SHTA gives STB guarded welcome |09 April 2005

While the formation of the STB has been warmly received, the manner in which it has been established has been less enthusiastically embraced, by the tourism trade representative body.

Designed to increase the involvement of the private sector in tourism policy making and direction, the STB bill was passed by the National Assembly at the end of March and moves are now underway to decide upon the members of the board.

With the president of the SHTA, Louis D'Offay, over seas, the vice-president of the association Francis Mondon gave a guarded response to the STB.

"The change is positive and we are happy to be onboard," said Mr Mondon, but added, "it has to be done in the right manner, has to be the right people who run it."

He also stressed the need to reassure Seychelles' foreign tourism partners that the change was a positive one.

"We hope our partners overseas see it as a good initiative," he said.

He also called for the STB to be given the necessary backing by the government.
"It is imperative that recommendations put forward and marketing strategy from the board receive the appropriate government support."

"There is massive competition out there and we have to keep up," warned the SHTA deputy.

Mr Mondon said that the SHTA recognised the need to work with the government, but added that, "it remains to be seen how it will be implemented."
So far the members of the board are yet to be approved.

"Nominations went in last week, it was very much rushed through," said Mr Mondon.
From the private sector there is one nominee from the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and four private individuals.