Minister for Tourism Visits Tourism Establishments on Praslin

Continuing his visits to tourism industry partners, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ambassador Sylvestre Radegonde headed to Praslin on Friday, August 6, where smaller accommodation establishments on Seychelles’ second largest island confirmed first hand they are enjoying their fair share of the tourism pie.

The visits, which provide an opportunity for the Minister and his team to see the range of products on offer, started at Grand Anse Praslin and included nine establishments with a capacity of fewer than 20 rooms.

“The visits were very fruitful in confirming that the occupancy rates are extremely satisfactory for our small establishments with the majority of hoteliers saying they have enjoyed around 100% occupancy in the past months. It appears that there is a balanced distribution in where visitors to the destination choose to stay,” said Minister Radegonde.

Expressing his pleasure at being able to reaffirm his ministry’s commitment of to all partners in person, Minister Radegonde said, “The ministry is ready to assist partners to better their product and service delivery as well as provide assistance with their visibility and marketing in general.”  

The Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, who accompanied the minister on the visit, stated, “Our figures show that Praslin is one of the most visited islands of our destination. Aside from day visitors, 19% of our 384, 204 visitors chose to stay on Praslin during their time in Seychelles in 2019.  This shows that the island is much appreciated by our visitors, and as we are focusing on enhancing our guests’ experience of the destination, we will ensure that the opinion of partners on Praslin are part of the decisions taken,” said Mrs. Francis.

The hoteliers expressed their appreciation of the visit to Minister Radegonde and his delegation, also advising that they are looking forward to engaging and working with the Tourism Department to better their products and services.

Amongst the issues brought to the Minister’s attention by the hoteliers were excessive seaweed on the shore, particularly at Grand Anse, during the current season. They have also shared with the Minister, sighting many more stingrays than usual close to shore on Praslin and continued beach erosion in some places.

The establishments visited by the Minister, Principal Secretary and their delegation on Praslin included Jenny Self Catering, Palm Beach Hotel, Hotel Plein Soleil, Diamond Plaza Self-catering, Beach Villa – Guest House, ANV Holiday Apartments, Dhevatara Beach Hotel, Villa de Mer and Villa Admiral Self-catering in the vicinity of Cote D’Or and Grand Anse.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, [email protected]