Carnaval International de Victoria |24 April 2014

Sponsors thanked for being partners of Seychelles’ biggest visibility event

The annual Carnaval International de Victoria needs the support of sponsors either in kind or in cash for its success, Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange has told representatives of sponsors.

He said this during a gathering to thank the sponsors for being partners of the biggest visibility event Seychelles stages.  

The minister said the carnival is a major event in many ways – the number of people who come to Victoria during that time which shows that they appreciate it and it positions the country in the world.

“There are no two major events in Seychelles that give these islands as much coverage as the carnival does. And I am happy again to announce that this year 151 media houses are being represented here for the event,” he said while explaining that it is not just any media outlet but quite prestigious ones like CNN (Cable News Network), BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), SABCC from South Africa, CCTV from China and world famous tourism publications like Condé Nast.

The minister described it as amazing for Seychelles to have so many press and TV channels in the country covering the event which clearly shows it is the biggest the country stages.

Minister St Ange also pointed out that it is impossible for Seychelles, as small as it is, to stage an event without sponsors.

“We have looked at it in many, many ways and we need the support we can get in kind and in cash from the private sector,” said Minister St Ange while also stating that they also benefit from sponsorship either directly or indirectly.

He suggested that more people should come out and tell the ministry or the Seychelles Tourism Board that they want to support the event. “What is good for Seychelles is good for the businesses of Seychelles,” said the minister as he thanked the sponsors for their contributions and added that he counts on their continuous support so as to become real partners of his ministry and the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Mr St Ange said he will ensure that the sponsors are showcased in every publications of his ministry.

One of the major sponsors of the Carnaval International de Victoria, Air Seychelles, is the airline partner of the carnival and the minister said the national airline has a vital role to play towards the success of such an event.

Apart from Air Seychelles-Etihad, other major sponsors are Hunt Deltel, ISPC, Airtel, Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). Other sponsors present were Eden Island, Seychelles Petroleum Company, Chez Deenu and Dr Murthy’s Clinic, Seychelles Breweries and Coral Strand. They all expressed their appreciation in sponsoring the carnival.

The Carnaval International de Victoria is a Vanilla Islands event and will take place from April 25-27.