Tourism trade gives ideas on how to boost industry |26 July 2014

A series of recommendations aimed at giving a boost to the tourism industry have been put forward following the Seychelles Tourism Board’s mid-year marketing meeting held last week.

This year’s meeting which took place at the new Savoy Resort and Spa was aimed at giving an overview and review of achievements attained during the first half of the year as well as to hold discussions on various tourism aspects for the coming months.

Attending the meeting were Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune, chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Sherin Naiken and her deputy Nathalie Didon, tourism trade representatives and those of the business community at large.

Following presentations on the state of business positioning and other related aspects given by directors of the STB’s overseas offices, suggestions and points of concern by the trade were raised.

Among the suggestions given on how to increase yield in the tourism industry and to encourage tourists to choose our islands as the dream destination were an increase in interesting activities to entice visitors to our shores and promoting our culture more in the tourism industry especially in hotels.

In her closing remarks, Miss Naiken spoke on the various points raised during discussions such as air connectivity which remains a key aspect in developing any market and for it to grow.

Miss Naiken said there is a need for all partners concerned with this point raised to work together to find a solution.

“There are a lot of initiatives that can be put in place, but we also need to impress the agents and get them to come and experience Seychelles for themselves. For that we need the support of partner airlines,” she said.

She also spoke on the issue of value for money and competition with other destinations.
Miss Naiken also echoed the need for the tourism trade to join in the venture of making a difference in the industry, which remains the main pillar of our economy.

She also reaffirmed the STB’s commitment to working with hotels to promote those establishments that go all the way to incorporate cultural activities in their programme.

She added that rewarding systems will have to be put in place so as to encourage hotels to join in the promotion of our culture.
On his part, Minister St Ange also reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment and support to the trade sector and called on those present to team up as together much more can be done.

Minister St Ange pointed out that tourism remains and will remain the main pillar of the Seychelles economy.