Eight pioneers of tourism industry honoured |04 October 2017

Eight more pioneers of the tourism industry have been honoured with the engraving of their names at what has been named the Seychelles Tourism Pioneer Park (STPP).

They are the late former president Sir James R. Mancham, Louis D’Offay of Hotel L’Archipel, Maryse Eichler from the hotel school, Zita Monthy from Carefree Guest House and Restaurant, Raymond Delorie of Beau Vallon Beach Hotel, Adrien Michel of Continental Hotel,  John de Malta Mascarenhas of Hotel de Mascarenhas and Richard Mancham of Continental Hotel.

Their names have been added on a list of other remarkable and significant contributors to the building of Seychelles tourism industry engraved on ceramic tiles displayed on concrete pillars erected at the park located at the entrance of the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), La Misère.

The ceremony took place yesterday morning at the academy in the presence of the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, the principal of STA Flavien Joubert, the chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Sherin Francis, STA and STB staff, along with the students undertaking the Tourism and Tour Guiding course at the academy.

Earlier names on the list include those of Robert Michaud of Northolme Hotel, Gerard Legrand of Hotel Des Seychelles, Marcel Le Marchand of Hotel Des Palmes and Henry Savy of Raffles Hotel.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne said it is vital to remember pioneers’ inputs in our industry.

“This location at the gate of the STA was chosen for the main reason to all young people with an interest in the tourism industry. The fact that it has blossomed over the years is thanks to the efforts of dedicated individuals who have been instrumental to make our tourism industry the pillar of our economy,” he said.

He added those pioneers have dedicated their lives to create a more vibrant Seychelles, and allowing visitors to have a wonderful experience.

“In most cases these pioneers set out into uncharted waters with few points of reference beyond their own desire and determination to see Seychelles’ nascent tourism industries flourish,” he said.

It was the former President James Michel who opened the park in 2015.

Mr Joubert said students at the academy take pride in having the STPP to enhance their knowledge.

“With this pioneers’ park at the academy, students will start here, to learn about our pioneers who have their names on these walls, who dedicated their lives, energy and know-how for our tourism industry to be the success that it is today,” he said.

The names of the eight tourism pioneers were announced during the tourism ball on Saturday.

Speaking to the media after the unveiling of the names, the chief executive of STB Sherin Francis pointed out that such initiative started two years ago, to give value to individuals who have contributed in the tourism industry.

“We invited the public to nominate individuals who can become tourism pioneer; we have a very long list of around 100 names. We will try our best to continue with such tradition,” she said.