Follow us on:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Archive -Tourism

Glittering start to Tourism Week 2014 |29 September 2014


This year’s Tourism Week, which is being celebrated under the theme ‘Tourism: Our communities’ greatest wealth’, got off to a glamourous start on Saturday evening when the tourism industry hosted its annual tourism ball.

The event, held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, was attended by the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange and other ministers, principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune, chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Sherin Naiken, Miss Seychelles … Another World 2014 Camilla Estico and other invitees.

Members of the local media houses also attended the event.

In his address, Mr St Ange said that Seychellois needs to be the leader in the tourism industry.

He appealed to all Seychellois “to make an effort to claim the ownership of our tourism industry as the industry benefits all Seychellois”.

Mr St Ange talked about the discussions he has had with the Minister for Home Affairs and Transport Joël Morgan on how to enhance the Seychelles-France relationship.

“After our discussions Minister Morgan has agreed to relook into having Air Seychelles making two direct flights to Paris and China,” he said.

Mr St Ange took the opportunity to thank Ms Naiken and her team for working hard to promote Seychelles as ‘The Destination’.

The efforts being made to ensure Seychelles remain visible as a destination have had the help of staff members from the tourism industry and those with more than 10 years of service in that industry were presented with a token of appreciation. Among those rewarded Louis Denousse is the longest serving worker with 35 years.

Mr St Ange called on those who are committed to see the tourism industry grow to continue the good work already completed so far.

STB chief executive Sherin Renaud said: “What is the point of tourism if not to benefit our community? We need to appreciate the value of a community which can sustain itself through its various activities; and as the various families are empowered, it makes our society even stronger.

I am a firm believer that this can be the underlying catalyst to fight the various social ills affecting our country. Therefore, as a country we should be seen to encourage policies which allow tourism activities to grow, policies which are inclusive of our people as it is these very policies which will bring equitable growth for Seychelles.”

During the ceremony, a cake was also cut to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the Sesel Sa! tourism magazine. At its launch during last year’s Tourism Ball, the magazine was described by Mr St Ange as a home-grown tool for promoting and supporting tourism to our islands.

Speaking to Seychelles Nation Ms Naiken said that “the Tourism Ball is the chance that we get to bring all our partners together and is a way of thanking them for their support they give to us. And this year I believe that the theme is very much appropriate with our vision that we want everyone to get involved in the tourism industry. I urge the community to join with us as at the end of the day it is not only the STB who benefits but all of us”.

During the event all paying guests also took part in a raffle draw with their tickets and Miss Seychelles ... Another World 2014 also unveiled the banner for the next Miss Seychelles … Another World pageant next year.


 

 

 

» Back to Archive