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Tourism students urged to “look and be smart” |01 March 2017

“When you are in this (tourism) academy, and learning, you have to look smart, be smart and you must always smile.”

This was the message of the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne when welcoming the new cohort of students at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), La Misere for the year 2017.

The students were accompanied by their parents.

In all 337 new students are to take on a two-year course in the various programmes of studies offered by STA. They are joining the more than 200 who are following further studies there.

The new students were welcomed and briefed on their responsibilities at the academy in a ceremony hosted by the minister himself; the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune; the principal of STA Flavien Joubert; chairman of the STA governing board John Stravens and other tourism and STA officials.

“Why have you chosen a career in tourism?  I am sure there are many different replies. But I would like to explain the importance of tourism. It is a world and global industry, it is the most important industry economically, for the socio-development of any country engaged in tourism. In Seychelles as you all know, this industry is the pillar of our economy,” said Mr Loustau-Lalanne.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne told the students that his wish is for them, after completing their studies, to help the country improve on its service delivery because the industry will become more important in future.

“Your contribution will be very important to raise the standard of our tourism industry,” said Minister Loustau-Lalanne, urging the students to learn something new every day for their own empowerment.

He assured them of the government’s commitment through the Ministry of Tourism, to invest in the academy through infrastructure and manpower.

Mr Joubert informed the students of the strict element of discipline at the academy and of different channels in place at the STA for any issues or concerns they may have and urged them to make good use of these.

He cited examples like finance, uniforms, internship, allowance, lateness, discipline etc…

“This avenue works very well and can deal with any situation that may arise at the academy,” he advised the students.

As for Mr Stravens he had words of wisdom for the new cohort. 

“The road may be hard sometimes but NEVER quit. Even though some may be faster in achieving the end result, never give up,” he told the students.

“Always aim at what you want. Just be slow and steady, at your own pace, and you will reach there,” he said.

The ceremony started off with prayers by Reverend Danny Elizabeth of the Anglican Church.

 

 

 

 

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