Culture plays key role in tourism industry – VP Belmont |26 September 2009
The appeal by Mr Belmont – who is also the minister for tourism – came in a message to
He welcomed this year’s theme – Tourism: Celebrating Diversity – with its focus on the world’s cultural wealth. It has allowed us to reflect on the importance of culture in developing a sustainable tourism industry, and as such the industry has to contribute towards preserving our cultural wealth, he added.
For a long time, the tourism industry has put more emphasis on the natural environment and has placed little importance on the cultural perspectives of tourism. It is time for the tourism industry to focus on the country’s cultural diversity as well.
“Environmental attributes alone, though they are vitally important to Seychelles’ tourism industry, are not sufficient if we want to see our tourism industry thrive,” said Mr Belmont.
“This is especially so now that we are faced with the daunting challenge of the current global economic crisis where we have to do the utmost to ensure that the industry survives this difficult time and keeps growing for the benefit of the people.”
The tourism industry is one the most dynamic sectors of Seychelles’ economy, contributing some 60% of our foreign exchange earnings; however, it has much more than just economic potential.
“Tourism has the ability to stimulate and preserve our local traditions, as well as to radiate them across the world as it brings different communities and nations together,” said Mr Belmont.
And, in this world of globalisation, where nations run the risk of seeing the gradual disappearance of their local traditions, it is important that our tourism plays its role in ensuring our local traditions and customs withstand these negative impacts of globalisation, he added.
The government, through the Seychelles Tourism Board, is already supporting our cultural diversity by encouraging and helping our local artists with art exhibitions overseas and through various cultural activities, including the Creole Festival, and the local bazaars.
For example, the Bazar Labrin and Bazar Ovan provide the platform for showcasing our local craftwork, our traditional music and Creole food.
“On this World Tourism Day, I take the opportunity to sincerely thank and congratulate all those in the tourism trade who are already contributing towards making our rich culture and tourism industry flourish,” said Mr Belmont.
“I also call on all stakeholders, irrespective of whether you are directly or indirectly involved in tourism, to be part of the preservation of our diverse culture and the development of a sustainable tourism industry, and to make our tourism industry an example to all other nations.
“It is only by coming together that we can preserve, support and celebrate our cultural wealth and diversity.”