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Flynas announces delay in direct flights between KSA and Seychelles

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Announced for July 1, 2021, the commencement of Flynas’ flights linking the Seychelles islands to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been deferred to a later date.

Information communicated by the Flynas’ representatives to the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority indicates that the deferment of their direct flight from Jeddah to Mahé relates to the capacity of the brand new A320 Neo aircraft assigned to the destination, affecting its payload and range. The airline has also confirmed that a project is currently underway for the aircraft to obtain ETOPS clearance following which the operation will be launched.

The Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, has affirmed the destination’s support for the new flights, which was due to operate three times a week, despite the delay in the start date.

“The delay in the launch of Flynas’ flights to Seychelles is only a minor setback, which we are confident they will resolve. Our plans for the market is in no way affected and we look forward to seeing them land in our islands soon.”

On her part, the incoming Principal Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, commented that despite being disappointed that Flynas will not be landing in Seychelles in July as initially planned, the destination is looking forward to welcoming its passengers the moment this becomes possible.

“It is regrettable that Flynas will not be coming to Seychelles as mentioned in July, but this will not stop us from continuing our work to keep Seychelles visible in the region. We anticipate that the situation will be resolved soon and that the destination will be able to welcome visitors from Saudi Arabia and the region soon,” said Mrs. Francis.

The destination has recorded approximately some 300 visitors from Saudi Arabia since January 2021 and a significant increase is forecasted from the region once Flynas begins flying to Seychelles. The Flynas A320 Neo aircraft has a capacity for 174 passengers.

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Seychelles Department of Tourism announces key appointments

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The Seychelles Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, has announced the new structure and key appointments for the Department of Tourism at a staff meeting, held virtually, on Friday, June 25, 2021, from Botanical House.

This follows the Assent by the President of the Republic on Friday, June 25, 2021 of the Repeal of the Seychelles Tourism Board Act of 2005, approved by the National Assembly on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

The new Department which falls under the purview of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, merges the functions, staff, resources and assets of the former Department of Tourism which focused on regulatory and policy issues, and the destination’s independent marketing entity, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), to bring efficiency and synergy in operations to ensure better results with fewer resources.

The Minister assured the 121 staff of the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Department of Tourism who joined the meeting from Botanical House, Praslin, La Digue and overseas that none of them would be made redundant as result of the restructuring, and that moreover, STB staff moving to the Department will retain their length of service an accumulated leave and will, as much as possible, retain their remuneration packages.

Under the new structure, the Department will be headed by the newly-appointed Principal Secretary, Mrs. Sherin Francis. Mrs. Francis has served as the Chief Executive of the STB since 2013 and replaces former PS Ms. Anne Lafortune.

Commenting on her appointment, incoming PS Francis said: “The country is going through one of its most challenging times and it is important that we remain focused on the main priorities from the outset. The efficient use of our resources is very important in that process for us to achieve our objectives. I am definitely looking forward to the challenge and I count on the support of our staff and, not least, our various partners in the process.”

The Principal Secretary will be supported by four core units headed by seasoned tourism professionals with sound knowledge of the industry. This will include a Secretariat, responsible for PR and Communications, as well as the International Cooperation role of the Department.

Ms. Jenifer Sinon, the Deputy Chief Executive of STB since November 2016, and prior to that, Executive Director of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, has been appointed as Director General, Human Resources and Administration Division.

Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, who has been serving as the Regional Director for STB based in Paris for the last 11 years, will head the Destination Marketing Division. Well-known and respected by travel and tourism industry professionals both locally and overseas, with a strong marketing, data-led and relationship-driven approach, Mrs. Willemin, who joined STB in 1994, will be responsible for driving the destination’s promotional and marketing efforts across all the main markets, ensuring that Seychelles remains visible and that demand for travel to the country remains high.

The Destination Planning and Development Division will be headed by industry professional Mr. Paul Lebon who has worked for many years in the private sector. As Director General, Mr. Lebon, who brings much needed product as well as market knowledge and relationships to the role, will oversee the planning and advancement of the destination, focusing on the product development diversification, policy and standards setting as well as the Industry Human Resources planning and development.

Both Mr. Lebon and Mrs. Willemin will assume their new roles on September 1, 2021.

L-R – Mrs. Sherin Francis, Ms. Jenifer Sinon, Mr. Paul Lebon, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin

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Sustainable gastronomy in the Seychelles Islands

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Present in the typical Seychellois kitchen, sustainable gastronomy plays a significant role in the creole community not only in Seychelles but also amongst the island nation’s denizens around the world.

Influenced by its diverse heritage, creole cuisine is bursting with a myriad of flavors and the Seychellois are very conscious of where the ingredients are from, how the food is grown and how it gets to markets and eventually onto their tables. Sustainable gastronomy essentially allows us to choose food that is both healthy to the environment and our bodies and the good news is that wherever you are in the world, you too may benefit from it.

Here are a few sustainable practices you can adopt from creole cuisine:

Keep it seasonal – Seychellois households remain conscious of purchasing foods that are in season which leads to sustainable eating; this involves consuming certain food whilst they are abundant, benefiting the environment’s natural production as well as your wallet.

Be flexible – Be ready to adjust your menu depending on what is available. Creole dishes have various alternatives to account for the availability of ingredients; this prevents the disturbance of natural production.

Local is best – Obtain fresh ingredients from your local farms and producers and get to know more about what you put in your body. In the tiny Seychelles community, the islanders build relationships with their local supplier, which allows them to ask questions about the products and even get tips on how to make the most out of them.

Choose sustainable seafood – By getting closer to your supplier you have a better idea of whether or not they have used sustainable methods of fishing. Being a small island nation, most fishermen in the Seychelles Islands use sustainable fishing methods and stay away from mass fishing and most locals have their regular suppliers making it easier to make sustainable choices.

Be aware of your fish and seafood choices – Although a healthier option, some species of fish are over-fished and are reducing in numbers. Before purchasing seafood, educate yourself on their production and their demand on the market. Some species such as lobsters are subject to closed seasons to enable stocks to regenerate. The Seychelles Fishing Authority keeps the public aware of these details, ensuring that the Seychellois do not cause damage to the fragile marine ecosystem.

Buy only what you need – Whenever possible, make frequent trips to the market, accommodate your daily or weekly needs instead of over-purchasing and having to throw away food. With local markets and fresh ingredients available all over the islands, it has become common practice in the Seychellois community to pop by the closest market whenever necessary, making it easy to reduce waste.  It is easy to know when fishermen land their catch and fresh fish reaches the market, the sound of the ‘lansiv’ will echo across the district.

Reduce food waste – Despite being natural, food takes a while to decompose, often piling up in landfills, therefore it is essential to reduce waste. Planning meals, reducing oversupply and making full use of scraps can prevent unnecessary food waste and even reduce extra spending.

Make full use of your ingredients – Part of reducing food waste is using as much of your product as possible. Traditionally, Seychellois did not have the luxury of throwing away food; therefore, they made full use of what they could get their hands on, adding spices to create flavoursome dishes.

Into the compost – Anything else that cannot be used can always be considered for compost. In most Seychellois households, you can find a compost bag, which can be used in the garden, filled with food waste from fruit, vegetable, dairy products, rice, beans, eggshells, wheat-based products, plant and flower materials, tea and coffee products. Ask your accommodation manager where their compost heap is and how to dispose of scraps.

Home-grown goodness – You can have fresh ingredients at home, just pop by your local market to buy the necessary supplies and you can have your own little garden where you can control what is added to your fruits and vegetables. Every Seychellois household has at least one tiny garden or even small pots lined up against the window with produce and aromatic herbs within one’s reach, a practice that has not faded to this day.

Ditch plastic and recycle – Avoid using plastic whenever possible and recycle. Gardens all around the islands are filled with recycled materials such as plastic and cans, which now serve as pots for growing local herbs, fruits and vegetables. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Seychelles leaving an ecological print this Environment Day with Global Impact Network

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) launched its partnership with the Global Impact Network today, Friday, June 4, 2021, coinciding with the destination’s activities for the World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5.

The partnership allows Seychelles to become, officially, the first destination to create its online community page on the Global Impact Network platform.

Global Impact Network is an app that allows individuals and organizations to take action anywhere and for any ecologically-oriented cause. Seychelles, the Indian Ocean sustainable champion, joins the platform to entice its visitors to have a profound experience while on holiday in the destination and to be personally transformed by the end of their trip.

The digital platform will allow users to track, measure and showcase sustainable actions through fun and achievable challenges about real-world issues.

The event was kicked off by a tree-planting ceremony at the Maison Quéau de Quinssy gardens by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, in the presence of Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave and Principal Secretary for Tourism Mrs. Anne Lafortune.

The tree planting ceremony was followed by presentations made by the STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis and the CEO of Global Impact Network, Ms. Tatianna Sharpe.

In her presentation, Mrs. Francis stressed the destination’s objective to encourage responsible tourism and inspire visitors to take sustainable actions, share their stories and track global progress towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set in 2015.

Keeping its ecological focus, the Seychelles community has adopted 4 badges – these include the advocate badge, beach clean-up badge, tree planter badge – only available in Seychelles – and finally the local produce badge.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Francis reiterated that the mission of the STB remains to keep the destination visible, highlighting that this platform aligns well with the efforts of the country towards sustainable tourism.

“As a proud environmentally-conscious destination, this initiative is an opportunity for us to encourage our visitors to engage in activities which promote sustainable development. We want them to make an impact and we aim to make our visitors become Seychelles ambassadors when they return to their home, telling the world how our small nation is helping the fight against the global environmental crisis the world is facing, each one of us individually, one at a time,” said Mrs. Francis.

On her part, Tatiana Sharpe, CEO of Global Impact stated that growing up in Zimbabwe, gave her exposure to poverty and social injustice at a young age, which fueled her desire to make a positive impact in her community and in the world.

“Global Impact is the world’s first social impact network tracks, measures and showcases positive impact for sustainable development. A tool that empowers, citizens, organizations and governments to change the world. Before I went to study at Stanford University, I was here in Seychelles when I came up with the idea for global impact. It is beautiful to see the full circle- come back and launch- here in Seychelles. I think Seychelles is taking a step in the right direction,” said Ms. Sharpe.

In recognition of its efforts, Seychelles received the honor of being crowned Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020.

Renowned for its pristine beauty, the Seychelles, one of the Small Islands Developing States, has made it its mission to preserve its exotic paradise and rich natural heritage through sustainable practices and measures.

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Tried and tested: Romanian travel influencer experiences Seychelles during the pandemic

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Travel influencer and Tourism Marketer Razvan Pascu just can’t stay away from the Seychelles. He tells us how his holiday to the paradise islands in the Indian Ocean went this past May.

Travelling to Seychelles for the third time, Razvan Pascu is truly a lover and ambassador of the Indian Ocean islands. He discovered the destination on his honeymoon almost seven years ago but felt compelled to return to the pristine paradise in February 2020, right before the pandemic. Again this year her returned to experience it some more!

Before…

Razvan recalls his honeymoon some seven years ago in Seychelles, reminiscing about the beautiful memories shared with his beautiful bride Andra and how the island paradise was the perfect choice for an incredible, meaningful experience. They stepped on a new path in their journey together by discovering every hiking trail, basking in the sun on the best beaches and exploring the beautiful historical sites around the islands. They did what young couples do; open their hearts to new adventures and fell in love forever with the islands of Praslin and La Digue.

In February 2020, the Pascus returned to the Seychelles, this time they were four – with their kids who were six and three in tow. This was an opportunity to see the destination through a new perspective, Razvan recalls. As a young couple, they feel that Seychelles can be the ultimate romantic rendezvous which does not lose any of its charms when enjoying it as a family destination.

The Pascus say their children were mesmerized by the destination and what it offers, and their family created a lifetime of memories to cherish forever.

“The tortoises, the beaches, the food, the greenery everywhere, the peace and chilled atmosphere together with the lovely sunsets made our family holiday perfect. It was just before the COVID-19 situation escalated worldwide and for many months, while experiencing lockdowns and dreadful news from all over the world, we fed our souls with memories and pictures of Seychelles,” says Razvan.

Seychelles is “the” place to be

Having experienced the destination before the pandemic, Razvan knew that with its isolated features, Seychelles would make the perfect escape for people in search of a much-needed getaway during those dreadful times.

Two charters and 300 Romanians later, Razvan fulfilled his dream of sharing the Indian Ocean Paradise with his compatriots. He was instrumental in initiating the recent charters to Seychelles and, unable to stay away from his dream destination, was also on the first flight arriving from Bucharest with his family for his third holiday on these unforgettable islands.

“One thing that came out of this pandemic is that dream destinations like Seychelles are closer to people’s hearts and minds,” says the travel expert.

…and After

Razvan mentions that during the past months, he has travelled to Mexico, the Maldives and Jordan. He got his vaccine and faithfully respected the rules and health protocols that each country applies for tourists.

Reviewing the measures in Seychelles, he says that the rules remain within the limits enforced in other countries and that these did not spoil the fun for him or his family while vacationing on the islands.

Reinforced sanitary measures

It is reassuring to see the protocols in place for the safety of guests in the different places of attractions, Razvan admits. Easy access to disinfectants everywhere and temperature checks upon entry at any building give visitors a sense of comfort and peace of mind, especially when one is accompanied by children.

Mandatory wearing of masks

The wearing of masks at all times in public areas unless one is drinking or eating is highly understandable since it involves everyone’s safety, says Razvan.

Social distancing

As for the rest of their holiday, Razvan and his family remained in their small group, enjoying their activities in the amazing Seychelles’ nature or trying out new experiences with tourism-certified providers. After all, Seychelles is known for its picture-perfect locations and pristine natural beauty and it is home to some of the most world-renowned flora and fauna. Better not miss a thing!

“Of course, measures to keep everyone, ourselves as well as our hosts, safe are necessary and discipline is needed from everyone. As a constant traveler, I know measures are in place in each country as a means to remain open for tourism. If we do not implement them, we will be the ones to lose. Just look at how long we had to stay at home unable to travel or see people,” he says.

Keen nature lovers, the family says that Seychelles will always remain on their bucket list as the destination has some kind of therapeutic effect on their minds, especially after this past year where people have been forced to stay in prolonged lockdowns.

Razvan says that he could come back repeatedly and still find new places to fall in love with, new spots to explore, and new things to do…. Just like paradise.

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Seychelles makes a virtual appearance at BIT 2021

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The island destination, through the Seychelles Tourism Board Italy office, participated in the virtual edition of trade and consumer show BIT (Borsa Internazionale Turismo) 2021, held online from May 9-14.

Present at the 6-day digital show were 1,530 tourism industry players, who dedicated 3 days to the trade and the rest to the consumers.

The interaction was facilitated by Expo Plaza, a digital platform with 3 channels, which consisted of a virtual exhibition space that exhibitors could enhance with multimedia and other content to showcase the offerings of their destination, network with operators and engage with travelers.

The BIT Talks conference space presented over 90 streaming events with a focus on high-profile events in the BIT Special Talks. Additionally, BIT Community, an online evolution of MyMatching, acted as a platform for profiling and confidential business meetings between supply and demand, where buyers and sellers could chat via video chat.

The Seychelles Islands had a virtual stand where visitors could receive information through brochures, videos, images, books, and other marketing materials based off the destination.

The Seychelles Tourism Board in Italy was represented by their new Market Representative for the market, Mrs. Danielle Di Gianvito, at both the virtual booth and the multiple meetings with partners and buyers.

A chat function also facilitated interaction with potential clients, especially those seeking direct contact and answers to their queries. Furthermore, a webinar was organized for registered trade visitors highlighting Eco-Tourism in the destination, a matter the island nation has made its mission.

Other members of the Seychelles tourism industry were present including 13 local hotels and DMC partners, namely 7 South, Anantara Maia, Club Med, Constance Hotels, Creole Travel Services, Eden Island Seychelles, Hilton Seychelles Hotels, Mason’s Travel, North Island Seychelles, Paradise Sun Hotel, Seychelles Reservation System, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, and STORY.

Although this year’s global tour was offered through digital means, it was no less captivating, drawing focus on the great revival of proximity to dream destinations and international travel under the banner of sustainability and security.

As Italy’s vaccination campaign progresses and its population expresses increased desire to travel, the country is gradually lifting certain restrictions. With nature, sustainability and safety as this year’s leitmotifs to long haul holiday, the Seychelles Islands presents itself as the perfect getaway.

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel 

Seychelles moves to become even safer

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Good news out of Seychelles which for the second straight week has registered a sustained decline in new cases of COVID-19, dropping below the levels before the spike that rang alarm bells for the country’s health authorities and foreign press.  

Addressing legislators in the National Assembly on Tuesday morning, the Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot attributed the decrease in cases – from 354 to a current 7-day rolling average of around 100 – to the tightening of restrictions, observance of Health measures and a ramping up of the vaccination program.

As of Tuesday, May 25, 63% of the Seychelles 98,462-strong population had received both doses of vaccines while 71% had been administered the first dose.

Of the 10,682 positive cases registered since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, figures, which include EU seamen and foreigners, 90% of cases, have recovered. All 38 deaths recorded since March 2020 were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.

Only 2 patients are currently in critical condition requiring ventilator support, and 5 others moderately severe requiring hospital care, none of whom have been vaccinated. Over 80% of patients admitted to treatment centers are unvaccinated and are mostly people with co-morbid conditions the Ministry of Health has said.

According to the Ministry of Health, a survey is to be launched shortly to assess the level of immunity in the population to inform policies and guidance in the control of the pandemic. Seychelles is following emerging guidance on vaccines from other countries and the WHO as to if and when a booster dose would be required.

Going forward, how to protect the segment of people who could not be vaccinated is the subject of serious consideration Minister Vidot said, and discussion is ongoing on how to obtain approved vaccines to vaccinate the below 18 years of age group.

To note that the country has recently added the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to its arsenal in the war against COVID-19.

Seychelles, a remote island destination in the Indian Ocean with a tourism model revolving around responsible tourism is slowly reclaiming its place among the world’s most popular destinations.

Joining the war against the spread of the infection, tourism service providers have shown strong determination to ensure compliance with health requirements and making the destination safe.  

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  

Savoring the flavors of the Seychelles

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A trip to the Seychelles Islands is incomplete without sampling the local cuisine. They are sharing some of the must-try Creole dishes visitors should tick off their list during their next holiday.

Turquoise waters, pearly white beaches and emerald rainforests aren’t the only riches the Seychelles islands have to offer. With a heritage as opulent as its surroundings, it’s no surprise that the Seychelles Creole cuisine captivates the taste buds of travelers from all corners of the globe. 

Boasting a bold assortment of flavors, passed down from their ancestors, Creole cuisine is renowned for its fusion of herbs and spices, reflecting the community’s diverse heritage in each dish.

Creole cuisine largely encompasses lush spices and flavors such as chili, turmeric, masala, ginger, garlic, products of Indian and Chinese immigrants who added their twist to the French and English dishes introduced by the colonizers. For those wishing to indulge their sweet tooth, the islands also offer dishes containing soft hints of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and citronella. 

When exploring paradise, Seychelles suggests visitors take their palate on a gastronomical voyage of discovery with some of these tantalizing dishes. 

Grilled fish – Pwason griye

The perfect beach day dish, grilled fish is one of the most popular fish dishes in Seychelles amongst both locals and visitors. Prepared on an open grill with freshly caught fish, the meal is flavored with crushed chili, garlic and ginger. This staple can be found at every festival or intimate gatherings, nothing says Creole like a perfectly grilled fish served over rice or with sweet potato and tomato chutney on the side.

Soup – Bouyon bred

This light Seychellois soup is most often made with moringa, locally known as bred mouroum, a plant grown in almost every home garden in Seychelles. Alternatively, the tender leaves and shoots of variety of greens including bok choy and Chinese lettuce (soudsin), bred lanmar, or pumpkin shoots to name a few may be used in place of the bred mouroum. The greens are chopped into pieces and cooked into a bouillon containing stir-fried onions, ginger, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. As a twist, the refreshing broth can be spiced with some fresh chilis and served with steamed rice, lentils and fried fish. 

Katkat banann

Creole comfort food at its finest, katkat banann is a traditional Seychellois specialty that blends the fine flavors of green bananas and fish cooked in fresh coconut milk. The plantain is usually simmered with the coconut milk, mashed and combined to cook with shredded fish fillets giving off subtle hints of ginger and garlic which are added to the dish. As with many of the Creole dishes, this is typically accompanied by chili and rice. 

Octopus coconut curry – Kari koko zourit

What is Seychelles without its delectable octopus coconut curry? Preparing the dish involves cutting the octopus into small pieces, boiling it and cooking it in the coconut milk before adding the various herbs and spices which brings together the meal. Although each Seychellois household has its version, the main ingredients remain consistent; eggplants, garlic, fresh ginger, curry leaves, cinnamon leaves, curry powder, saffron, masala, chili powder, turmeric, and green hot chili peppers.    

Salted fish – Pwason sale 

This staple tells the tale of the islanders’ predecessors who had to preserve their food using various methods such as pickling and salting. The freshly caught fish goes through a process whereby it is salted and dried in the sun, leaving the fish with a strong distinct flavor that blends smoothly in any dish. Salted fish can be found in a variety of local dishes including chutneys, curries and even a tomato-onion sauce known as rougay, it can also be fried and served alongside rice and lentils. 

Ladob 

For those who love to end their meal on a sweet note, this traditional dessert will not disappoint you. With a base of plantains, breadfruit, and cassava gently simmered in coconut milk, the creamy ladob flaunts silky notes of nutmeg and vanilla that will leave you yearning for more.

A popular dessert, the dish can also be prepared in a savory version with salted fish simmered in coconut milk with plantains, cassava, nutmeg, and salt.  

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Seychelles remains safe amid COVID-19 test complaints

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The Seychelles Tourism Board has said that the destination is safe to visit, strongly refuting claims that Seychelles health authority are issuing “false” COVID-19 test results.

The initial reports alleging Seychelles was giving out “inaccurate” test results appeared in the Israeli press and social media after some of their nationals tested positive upon their exit from the holiday destination. 

Seychelles has categorically refuted the allegations, stressing it is not in the interest of the destination to frustrate its guests upon departure, especially as it needs tourism to rebuild its economy.

The Seychelles Tourism Board’s Chief Executive, Sherin Francis, has said that it would serve no purpose for Seychelles to interfere with the COVID tests as this would directly increase their statistics and reflect negatively on the destination.

“After months of struggling to restart our tourism industry, Seychelles is committed to ensuring that all our guests spend a memorable time on our islands and leave happy at the end of their stay. It would be counterproductive to do otherwise,” she said.

Mrs. Francis said that, however, Seychelles cannot allow a guest to exit the country if tested positive, this in compliance to Seychelles and international health and sanitary measures.

“Every guest testing positive during their stay has to quarantine for ten days before being allowed to return home. This is the norm being observed everywhere. We are asking all our guests who find themselves in such a predicament to follow the quarantine guidelines,” she explained.

STB’s CEO stressed that Seychelles is still safe to visit and that such reports should not deter potential clients from visiting the island destination.

The Minister for Foreign and Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, has also confirmed that Seychelles is dedicated to following all safety measures and protocols in place to safeguard both its visitors and the local population.

The destination is investing a lot of effort, and funds, in making sure that the experience of the guests remains undisturbed, he said. Nonetheless, this can only be achieved if the visitors also practice the safety and health measures in place.

“No country in the world can claim to be COVID-free. The government and all industry partners are dedicated to ensuring that Seychelles remains safe for all guests and that they keep the best memories of their Seychelles’ holiday. It is not in the interest of Seychelles, our partners or our guests to do otherwise, knowing how our economy is heavily reliant on tourism,” Minister Radegonde said.

Tourists visiting Seychelles and requiring a negative PCR Test upon exiting the country currently have the option of using the Ministry of Health’s or private testing facilities.

Earlier this week, a new private laboratory opened its door, with the biggest testing capacity in the Indian Ocean and which can guarantee the results under 24 hours. Two other private clinics had also been offering COVID-related tests with results within 24 hours. Visitors are being encouraged to make use of these private services.

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Travel to Seychelles uninterrupted despite strict health measures

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Travelers’ journeys to the Seychelles continue uninterrupted as more visitors from the world over seek refuge in the spectacular island getaway.

The islands remain safe for travel despite a rise in community COVID-19 cases which has prompted tighter health measures this week.

The measures do not in any way affect a visitor’s journey and stay in the destination, which continues to offer everything from fun-filled vacations to idyllic getaways. Tourists have been getting their cameras and flip flops ready, and snorkeling gear out for some real toes-in-the-sand bliss.

The local authorities are nevertheless urging all visitors to follow health and sanitary guidelines in place, to ensure their safety throughout their stay.

Seychelles currently leads the world chart with the highest vaccinations administered, with over 62 percent of all adults having received the two doses of the Sinopharm and Covishield shots.

However, the country re-introduced certain measures such as delaying the commencement of the new school term, early closure of shops, bars and casinos, limiting gatherings on beaches to groups of four after a surge in cases in the community, which has been attributed to people letting down their guard over the Easter weekend.

With only 10% of the current active cases being visitors, the infection rate amongst guests testing positive upon exiting the country remains relatively low.

Seychelles, nonetheless, remains the preferred destination for many and the health measures in place are a strong deciding factor when booking a holiday to the island nation.

The Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Mrs. Sherin Francis, has said that since the country re-opened its borders to all countries in late March, all tourism service providers and businesses have adopted strict Standard Operating Procedures, (SOPs), to ensure the safety of all guests. 587 of the 720 tourist accommodation establishments are COVID-safe certified.

“We are constantly improving and stepping up the safety measures and protocols in place to protect our guests and local population alike. Our tourists do check out those important details when considering their holiday, and they are choosing Seychelles because they are satisfied that we are doing our utmost to operate in a safe manner,” she said.

Seychelles started its mass vaccination campaign in January, in anticipation of the re-opening of the borders in March.

To date, the destination has recorded over 20,000 visitors and seven airlines are currently providing reliable connections to different parts of the world.

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MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel