Another group of Commissioned Agents received professional certificate

A new group of practicing and aspiring Commissioned Agents has been presented with their certificates after following a one-day training session on October 9, 2018, at the Seychelles Port Authority (SPA).

The workshop, which was facilitated by Mrs. Murla Gabriel, from the STA was organized by the Tourism Department in conjunction with its partners – the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) and the SPA, broadened the participants’ knowledge in customer services and communication skills.

The nine agents received their certificates in a short presentation ceremony at the end of the workshop, in the presence of the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley, Principal Secretary for Tourism Mrs. Anne Lafortune, STA Principal Mr. Flavien Joubert and representatives from the Ports Authority.

Certificates handed to the participants were endorsed by the Seychelles Tourism Academy. The certification acquired will facilitate their requests for a license to actually perform their job in conformity with Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA) regulations.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley, commented on the importance of all sectors of tourism service providers to enhance their stand and practice.

Minister Dogley congratulated the certificate holders on their commitment and concern to take the individual step that will play as to better the local tourism industry.

“There is a lot of efforts done by the Seychelles Tourism Board to market the country. As our logo for the tourism campaign goes, “We are tourism.” It is important that as a destination, we can provide the kind of service that honors our Creole culture. We want to entice tourists to come regularly after their first visit, this is the reason why the department is putting in so much effort in helping all service providers to give better service,” said Minister Dogley.

After the workshop, the participants had the opportunity to interact with the minister and the Principal Secretary for the Tourism Department, Anne Lafortune. The agents raised concerns they had about challenges faced by their businesses and the marketing of other small local licensed operators.

Other concerns raised where in regard to competition from bigger service providers and the growing existence of other illegal operators.

Initiated in 2017, the training has seen two groups of individuals from Mahé and the inner islands, certificated so far.