Vanilla Islands’ tourism showcased at World Routes meeting |12 October 2013

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

Minister St Ange was speaking as part of a panel on investment models alongside Michael Mabuyakhulu, Minister for Economic Development and Tourism of the Province of KwaZulu Natal of South Africa, Dr Charles E. Schlumberger from the World Bank, Mmatsatsi Ramawela from TOMSA of South Africa and Dr. Adam Wu, chief operating officer of the China Business Network.
 
The panel was 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 is today being perceived as the new tourism destination.
The Vanilla Islands are made up of Seychelles, Reunion, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, Mayotte and Maldives.

The organisation’s chief executive is Pascal Viroleau of Reunion, while Minister St Ange was recently re-elected as president.