a comical air contains a colorful lyric touching the Creole-speaking nations of Seychelles, Rodrigues, and Mauritius. The song, a ballad originated in Rodrigues, is much appreciated by the public at large.

With his first solo album in the making, Gino Langevin’s future as a comedian and musician is set to fulfil one of his missions: that is writing his own compositions and to continue to entertain the public with his rhythmic and comical tunes. His presence in Seychelles will help make his Mauritian music gain international recognition as he performs in the presence of a large number of international press flying to Seychelles to cover the 2013 Festival Kreol.

Caribbean Creole artist joins Seychelles for 2013 Festival Kreol

Oct 17, 2013

The Seychelles Ministry for Tourism and Culture has confirmed that a variety of artists will be landing in Seychelles for this year’s edition of Festival Kreol.

The annual event held in the heart of Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World – will this year have the added benefit of participation of even Creole speaking states from the Caribbean.

Although Martinique has traditionally been an active member in the week-long celebrations held in Seychelles in the past, the country had been decidedly absent recently.

However, all’s well again now that Martinique and Haiti will be sending delegations to represent them in the festivities – well known groups like Kassav and Zouk Machine have in the past graced the Festival Kreol festivities in Seychelles.

This year Dede Saint Prix – an established musician from Martinique will be in Seychelles to bring in another aspect of the Creole culture being celebrated.

Andre Saint Prix – better known as Dede is a celebrated percussionist, composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist who has worked with many known artists such as Tanya St Val, Joelle Ursull and Malavoi to name a few.

Closer to home, Reunion Island, Mauritius and Rodrigues will be sending over a delegation comprising of performing artists as well as a painter, among others.

Meanwhile in Seychelles, businesses and numerous other partners who are proud to display their pride of being a creole entity have been coming forward to Minister Alain St.Ange at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to see how they can help make the Festival Kreol 2013 a roaring success.

This year the Ministry of Tourism and Culture plans to hold the celebrations with mass participation; the Laserenad – which involves many dressed in traditional garbs to the beat of catchy and infectious music parading in town center – and various musical performances in Victoria are bound to catch locals and visitors attentions.

For those who happen to be in Victoria, the Creole capital of the world, the time to let down your hair and bask in everything Creole has finally come again. Just get your program to take part in activities the Seychellois joie de vivre and Creole culture.

SOUTH KOREA ABUZZ ABOUT INDIAN OCEAN STATE

Seychelles colors fly high at Suncheon Namseungryong Marathon

Oct 16, 2013

Seychelles colors fly high at Suncheon Namseungryong Marathon and South Korea abuzz about Indian Ocean State

Seychellois athletes taking part in the 13th Suncheon Namseungryong Marathon in South Korea have performed exceptionally, with Simon Labiche winning the Half Marathon for men.

The 43-year-old, long-distance runner clocked the record time of 1 hour 15 minutes and 57 seconds in the race, to come in the lead position in the event held over the weekend.

Whereas in the 10 km race, Keddy Moustache clocked 37 minutes 04 seconds to finish fifth, while in the 5 km race Vincent Confait was eighth in 23 minutes 15 seconds.

The 13th Suncheon Namseungryong Marathon had some 11,544 runners taking part, of which 544 ran the marathon.

The Seychellois delegation also in Seoul was there for the 2013 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo, which kick started in April this year.

The six-month-long exhibition is the first international environment and ecology event to be held in Korea. The expo’s theme is “Suncheon Bay, Garden of the Earth,” and it features 82 gardens from 23 countries at its main venues of the International Wetland Center and Arboretum Zone. In addition to its environmental context, there is also a performance stage, which daily hosts cultural events.

Seychelles has been showing tortoises and 253 endemic plants including coco-de-mer since the expo opened in April 2013.

With a victory in the marathon under its belt, the Seychellois delegation has managed to create even more hype about the destination in South Korea.

Also during their stay in Seoul, the Seychellois delegation paid a courtesy visit, which naturally was followed by a welcome dinner with the Mayor of Suncheon City, Cho Chung Hoon; the Chairman of the Suncheon Namseungryong Marathon Organizing Committee, Park Geun Won; and the Chairman of Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo Organizing Committee, Song Young Soo; accompanied by Seychelles Honorary Consul General to South Korea, Dong Chang Jeong; and Regional Manager of the Seychelles Tourist Office of Korea & Japan, Julie Kim.

It was during their call to the Mayor that he and Mr. Chong agreed to further build on the friendly cooperation and exchanges between the city of Suncheon and Seychelles in the areas of tourism, culture, and sports. The two also agreed that those working on the Seychelles Eco-friendly Marathon and Suncheon Namseuongryong Marathon created tighter links.

To note, with only a few days left before it is officially closed, the expo has met and exceeded its four million target number of visitors.

Minister Adam of Seychelles reiterates importance of standing invitation to international community

Oct 15, 2013

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, stressed the importance of the standing invitation that Seychelles has extended to various international organizations and foreign government under the Special Procedures Mechanism. This testimony to the commitment of Seychelles welcoming partners to her shores and in obtaining the relevant information for the purpose of their respective country reports on Seychelles.

Minister Adam made this statement during the Question Time session of the National Assembly today, when member of the National Assembly for Cascade, Charles de Commarmond, sought an update on the status of country reports that Seychelles needs to present to different international organizations.

In response, Minister Adam explained that despite multiple technical constraints due in part to relative size, Seychelles respects its reporting obligations under the human rights related treaties it is party to. He added that Seychelles is on track with regards to the publication of the respective country reports.

Some of these treaties include: the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), International Convenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Convention on the Rights of Children, and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

He remarked that the standing invitation that Seychelles has extended to international organizations and foreign governments underscores Seychelles’ policy of transparency and demonstrates its eagerness to engage with the international community by making available relevant information. He noted that UN Special Rapporteur on Education, Kishore Singh, presently in the country, is the first to undertake a visit to Seychelles under this standing Invitation.

Minister Adam answered four other questions ranging from Seychellois stranded overseas and the Chagos issue to visas and his ministry’s plan to monitor and ensure the implementation of conventions put by MNAs Emmanuel Fideria, Derek Samson, Kevin Vidot and Sheryl Vengadasamy.

The tourism island of La Digue in Seychelles moves on eco-friendly transport policy

Oct 15, 2013

The Seychelles Cabinet of Ministers has recently reviewed the transport policy for the island of La Digue. Among other decisions taken, it has approved a proposal for the increased use of electric “golf” cart vehicles for tourism establishments on La Digue.

All tourism accommodation establishments will now be able to apply for an electric golf cart, to provide a transfer service for their clients to and from the La Digue jetty. The number of golf carts that a hotel may be permitted to operate will depend on the volume of client-transfers required by that hotel. The government will put a cap on the maximum number of electric golf carts on La Digue once the demand for transport has been fully assessed. A Transport Officer will be appointed to regulate the use of the vehicles on the island. Traffic sign boards will also be introduced.

This policy review follows numerous complaints by tourism operators on La Digue Island that existing taxi services are insufficient for the demand of tourists, with many being left without a mode of transport on arrival at, or departure from, the island.

The electric golf carts form part of a long-term plan of phasing out all fuel-dependent vehicles on La Digue as part of the Seychelles 2020 vision to turn the island of La Digue into the eco-capital of Seychelles.

Other measures of the new policy will be announced shortly by the Seychelles Ministry of Home Affairs & Transport.

FESTIVAL FOR TOURISTS AND LOCALS

Creole Capital of the World says this year's festival opening ceremony will be grand

Oct 14, 2013

The annual Festival Kreol that is staged in Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World, is now but some twelve days away, and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture has made it known that they are planning the Festival Opening Ceremony in the center of Victoria with a “Grand Case” feeling to it.

The prime historical building of Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles that was previously occupied by the Judiciary as the Supreme Court Building which is now being renovated to be turned into the Historical Museum Building for the island's Ministry of Tourism and Culture, will be used as the main back drop for the 2013 Festival Kreol Opening Show.

Last Saturday afternoon, Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, accompanied by Ms. Benjamine Rose, his PS for Culture, led a delegation to the center of Victoria to plan the final details of the 2013 Official Opening Ceremony of their Festival Kreol.

The Secretariat of the Festival Kreol Organizing Committee headed by Mrs. Miera Savy accompanied by Mrs. Marie Sally and Ms. Najoie Philoe were joined by Mr. Jimmy Savy, the CEO of the National Arts Council (NAC), and representatives of the Police, Land Transport and Protocol Departments to go over the proposed plans of the opening ceremony program.

Minister St.Ange and PS Benjamine Rose explained that this year the Ministry of Tourism and Culture wanted to mark the Festival Kreol with the renewed vigor set by the Festival's Organizing Committee. "This is our event, the event that touches everyone who feels he is a Seychellois," said PS Rose.

On his part Minister Alain St.Ange said that the ministry was moving the festival to Victoria, because Seychelles needed to raise the profile of the festival that brings out its culture and all what Seychelles says it has as a people, by celebrating the Festival Kreol right in the center of the Creole Capital of the World. "This festival is our celebration, the festival of our culture, the festival our people and of us all as a nation. It is the one time where we should all rally as a people and say that we are proud to be a Creole from our beautiful Seychelles," Minister St.Ange said.

Mr. Jimmy Savy the CEO of the National Arts Council, who is also overseeing the musical performances of the official opening ceremony of the 2013 Festival Kreol said that he was busy coordinating the needs of the different musical bands flying to Seychelles for this edition of the Festival Kreol to ensure the performances are what is expected by Seychelles and by the world of Creoles.

New investment models discussed at International Coalition of Tourism Partners session at World Routes

Oct 13, 2013

World Routes 2013 in Las Vegas had a session on its program entitled “New Investment Models” with the known and respected Professor Geoffrey Lipman listed as Moderator. Professor Lipman is President of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) and Director of Green Earth Travel.

The panelists for this important session were: Minister Michael Mabuyakhulu, the Minister for Economic Development and Tourism of KwaZulu Natal South Africa; Dr. Charles E. Schlumberger of the World Bank; Mrs. Mmatsatsi Ramawela of TOMSA of the private sector of South Africa; Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture; and Dr. Adam Wu, Chief Operating Officer for China Business Network.

The session was to see how the travel and tourism sector can secure funds for market development and green growth transformation with a focus on Africa. The session explored the key challenges and opportunities for securing investment for travel and tourism in the next five years. The session focused on Africa where the need is greatest and on aviation as a catalyst for change. The session looked at the opportunities from green growth transformation and the exciting new opportunities from “crowd pacting” and from the role of China.

Each of the panelists delivered a five-minute expose of their take, their expectation, and on the prevailing situation as seen by them in their day-to-day experience.

It was clear from the discussions at this lively session of World Routes 2013 that their existed a negative perception in the west towards security of investments in Africa. Members of the panel emphasized that the past in Africa cannot cloud judgment on the Africa of today when it was known that the biggest growth in the world of tourism can only be in Africa.

FESTIVAL FOR TOURISTS AND LOCALS

Discovering the historical routes of Seychelles at Festival Kreol 2013

Oct 12, 2013

Going round Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, the buildings with their model architecture triumph. Putting Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World, under microscopic lenses, the town opens up to an amazing array of historical sites and monuments of historical importance for Seychelles and for humanity.

For many people who walk up and down the town of Victoria, home to many sites that bear witness to Seychelles colonial times, the protection work by Seychelles is often taken for granted. In 2007, Victoria heritage sites and monuments were censured, and four routes of Seychelles historical sites were brought about. Walking along Victoria’s first circuit, the clock tower (little Big Ben) stands as an imposing emblematic symbol of the island’s British era on Independence Avenue.

Kenwyn House Victoria, one of the oldest and most noble French colonial architectures of Seychelles looms high on Francis Rachel Street. The second circuit encompasses State House Avenue stretching to the garden of State House and its landmark building and monuments. On the corner of Market Street, Kantilal Jivan Shah’s 20th Century colonial building on Albert Street wears its history well, marking the third historical circuit.

Countless historical sites and monuments are still preserved on the third historical route which goes round in circuit and encompasses Albert and Quincy Street. Last but not least is the fourth historical route up to Quincy Street, to Bel Air and Serret Road. On this circuit, the French Cemetery of Bel Air, Marie Antoinette Restaurant, and Kaz Zanana are places not to miss. Discovering Victoria’s historical routes will this year feature as one of the main events of Festival Kreol 2013.

Marcel Rosalie, Program Coordinator of Discovery Victoria Heritage Routes, says that as Seychelles earmarked its capital as the Creole Capital of the World, Festival Kreol is an opportune time to educate the public on one of the most vital segments of culture: historical routes and sites.

“It is important that we showcase the identity of our town that makes us claim to the world that it is the Creole Capital of the World. The historical routes are easy to follow, they vary in length, and are well marked with distinctive signs posted. We want the public to discover these sites and learn more about Seychelles history,” Marcel Rosalie said

On the corner of Francis Rachel Street, a sign board has been erected with the four historical routes in Victoria. In a bid to give more visibility to these routes, in 2007 National Heritage Week, the Mayor of Victoria, Ministry of Community Development Sports and Culture, and an association grouping mayors of French-speaking countries compiled a brochure of Victoria’s historical routes. The brochure is on sale at the National Heritage and National History Museum and History Museum. The coordinator of discovery Victoria heritage route is appealing to the public to rally around the event and give their support.

CNN TASK report on “The challenge of all tourism champions” brought positive feedback from across the world

BY ETN STAFF WRITER | OCT 12, 2013

Anita Mendiratta had written at the start of her paper: "Tourism marketing, be it in support of destinations, attractions, airlines, airports, hotels, resorts or events, has become a very expensive game. The ability to reach audiences, attract awareness, excite interest, and ultimately convert into action – arrivals, bookings, bed-nights, entrance tickets sales, seats, spend, so many other critical metrics - has become the ever-present challenge of marketing champions of the sector. And, with economic concerns increasing, budgets decreasing, moods souring, currencies weakening and competition strengthening, the challenge is only set to increase. There simply never seems to be enough funding to invest into getting the word out, getting the results,” and she went on to spell out the inevitable by pointing out the need for maximizing the media and used the Seychelles and Alain St.Ange, their Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture as the case in point:

MAXIMIZING MEDIA THROUGH RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Interestingly, and yet so often overlooked and underappreciated, one of the greatest platforms for maximizing media investment is meaningful development of media relationships. Whether a major global network or a local messaging blog, the media – those communications entities who truly “get” the critical role that travel and tourism plays in feeding the wellbeing of societies, economies, and environments - can be the greatest partner in the quest to turn small budgets into big impact. They are the ones to ask to come take a seat at the table.

Why? Because they believe in the destination.

For this reason they are keen to work with destinations to design meaningful messaging solutions, not simply draw up media schedules.

Case in point: Seychelles.

Located off of the East Africa coastline, the small yet savvy Indian Ocean island nation of the Seychelles is home to just under 90,000 people. Possessing a richness of history, culture and tradition, Seychelles is a nation clearly favored by Mother Nature. Its intensely beautiful scattering of tropical islands calls out for lovers of adventure, romance, and exotic awe. As proven in 2011, it is a paradise befitting of royal newlyweds.

Importantly, the tourism sector exists as the backbone of Seychelles’ economic, social and environmental make-up. With over 208,000 international arrivals in 2012, and already enjoying an YTD increase of 12.6% according to the UNWTO, the WTTC estimates the direct GDP contribution of the travel & tourism sector to national GDP to be 24.8%, almost one quarter of the nation’s earnings (and a staggering 60.8% when looked at in terms of total contribution). As importantly, if not more so, the sector directly represents 25.8% of employment of the island nation, escalating to just under 60% when looked at in terms of total contribution to employment.

It is no surprise, therefore, that the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Culture of Seychelles, Alain St.Ange, takes his role as champion of the sector very seriously, doing all possible to stretch resources – time, money, people, intelligence – to the point of unprecedented return. For this reason, within the global tourism community, he, like his island nation, is viewed as somewhat of a natural phenomena.

How is Minister St.Ange able to compete for global share of voice and appeal, even when lacking global muscle of funds? By viewing the media as a priority guest at his table.

As stated by Hon. Minister St.Ange:

“No one will ever have the budget they wished for, but not having the budget should never be an excuse for not communicating. Seychelles has been conscious that it needed to work with the press since the re-launch of its tourism industry some four years ago. To do so we have managed our Tourism Board and later the Ministry of Tourism and Culture with an “open door” policy vis-a-vis the press. It is through this press friendly approach, whether CNN or a local community media outlet, that we have been able to increase our awareness in the market place right across the world, and to be noticed in the global tourism community.”

In addition to creating and running a compelling global tourism brand campaign through international media channels, Hon. Minister St.Ange looked to pro-active engagement with the press to achieve ongoing destination awareness, thus complementing thematic advertising content, and keeping the destination active in the minds of travelers.

Running parallel to Hon. Minister St.Ange’s press savvy is his strategic acumen, demonstrated ongoing through programs undertaken to build on key niches and partnerships within the tourism sector. The destination’s objectives are clear, and the destination’s chief champion is relentless.

For the Seychelles, the focus is not on weaknesses of budget, “cup half empty,” but strengths of opportunities, including identifying others who look at the world through the same lens of “cup half full.”

ETN caught up with the Seychelles Minister to get his reaction on this CNN & TASK report. Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said that it was an honor for himself and for Seychelles to see their work noticed and recognized. "We work our tourism industry with passion, and we are so appreciative when the professionals in the world recognize our efforts and understand our vision. We simply want to say thank you to Anita Mendiratta of CNN TASK for this review of our work," Minister St.Ange said.

US budget shutdown has ripple effects across the world

Oct 11, 2013

The association of the USA in the Creole Festival in Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World in the Seychelles, may seem far-fetched, but the lively Creole culture is as real for Louisiana and New Orleans of the USA as it is for the mid-ocean island of the Seychelles where an annual Creole Festival is staged to bring together the world of Creoles.

For the 2013 edition of the Creole Festival, a musical band from New Orleans was to travel to the Seychelles as part of the Daniel Pearl Music Days 2013, but a formal US Embassy Diplomatic note confirmed that the existing financial situation with the US government is ongoing and, therefore, all programs such as the Daniel Pearl have been cancelled.

The USA has this direct Creole link with islands in the Caribbean and in the Indian Ocean because of Louisiana and New Orleans. With a heavy participation of proud Creole islands descending on Seychelles for this 28th edition of the annual Creole Festival, it is sad that the unique USA Creole will not be part of the festival's official opening act on October 25 in the presence of the Seychelles President, the Mauritius Vice President, and La Reunion's President of the Regional Council, and also their President of the island's General Council.

South Africa tourism road show drums up more interest for destination Seychelles

Oct 11, 2013

South Africa is getting more insight into what Seychelles has to offer as a travel destination, now that a delegation from the Seychelles Tourism Board has been attending a road show in the country.

Senior Marketing Executive at the Seychelles Tourism Board, Amia Jovanovic-Desir, explained that the Indian Ocean Islands’ participation in the fair “reaffirms the strong commitment to further develop and position Seychelles in South Africa and the region.”

Mrs. Jovanovic-Desir has joined the Seychelles Tourism Office team based in South Africa from the September 30 to October3 to further sell Seychelles to the African market.

However, the Seychelles Tourism Board also partnered with many in the local trade for the event.
“We firmly believe our presence together with some trade partners who have responded to our invitation will generate return on investment, and the benefits to be derived from these markets in the long-run,” said Mrs. Jovanovic-Desir.

Apart from the Seychelles Tourism Board members, Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, Constance Hotels (Ephelia Resort of Mahe and Lemuria Resort and Casino of Praslin), Air Seychelles, L’ Archipel Hotel of Praslin, Berjaya Beau-Vallon Bay Resort & Casino-Seychelles, Raffles Hotel, Coral Strand Hotel, Kempinski Hotel, Desroches Island Resort, Mason’s Travel, Fregate island Private, Creole Travel Services, and the Moorings have all attended the road-show.

During the partners’ stay in South Africa, they were able to showcase their products in three cities.
Seventy agents were on hand in Johannesburg, 68 in Durban, and Cape-Town had the biggest turnout with 85 agents ready to learn more about Seychelles

Islands Tourism Investment & Development Meeting at World Routes in Las Vegas

Oct 11, 2013

It has been a long time in the making, and it was finally at the 2013 World Routes meeting this week in Las Vegas that a dedicated Islands Tourism Investment & Development Meeting was organized.

Though set towards the final stages of this 2013 World Routes meeting, it did not take long for all present to appreciate the merit of such a meeting that was called for the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean Vanilla Island Tourism Ministers and heads of their tourism bodies.

This first historic meeting was chaired by Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, and the moderator for the meeting was Professor Geoffrey Lipman, the President of the ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners).

The meeting attracted tourism leaders from far and wide, including the Falkland Islands and New Zealand to representatives from the Azores and Malta, and it saw the participation of the Minister for Economic Development and Tourism from KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and also the heads of the tourism of Gabon. Ged Brown, the Director of Tourism for World Routes; Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, the Chairman of ICTP; and Mr. Adam Wu from the China Development Organization were also present for this historic Islands Tourism Investment & Development Meeting.

Both Minister St.Ange and Professor Lipman congratulated the World Routes meeting organizers for calling this Islands Tourism Investment & Development Meeting and asked for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to continue to be heard at the World Routes meetings.

Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles said when he opened the meeting that island states immaterial of where they are situated faced the same challenges, obstacles, and adversities. "It was, therefore, important for us all to meet regularly to not only exchange ideas, but to also help open new doors for each other," Minister Alain St.Ange said.

Access to new development money and planning a sustainable tourism development strategy were tabled and discussed.

All agreed that more such meetings needed to be called and more Small Island Developing States encouraged to participate together for the betterment of island tourism industries.

Few countries in the world have yet to experience a live circus

Oct 10, 2013

Seychelles, once counted as one of the very few countries in the world that has yet to experience a live circus performance on its soil, is now being treated to the acts of the Magic Circus of Samoa.

The Seychelles islands are witnessing amazing trapeze acts, funny clowns, and many more traditional circus performances through the Magic Circus of Samoa’s first show on Thursday.

This is their first visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Seychelles, and the troupe’s leader, Tupa’i Bruno Loyale, has promised a show of a lifetime to all the Seychellois.

“We have one of the funniest clowns in the world touring with us. Toetu the clown, standing less than a meter in height, and his huge funny partner Coconut will leave the audience falling off their seats with un-containable laughter,” said Mr. Loyale.

The 29-strong team arrived in Seychelles on September 20, and have been settling in ever since in preparation for the shows to be held from October 10-29.

During a meeting with the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, Mr. Loyale stated that the troupe was quite happy to be in the country – after such a long wait.

In fact, the Magic Circus of Samoa had planned on touring the Seychelles a few years ago – but the trip had to be cancelled after Somali pirates seized the vessel carrying all their equipment when it was still off the African Coast.

Minister St.Ange also explained that he was pleased with their troupe’s decision to perform in Seychelles as this provides for the Seychellois, young and old, who have never before seen a circus live, the chance to do so.

“We have many young people who have not traveled much but would really like to a see a live circus. Now that the Magic Circus of Samoa is in Seychelles, this will provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Minister St.Ange.

Meanwhile for those who are already on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting the performance of the pacific islands-based troupe, they may attend nightly shows from tonight at the Freedom Square in Victoria, as of 6:00 pm.

Mr. Loyale has also explained that daily shows will be held only at Freedom Square from 6:00 pm during the week and two shows on the weekends beginning at 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The Big Circus Tent that is today sitting in Victoria holds up to 600 people per show - there is no way Seychellois can miss out!

EVENT FOR LOCALS AND TOURISTS

Creole Festival 2013 - all is set to go says Seychelles

Oct 10, 2013

The 28th edition of the Creole Festival that will be celebrated from October 25-31, 2013 in the Seychelles is all set to go. This annual manifestation is aimed to raise the profile of all those who consider themselves a Creole, to also consolidate the Creole identity, and to showcase the achievements in the world of Creoles.

"We do that in valorizing, and in promoting the Creole oral traditions and cultures," said someone from the Organizing Committee from Victoria, the accepted Creole Capital of the World.

One of the main objectives of the 2013 edition of the Creole Festival is to attract mass participation in the various activities aimed at consolidating the pride of being a Creole. The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture has programmed a weekend of popular and new outdoor activities during the first 3 days of the festival, while the academic and indoor activities will be done on weekdays.

"Anyone who is proud to be a Creole will be in Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World, for the festival this year. It is important for all those who say they are a Creole to feel proud about it and to be seen and be counted as one for the world to see," said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture.

This year all the major activities for this coming edition of the Creole Festival will be held in different venues in the center of Victoria itself. Considering the significant and rich potential values such a festival brings, the Republic of Seychelles has confirmed the participation of delegations from La Reunion, Mauritius, and the islands of Rodrigues and Martinique, all creole speaking communities.

"The diversity of culture that makes the Seychellois Creole will be celebrated through the art of Creole living style through music, dance, arts, cuisine and the ‘Joie de vive’ of all Seychellois and of all proud Creoles of the world," Minister St.Ange said.

It is confirmed that the Vice President of Mauritius, the President of the Regional Council of La Reunion, and the President of the General Council of La Reunion will all be present in Seychelles for the 2013 edition of the Creole Festival in the Creole Capital of the World.

ICTP President and Chairman meet Seychelles Minister on sidelines of World Routes in Las Vegas

Oct 10, 2013

Professor Geoffrey Lipman, the President of ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners) and the organization’s Chairman, Mr. Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, used the opportunity of the 2013 World Routes meeting in Las Vegas to meet with Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, and together they planned strategies on joint actions for the future. Seychelles is a founding member country of ICTP, and they remain a tourism destination that believes in networking between tourism destinations for a consolidated industry.

"We needed a forum for this to happen, a forum where those involved could meet, not just member countries, but also the individuals who play the curtail role in the development of tourism. This avenue is now available through ICTP, as it remains a bottom-up approach, giving a real voice to tourism professionals," said the Seychelles Minister.

"Now we are looking at specifics. We are looking at actions that will see and that will bring results. I appealed to Professor Lipman and to Mr. Steinmetz to use the Carnaval International de Victoria, the unique carnival of carnivals that is staged annually in the Seychelles, as a vehicle to bring member countries and personalities together," said Minister St.Ange

The Carnival in the Seychelles is a unique event, because it remains the only carnival where all the best and most sought-after carnivals all parade together and are followed by cultural troupes from the Community of Nations. ICTP has confirmed that they are looking at showcasing their message of green growth and other targeted messages through this April Carnival in Seychelles.

Minister Alain St.Ange used the opportunity of the meeting to present to Professor Lipman a copy of the limited edition coffee table book, “Seychelles, State House,” that he personally co-authored with Glynn Burridge for the 100th anniversary of the official opening of the State House of the Seychelles.

International monitors to travel to polling booths for presidential election in Azerbaijan

Oct 09, 2013

Today, Wednesday, October 9, the nation of the Republic of Azerbaijan will hold a Presidential election which is being monitored by international observers from several international organizations including CAPDI (Centrist Asian Democratic Parties International) of which Seychelles founding President Sir James R. Mancham is the Vice President. CAPDI has sent an impressive delegation to Baku for the event.

Yesterday, Tuesday, October 8, the monitors met at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku with the representative of President Ilham Aliyev of the New Azerbaijan Party which has been the ruling party for 10 years and is making a bid for another 5 years. It is to be noted that Azerbaijan is a wealthy nation with the discovery of vast amounts of oil and gas. President Ilham Aliyev was recently credited “Man of the Year” by Business News Asia magazine for his vision and leadership in reducing poverty and for his policy to double the GDP of his nation by 2020. The monitors also met the Presidential candidate of the Whole Azerbaijan Popular Front Party, the Presidential candidate of the Azerbaijan Social Democratic Party, and Zahid Oruc, a Presidential candidate nominated on his own initiative.

For nearly 2 months the life of the Azerbaijan nation has been dominated by debate concerning the election, and according the polls, President Aliyev is forecast to win another 5-year term. With the political turmoil in many nations surrounding the Caspian region, public opinion appears to tend to the view that “the devil we know is better than the devil we don’t know” particularly as the charismatic President Aliyev remains an engaging and popular leader with an impressive track record of achievements which include making Baku one of the most modern capitals of the world today.

This morning, President Mancham will lead one of the 9 groups of international monitors and travel to different polling booths to observe the Presidential election in progress. The result of the election is expected this evening after which the monitors will hold a press conference.

Tourism of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands & Seychelles showcased at World Routes meeting in Las Vegas

Oct 09, 2013

The example of unity displayed by seven islands of the Indian Ocean to create a new tourism region was showcased by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, who is also the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organization.

Minister St.Ange was speaking as part of a panel on Investment Models alongside Mr. Michael Mabuyakhulu, the MEC from KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Dr. Charles E. Schlumberger from The World Bank; Mrs. Mmatsatsi Ramawela from TOMSA of South Africa; and Dr. Adam Wu, the Chief Operating Officer of the China Business Network. The panel was being moderated by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, the President of the ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners).

Minister St.Ange explained the concept behind the Vanilla Islands of the Indian Ocean and how this region was today being perceived as the new tourism destination. The Vanilla Islands are made up of Seychelles, La Reunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte, and Maldives.

The organization today has Mr. Pascal Viroleau as its CEO with Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles re-elected to serve as the Regional Organization's President.

Seychelles Minister for Tourism to chair historic meeting at World Routes in Vegas

Oct 08, 2013

The 2013 World Routes is taking place in Las Vegas with high-level participation from right across the world. The mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles is also present with a delegation led by Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture. He is being accompanied by Amy Michel, Senior Marketing Executive from the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Seychelles is one country that remains dependent on tourism, and the Minister said when talking to the press in Las Vegas that the island's tourism industry is the pillar of the Seychelles economy.

On Monday, the Seychelles delegation joined the forum on the subject “Linking Cruise to Aviation” opening contacts for the island's Minister with cruise ship executives. Minister St.Ange is expected to chair a historic meeting between tourism ministers and chief executives from the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean during this World Routes meeting in Las Vegas.

"Tourism remains very much a people industry. Tourism works through personal contacts, and Seychelles has and continues to have a proactive successful tourism industry, because we have been able to develop our tourism based on the traditional approach of human contact. We do it with passion, and we have remained relevant in the competitive world of tourism," Minister St.Ange said in Las Vegas.

Africa set to host World Routes 2015

Oct 08, 2013

It is now confirmed that Africa will host the 2015 World Routes Conference. The announcement was made during the Las Vegas meeting of World Routes 2013 by Mr. Michael Mabuyakhulu, the Minister for Economic Development and Tourism of the Province of KwaZulu Natal of South Africa in the presence of Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture of the Seychelles.

It is the city of Durban in South Africa that will be the host city for World Routes 2015 and Minister Mabuyakhulu said in Las Vegas that the event will be an African affair.

The news was welcomed by Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles who said that it was a great opportunity for South Africa to showcase itself and in so doing Africa as they did when they hosted with success the FIFA Football World Cup. "Seychelles will work with South Africa and with KwaZulu Natal to ensure that this World Routes Conference is the success it deserves to be for Africa," Minister St.Ange said.

LOCALS AND TOURISTS CELEBRATE

Bollywood explodes with excitement at Indian Ocean event

Oct 08, 2013

With an explosion of color and excitement, and with a Seychelles International Conference Centre full to capacity for the official opening evening of the first Seychelles-India Day Celebrations, the Seychelles-India Day’s official opening performance featured a star-studded line up, including Tanmoy Bose the known percussionist; 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 Mrs. Sarah Rene, wife of former President France Albert Rene, and H.E. the Indian High Commissioner, and the Bollywood superstar, Mr. R Madhavan.

Termed by organizers as “three days of spicy cuisine,” the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations official opening was launched by Mr. Danny Faure, the Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles. Vice President Faure used his address to congratulate the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, 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, Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, 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 it is today.

“For many years we’ve celebrated La Francophonie, Fet Afrik, the Commonwealth, and then we jumped India and China and went straight to celebrating 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,” Minister Alain St.Ange said.

Minister St.Ange also used his opening remarks to appeal to the Bollywood celebrities present in Seychelles for the first Seychelles-India Day Celebrations to spread the name of Seychelles as being the holiday destination with a difference.

“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, has been that Seychelles is magical. Please convey this back to India and become good ambassadors for Seychelles,” Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said.

The Minister also used his address to convey a message to 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 a 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 events," Minister St.Ange said to great acclamation from the crowd present.

The Indian High Commissioner said when he took the podium that he was happy and proud to be part of this momentous event, the launching of the first Seychelles-India Day Celebrations.

“This is the first time that a luminary of India celebrities in such large numbers have gathered in Seychelles. It is my pleasure to welcome them as they represent the rich heritage of the Indian culture from the fields of cinema, music, dance, and cuisine here in Seychelles,” said the Indian High Commissioner.

Seychelles and China confirm new cooperation agreement in tourism and culture

Oct 07, 2013

China has agreed to work with Seychelles to expand the distribution and sales of Seychelles tourism and the Department of Culture books. Through an agreement signed recently, the State Administration of Press Publication Radio Film and Television of the People’s Republic of China is now authorized to distribute and sell two of Seychelles’ tourism and cultural books in China. The agreement also makes provision for China to introduce a collection of contemporary books to as wide of an audience as possible in Seychelles. Contemporary books of Chinese politics history and literature, among many others, will soon reach the shelves of the Seychelles National Library for local readers. The agreement was concluded on behalf of Seychelles by Benjamine Rose, the Principal Secretary of Culture, and Wu Shulin, the Vice Minister of General Administration of Press Publication Radio Film and Television of People’s Republic of China.

Benjamine Rose said that the signing of the agreement lays a more consolidated basis for cooperation between Seychelles and China and that this move will help to achieve a more fruitful result in the field of distribution of each other's publications. She added that the agreement is a big boost for the Seychelles-China press and publishing industry in their endeavor to promote each country's respective works.

“More and more Seychellois readers today are starting to like Chinese literature with the hope to know more about China. The Chinese readers also have discovered, through recent publications, the Seychelles beauty and its culture. With the Chinese publishing industry going global, and with constantly raising their status in international circles of publication, the visibility for Seychelles will increase. The Chinese influence as a nation should also make our readers more fond of Chinese literature, their history, politics, and their culture,” Ms. Benjamine Rose said.

Mr. Wu Shulin said that a people-to-people relation can only be bridged with adequate information on each other’s culture: “China has 1.3 billion readers. Not even half of them have read about Seychelles. The relationship between the two nations can only grow if we know about each other’s culture. The Chinese contemporary books donated to Seychelles, and the Seychelles cultural and historical books on sale in China, will contribute to the growth of our people-to-people relationship.”

NEW ANNUAL TOURISM EVENT

Seychelles-India Day Celebrations kicks off

Oct 05, 2013

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 Alain St Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture.

The exhibition, “A Voyage in Time,” walks visitors to the exhibition through 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,” Minister St.Ange said.

Minister Alain St.Ange said that for the handful of Indians who first landed on the shores of these pristine islands way back in 1770, the journey has been long but smooth and prosperous.

“It is not only our respective governments who have made this possible. It is our people who have contributed in large measure to the warmth and prosperity of this relationship. After all, a relationship exists between people and not otherwise,” the Minister said.

Minister St.Ange also explained that both have mutually contributed to the development of Seychelles.

“We fully acknowledge the fact that Indians and Seychellois have not only co- existed in the country, but they also shared and partnered equally on our quests for development in all these years. Tracing back our footprints in the sands of time for the sake of old memories, this collection of photos will go a long way to further strengthen our respect and our commitment towards each other in the hope of an even better future,” the Minister for Tourism and Culture added.

It was Danny Faure, the Seychelles Vice President, who officially cut the ribbon declaring open the exhibition in the presence of the Indian High Commissioner to Seychelles, the Seychelles-Indian Day Celebrations Committee, senior government officials, and members of the Seychelles Indian community.

“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!

Minister of Seychelles heads for airline, airport and tourism leaders meeting in USA

Oct 05, 2013

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, accompanied by Amy Michel, the Senior Marketing Executive at the Seychelles Tourism Board, left Seychelles on Sunday to Las Vegas in the USA to participate in the world’s most important commercial aviation and tourism event of its kind that will take place on October 5-8, 2013.

This 2013 World Routes event is being co-hosted by Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport – the first time the event will be held in America. World Routes is a significant part of the city’s strategy to increase air service and attract more visitors.

Around 300 airlines, 750 airports, and over 100 tourism ministers and tourism boards CEOs are currently also heading to Las Vegas for World Routes, the 19th World Route Development Forum, to discuss the future of air services across the globe in more than 8,000 pre-arranged, face-to-face meetings and three high-profile conferences.

World Routes has said that core to the event are the face-to-face meetings which take place between attending airlines, airports, and tourism authorities providing airports and destinations with the opportunity to discuss their route with the carrier. In addition, World Routes 2013 will see a number of content streams running throughout the event which will bring together leaders from across the industry to participate in discussions that will set the commercial and political agenda for the industry.

This conference program includes the World Routes Strategy Summit, sponsored by Oman Airports Management Company and held in partnership with ICAO and the World Bank; the World Tourism Summit, sponsored by Brand USA and held in partnership with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP), and TTG, and Invest and Manage, as well as a program of Routes Talks.

Taking place during this year’s World Routes will be the first meeting of the Caribbean & Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. Chaired by Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture and the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, some 40 tourism ministers and CEOs of island tourism destinations from the Caribbean and from the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands have been invited for a historic meeting of these two groups known as Small Island States who are dependent on tourism for their economy.

High-level speakers who have also confirmed their participation include Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director, Virgin Galactic; Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Southwest Airlines & President, AirTran Airways; Estuardo Ortiz, Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, AviancaTaca; Lee McCabe, Head of Travel, Facebook; Christopher L. Thompson, President & CEO, Brand USA; Stephanie Villedrouin, Minister of Tourism, Haiti; Prof. Jack Kasarda, Director – Centre for Air Commerce, University of North Carolina; and Jaime Daly, CEO, Latin American Airport Holding (LAAH).

FIRST SEYCHELLES-INDIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Seychelles islands welcome glitzy and glamorous Bollywood stars

Oct 04, 2013

After taking Europe by storm in their mission to mark the 100 years of Bollywood, cinema high profiles of the Indian film and music industry touched down on Seychelles islands for the first edition of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations.

Once Emirates Airlines landed at Seychelles International Airport, the 23 Bollywood mainstream actors, actresses, singers, flautist, and percussionist disembarked in true show-business star fashion. Never before has Seychelles International Airport hosted such a large group of the finest from the Indian entertainment world.

The star of the moment was Ranganathan Madhavan, the guest of honor of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations. Madhavan, ranked among the top ten Indian actors, will join Terrence Lewis, the ace Indian choreographer, and other Bollywood stars in an open air gala evening – flooding the town of Victoria with Indian tunes.

He said that he is thrilled to be in Seychelles.

“It’s the first time that I come to Seychelles, and it’s surely a fascinating experience to be here not only for the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations, but also that of being the guest of honor of this first Seychelles-India Day Celebrations. The beauty of the Indian Ocean will surely be an inspiration for my future films.”

Aakriti Kakkar, another knock-out Bollywood vocalist, walked her way down the plane – the ultimate depiction of the modern Indian super star.

“I am proud to represent my country for the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations. Seychelles is an island of un-touched beauty, and I am looking forward to discover the Island,” said Aakriti Kakkar.

Sivamani, Indian top percussionist, brings to Seychelles his own fusion of drumming, of which he gave an impromptu session to the media interviewing the celebrities at the VIP Lounge at the Seychelles International Airport.

For the red carpet event at the first edition of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations, celebrities Aakriti Kakkar, Shazahn Padamsee, Anjana Sukhani, Miss India Universe Ushoni Sen, actor Madhavan, and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor will be dressed by New Delhi-based designer collections by Mayyur Girota. Mayyur Girota is the official designer of the Seychelles-India Day Celebrations.

“I will give different looks to all celebrities. Anjana will be wearing a chikan lehenga with choli while Shazahn will be dressed in a cocktail sari.”

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, and Benjamine Rose, Principal Secretary for Culture, were both at the Seychelles International Airport to welcome the Bollywood celebrities. Minister St.Ange said, “Today I am proud that Seychelles-India Day has come into fruition.”

Local press were at international airport to capture the exciting moment of the landing of the celebrities.

HELP FOR TOURISM-BASED COUNTRY

World Bank approves loan for Seychelles’ reform plans

Oct 03, 2013

The World Bank Board of Directors have announced the approval of funds to support Seychelles’ efforts to modernize its business climate, improve the transparency and sustainability of government expenditure, and better target the people who need social services.

The $7 million loan will support Seychelles’ Second Sustainability and Competitiveness Development Policy Loan, the second in a series of three loans to help the government implement reforms that will contribute to improve the business climate in Seychelles, enhance fiscal transparency, enhance public financial management, improve the distribution of social assistance and its monitoring, and increase fiscal oversight and the management of public enterprises.

Finance, Trade and Investment Minister Pierre Laporte has welcomed the announcement as a step in the right direction, and explained that although the government of Seychelles was actively working to bring down its public debt to GDP ratio, it has at times been necessary to borrow additional funds in order to increase liquidity to implement various fiscal policies under the economic reform.

“The funds we are receiving from the World Bank are well within our debt ceiling and will have no negative impact on our objective to have a steady decline over time,” he said.

Marcelo Giugale, the World Bank's Director of Economic Policy and Poverty Reduction Programs for Africa, has noted that Seychelles has already achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals, especially for education, health, poverty eradication, and the environment.

“Today’s financing will assist the government to further consolidate its macroeconomic framework and improve public sector efficiency through tighter monitoring of government spending and transfers, and implement a program-based budgeting system,” he said.

The funds will support steps to make it easier to start a new business by modernizing the country’s 1972 Companies Act, help implement the recently-introduced Insolvency Law, help improve transparency and governance in the petroleum and fisheries sectors, and also assist in strengthening the financial management of public institutions.

Seychelles tourism industry digs in to keep Seychelles green

Oct 02, 2013

“Planting trees is essential to keep our environment green for future generations. We must continue to be seen to be good custodians of what we have; this is why we mud whorl together to keep on with the preservation of our unique environment,” said Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism & Culture.

Mr. St.Ange was speaking at a tree planting ceremony held at the Morne Blanc National Park on the main island of Mahe, as one of the final events being held to mark this year’s edition of the Seychelles Tourism Week.

A group of employees from the Seychelles Tourism Board, together with another group from the Seychelles Breweries Ltd., a faithful partner in this year’s events, arrived at Morne Blanc National Park very early on Saturday morning to do their part in the 20,0000 trees planting campaign aimed at the reforestation of Seychelles.

“I am proud to announce today that we have hit the 18,000 mark in our campaign, and we are well on our way to reaching our target,” said Ministry of Environment representative, Flavien Joubert.

True to form, those present took the shovels and hoes provided by the Department of Environment specifically for planting the 80 endemic palm trees.

“We must realize that without the environment there is no tourism industry, it is for this reason that such activities are essential to helping this industry flourish,” said Mr. St.Ange. This message was reinforced by Mrs. Patricia Berthelot, the Managing Director of Seychelles Breweries Limited.

In a little over an hour, after enthusiastically ploughing their way through the allocated areas in the park, all those present were able to finish planting their plants.

At the end of the exercise, the Seychelles Tourism Board, Seychelles Breweries Ltd., and those from the Department of Environment agreed that they would hold more such activities in the future, as Seychelles’ pristine nature was a key element of attracting visitors to its shores.

Fitch rating confirms positive macroeconomic outlook for Seychelles

Oct 02, 2013

International ratings agency Fitch has completed its most recent rating of Seychelles and delivered an overall rating of “B,” declaring the economic outlook “positive.” The government of Seychelles’ strict fiscal discipline and budget surplus were cited as contributing factors for the rating.

The rating is unchanged from this January’s rating of “B Positive Outlook,” and the key ratings drivers were positive fiscal dynamics, improved macroeconomic stability, completion of the public debt restructuring process, sustained GDP growth levels, and high levels of economic and human growth development.

According to Fitch, a “B Positive Outlook’’ rating defines Seychelles as “currently capable of meeting its financial commitments,” but it has warned in its report that any reversal of fiscal reforms or relaxation of expenditure controls could lead to a subsequent downgrade in ratings.

Fitch has also stated in its report that factors which could lead to an upgrade in ratings were continued reduction of public debt levels, enhanced credibility of the macroeconomic framework, continued increase in external liquidity, and sustained GDP growth underpinned by continuing structural reforms.

Fitch has affirmed Seychelles’ long-term foreign currency issuer default rating (IDR) at “B,” long-term local currency IDR at “B+,” and short-term foreign currency IDR at “B.” Fitch has also confirmed Seychelles Country Ceiling at “B.”

Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, Pierre Laporte, said that the ratings were important, because it provided an independent overview of the Seychelles’ economic outlook both for international organizations and for the people of Seychelles.

“We are very pleased; we think it is as expected, and it proves that our economy is very stable, and we are going in the right direction,” said Minister Laporte of the positive rating. “We are also very pleased that Fitch in its report recognizes that our policies are credible and that they believe in where we are going as a country.”

Historic meeting set between Caribbean and Vanilla Islands Ministers

Oct 01, 2013

The first meeting of the Caribbean & Indian Ocean Vanilla islands will take place in one week when island ministers gather at World Routes 2013 to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, in one week.

Some 40 Tourism Ministers and CEOs of island tourism destinations from the Caribbean and from the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands have been invited for a historic meeting of these two groups known as the Small Island States who are dependent on tourism for their economy.

The meeting is being spearheaded by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, the President of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) and Director of GreenEarth.travel, and supported by Gerard Brown, the Director of Tourism at World Routes.

Chairing this first historic meeting which will be Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, and the sitting President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. The meeting will be part of the World Routes 2013 program and is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 8, at 1535 hours in the Routes Talks Theatre No. 1.

Seychelles Tourism Minister heads for Air Access and Tourism World Routes

Oct 01, 2013

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism & Culture, Alain St.Ange, has confirmed to the press that he will be attending the 19th World Route Development Forum due to take place in Las Vegas, USA, from October 5-8. This conference is set to be the largest Routes event to date and is expected to attract 3,000 high-profile delegates from more than 100 countries worldwide. The conference which is being co-hosted by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport will be held in the Las Vegas Convention Centre and will mark the first time any Routes event has been held in the USA. The Seychelles Minister will be accompanied by Amy Michel, a Senior Marketing Representative from the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Routes is considered to be the premier global forum for airline route networking which revolves around a series of pre-scheduled, face-to-face meetings, an exhibition (Networking Village), airline opportunity briefings, and a strategy summit. Everything about the 3-day event is designed to get aviation’s thought leaders and decision-makers meeting and talking to discuss the hottest topics facing the industry and to generate new air services, while creating increased tourism demand. The decisions made at World Routes events often have a huge economic impact on a local, national, and international scale, which is why over 100 countries are represented at World Routes.

In a world where competition in route development is on the increase, airlines are looking to gather market information and data on new route opportunities; build and manage relationships; negotiate routes; and agree on marketing support with airports, stakeholders, and tourism authorities. To meet the demand for more collaboration, World Routes 2013 will enable Interline, Alliance and Codeshare managers to meet with other carriers to talk through interline agreements, marketing deals, SPAs, and scheduled connections.

World Routes has consistently provided airports with the opportunity to meet and present their market to the world’s airlines and, as the largest gathering of airlines and network planners, Las Vegas promises to be no exception.

Seychelles hosted what is widely acclaimed as the most successful Routes Africa forum in April 2012 and continues to attend Routes events where routinely someone from the Seychelles’ tourism or aviation industry is given the opportunity to talk about the destination or is represented on one of the discussion panels.

In the upcoming forum in Las Vegas, the Seychelles Tourism Board has been shortlisted for the “Best Destination Marketing Campaign,” award, which Seychelles has won twice consecutively at World Routes 2012 & Routes Africa 2013.

At the forum’s Tourism Strategy Summit on Tuesday, October 8, Minister St.Ange has been selected as a participant in a debate entitled “ICTP Session on New Investment Models” to be moderated by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) and Director of GreenEarth.travel. He is set to also chair a Minister's Forum at World Routes 2013.

"The World Routes conference is a joint airline, civil aviation authority, and tourism board tripartite gathering and remains so important for Seychelles, a small country so dependent on tourism, the industry that remains the pillar of the island's economy," Minister Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles said.

The Tourism Legacy of

ALAIN ST.ANGE

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