Chinese investors give R100,000 |24 February 2011

And the People’s Republic of China is giving its financial support for the event.

Chinese ambassador Wang Weiguo presented a cheque for R100,000 to Alain St Ange, chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, at its Bel Ombre headquarters on Tuesday.

The donation comes from a group of Chinese investors and businessmen who have responded to the appeal for everyone to come forward and support the carnival.

Mr St Ange thanked China for its support, which he said fully complements the efforts of the tourism board to see the event become a big success for Seychelles.

He added that despite not having a float in the procession, the Chinese culture will still be represented through Chinese acrobats who will be performing on another float. And the Chinese press will also be part of the international media contingent.

Mr St Ange also said the support from China is very important, especially as Seychelles is trying to break into the Chinese tourism market.

“China is today a small market for Seychelles, but it has the potential to bring us more visitors and we are working on increasing our market share in that promising market,” he said.

“Today, I want to thank the Chinese embassy for all its support, both with the carnival and on our tourism marketing front.”

Ambassador Wang said the carnival is important not only to bring the nation together but also to market Seychelles as a tourism destination throughout the world.

He added that though they cannot have a float this year, they will work on being present at next year’s carnival as they want to play a bigger part in this important event.

Mr Wang thanked the group of sponsors who came together to make this donation.

They include the Chinese embassy, China State Construction, Qingjian Group, China Shenyang Corporation building contractor, China Sports International, Yangtze Construction, Mahe Transport Services, VAB Pty and Linro Global.

After the donation, Mr Wang and Mr St Ange had talks about Seychelles’ marketing activities in China and how the market is faring.