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Seychelles Updates Travel Conditions

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Seychelles updates travel conditions providing guidelines for entry into the country which are in force as of November 12, 2020 and will be reviewed periodically.

Currently, visitors are permitted to travel to Seychelles if they are travelling from countries that are on the published list of permitted countries (now classified as Category 1 countries), provided that they have not been in a country not on the Category 1 list in the previous 14 days. If the travel involves a transit stop in a country not on the Category 1 list and the traveler does not leave the airport in the transit country, that traveler is permitted to travel to Seychelles under entry conditions for Category 1 countries.

Additionally, a second category of countries (Category 2) has been established since 1 October 2020. The list of Category 2 countries contains any of the seven countries designated as “special status countries” of particular importance as tourism markets, but which, because of the worsening Covid-19 situation within their borders, have been suspended from the Category 1 list. Thus, at any one time some of the seven countries might still be on the Category 1 list (because the level of infection is low or moderate) while others have been moved to Category 2 (because the level of infection has risen). Note that should the situation become severe, a country may be temporarily suspended from category 2. Visitors from Category 2 countries have to meet additional health security measures compared to visitors from Category 1 countries. In other words, the conditions for travel, entry and stay in Seychelles differ whether a visitor is travelling from a Category 1 or a Category 2 country. Note that visitors from a country that is neither in Category 1 nor in Category 2 may be permitted to enter Seychelles by prior application and with special conditions.

Seychellois are permitted to enter Seychelles from any country. The same conditions apply with regards to travel and entry (but not stay) irrespective of whether they are travelling from a Category 1 country or one that is not in Category 1. (The designation of countries as Category 2 is of no relevance to Seychellois travelers since they are permitted to travel from any country, and Category 2 was created specifically to permit tourists from the “special status countries” to enter Seychelles when the outbreak worsens in their country). However, the conditions that apply to Seychellois with regards to their stay for the first 14 days after arrival, differ depending on whether they arrive from a Category 1 country or one that is not in the list of Category 1.

The list of Category 1 countries and Category 2 countries, and the conditions required of travelers, are reviewed periodically and will be issued by the Department of Health and published on the Department of Health and Tourism Department websites.

Travelers should note that the COVID-19 outbreak is dynamic and the listing of countries, and conditions, may change. They must therefore ensure that flight and hotel bookings permit flexibility regarding cancellation or postponement at short notice.

All persons, including all categories of visitors, Seychellois, persons holding permanent residence or GOP, diplomats, consultants, crews of shipping vessels, intending to travel to Seychelles must apply for their Health Travel Authorization, at https://seychelles.govtas.com/ . Applicants should note that this Authorization is for travel. Permission to enter Seychelles, and conditions that may apply with regards to accommodation and/or quarantine, are determined by the authorized officers at arrival. Applicants must have at hand their passport, valid negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate, itinerary, accommodation booking confirmation and GOP certificate. All visitors are also required to have travel and health insurance cover for Covid-19 related quarantine and medical care.

Note that the test certificate must be in English or French. The certificate must be for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on an oro-pharyngeal or naso-pharyngeal sample. Other test certificates, including antibody tests, rapid antigen tests and home testing kits, are not accepted. SMS and digital certificates are not accepted.

Health Travel Authorization will be issued electronically via email to applicants. Travelers must present the Authorization in printed or electronic form at check-in and on arrival. Airlines will not board any traveler without the Authorization. Travelers are advised to carry printed copies of all the essential documents, and should retain the travel authorization even after entry, as it may be used to facilitate transactions by hotels, tour operators, and testing or surveillance services.

Visitors to Seychelles from category 1 countries

1. When applying for travel authorization, all visitors must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is done less than 72 hours prior to departure to Seychelles. The 72 hours is counted from the time the sample is taken to the time of departure.

2. Visitors must present their Health Travel Authorization at check in. Airlines will not accept passengers for travel to Seychelles without the travel authorization.

3. Aircraft/Airline are not to board any passengers or crew who are symptomatic of COVID-19.

4. Exit screening at the airport of origin and transit must be completed by all incoming passengers and crew.

5. Any travelers who arrive in Seychelles without the Health Travel Authorization and acceptable proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test, will be denied entry.

6. Entry screening will be done upon arrival starting with examination of the Health Travel Authorization, symptomatic check, temperature scanning. The passenger may be required to undergo additional tests for COVID-19 at the point of entry.

7. All travelers must provide proof of accommodation in an approved establishment for the entire period of stay and must show booking vouchers for verification by Immigration on entry. (Visitors should consult the Seychelles Tourism website (www.tourism.gov.sc) for the list of approved establishments and any additional advice.)

8. Visitors are permitted to stay in not more than 2 different approved establishments in the first 7 days of stay in Seychelles.

9. To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, all persons at tourism establishments are advised to follow all guidance of the establishment and be monitored daily for signs of illness by the Health and Safety Officer or other designated person.

10. On the fifth (5th) day after arrival, all visitors from Category 1 countries must have a Covid-19 PCR test (the cost is covered by the Department of Health for tests done in government health facilities).

a. If the PCR test is negative, visitors will be free to continue with their planned holiday.

b. Visitors who test positive and are asymptomatic will be required to stay in tourism establishments specifically designated and authorized for such purpose.

c. Visitors who test positive and are symptomatic are required to be isolated in a medical facility until recovery.

11. All tourism establishments, including hotels, restaurants, taxis, tour operators, ferries and domestic flight services, have set up measures to increase vigilance, enhance hygiene and social and physical distancing. Visitors are required to follow the guidance of the management and staff. (See also Guide for Visitors published by the Department of Tourism)

12. Visitors must adhere to all the regulations in place, including the wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings defined by law. There is prohibition of the use of public buses by visitors. Visitors should avoid crowded places, including markets.

13. Any illness must be reported immediately to the management of the establishment, who will provide appropriate guidance.

Visitors to Seychelles from Category 2 countries

1. When applying for travel authorization, all travelers from Category 2 countries must submit proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is done less than 48 hours prior to departure to Seychelles. The 48 hours is counted from the time the sample is taken to the time of departure.

2. Visitors must present their Health Travel Authorization at check in. Airlines will not accept passengers for travel to Seychelles without the travel authorization.

3. Visitors are required to stay in one establishment, specifically authorized to accommodate visitors from such countries, for the first 6 nights after entering Seychelles (or for the entire duration of stay should it be less than 6 nights). Refer to list at ( www.tourism.gov.sc ).

4. Visitors must stay within areas designated by the establishment during this initial period and are required to strictly adhere to all the conditions in place at the establishment.

5. On the fifth (5th) day after arrival, all visitors from Category 2 countries must have a Covid-19 PCR test (the cost is covered by the Department of Health for tests done in government health facilities).

a. If the PCR test is negative, visitors will be free to continue with their planned holiday (the conditions listed above under Visitors to Seychelles from countries on the list of permitted countries apply).

b. Visitors who test positive and are asymptomatic will be required to stay in tourism establishments specifically designated and authorized for such purpose.

c. Visitors who test positive and are symptomatic are required to be isolated in a medical facility until recovery.

6. All other relevant measures outlined in the previous section apply.

Visitors to Seychelles from countries not in Category 1 or Category 2

1. Visitors from countries that are not on the list of Category 1 or Category 2 countries may be permitted to travel and enter Seychelles on specific conditions. These include arrival by private or charter flight and accommodation on an authorized island resort or authorized yacht.

2. Prior approval is required, and enquiries must be submitted to pha@health.gov.sc. Once approval is granted, travel authorization must be processed at https://seychelles.govtas.com/

Seychellois Travelers and Persons holding Seychelles Resident Permit

1. All Seychellois and persons holding Seychelles resident permit who have spent at least 14 days in a Category 1 country immediately prior to travel, may enter Seychelles with a Health Travel Authorization ( https://seychelles.govtas.com/ ) and can stay in their own homes under home surveillance. They are required to take certain measure for the 14 days after arrival. A COVID-19 PCR test will be done on the 5 the day after arrival. (See Guidance for Persons Arriving from Overseas Travel published by the Department of Health).

2. Seychellois and persons holding Seychelles resident permit currently in a country not in Category 1 may apply to enter Seychelles ( https://seychelles.govtas.com/ ) and will be required to undergo facility-based quarantine for a 14 day period at their cost. A COVID-19 PCR test will be done at the end of the period (cost is borne by Department of Health).

3. When applying for Health Travel Authorization, all travelers must have proof of a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test that is 72 hours or less prior to departure to Seychelles. The 72 hours is counted from the time the sample is taken to the time of departure.

4. Travelers should note that requirement for quarantine is determined on the fact that they are travelling from a country not in the list of permitted countries (Category 1). Submission of a residential address or booking in a hotel at the time of application for Health Travel Authorization does not mean that the persons are exempt from quarantine when the Health Travel Authorization is approved.

5. Travelers must present their Health Travel Authorization at check in. Airlines will not accept passengers for travel to Seychelles without the travel authorization.

6. Travel procedures outlined in the previous sections also apply

7. Seychellois and persons holding resident permit are strongly advised not to travel overseas until further notice. Any person who disregards this advice should note that re-entry into Seychelles will be subject to the conditions above. Where the travel itinerary will require that the person undergoes quarantine on return to Seychelles, the full cost of quarantine must be paid prior to travel.

8. At any point, regardless of country of travel, where the Public Health Authority believes that a person entering Seychelles may have been at increased risk of infection during their travel, the person may be required to undergo facility-based quarantine at their cost.

9. Persons travelling and subsequently requiring quarantine should note that the period of quarantine is subject to Employment regulations with regards to annual or unpaid leave.

Entry by GOP Holders and dependents

1. Permission to enter by GOP Holders and dependents will first be cleared by Employment and Immigration. Conditions for their travel and entry will be similar to those of Seychellois as defined above.

2. Accommodation for GOP Holders arriving as a group must be approved by the Public Health Authority.

Entry by sea

1. Visitors may apply for entry by sea (application form is available on the Department of Health website and should be submitted to pha@health.gov.sc )

2. Approval will be conditional on the assessment of risks at the ports visited in the past 30 days prior to application, and the vessel spending at least 21 days at sea from the last port of call before entry into Seychelles.

3. Disembarkation of any crew or passengers will be authorized after review of daily temperature and health checks recorded over the last 14 days prior to arrival and health clearance. The records should be submitted to the Port Health Officer ( newport@health.gov.sc ) or ( garry.course@health.gov.sc ).

4. Visitors may enter by superyachts, and conditions will be issued to the operators on application with full details to the Public Health Authority at pha@health.gov.sc. (Refer to CoVID-19 Guidance for super yachts).

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

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

The Vallée de Mai reopens

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As of June 1, 2020, visits to the Vallée de Mai will be possible again with the addition of a new booking system that will be in operation as of May 25. This new booking system is part of the Seychelles Islands Foundation’s (SIF) efforts to ensure the health and safety of all visitors to the Vallee de Mai and its staff during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic. Though tourist numbers are low at present, SIF believes that reopening the Vallée de Mai for visitors is an essential part of its community service, in providing a green space for the local community and the public in general. Since April 9, SIF has had to close Seychelles’ most visited natural site due to the global pandemic. Although security and surveillance operations have been active throughout this closure, it has only been since the May 4, with the easing of restrictions, that research monitoring and operations at the Vallée de Mai have resumed. 

With the introduction of this new booking system, SIF is able to reopen this UNESCO World Heritage Site to the public. Despite the difficult current circumstances Seychellois are still able to enter the park for free, whist ticket prices for tourists remain unchanged, at SCR350, for the time being.  To book and visit, all Vallée de Mai visitors (Seychellois, GOP holders and foreigners alike), must either email: vdmadmin@sif.sc, call 2595400 or Whatsapp message 2595400 at least a day ahead of their visit. Visits will be booked on the basis of selecting 1 hour slots during visiting hours. It must be noted that group sizes are limited to 4 people per visit and that visiting hours are between 9.00 am – 4.00 pm, in which the last entry for the day is 3.00 pm. In order to make a booking, visitors must provide the following details: full name of organizers of the visit, their contact number, the number of people in their group (maximum 4 per group) and the date and time of their visit.

Bookings can be made throughout the working week (8.00 am – 4.00 pm). However, for weekend visits, bookings must be made by Friday 12.00 pm latest. Once bookings are made, they will be confirmed or rescheduled via email or a phone call within 1 hour (during the working week) of the booking. To cancel or reschedule, visitors must inform SIF 4 hours ahead of time.  Furthermore, while tourist numbers remain low, visitors will be able to book multiple one hour slots for the duration of their visit. However, this allocation of slots may change depending on the volume of bookings. 

The creation of this booking system is part of SIF’s efforts to ensure its sites, staff and visitors are following directives set out by the Department of Health and best practices when it comes to operating under the new reality of COVID-19. Other measures SIF is enacting in the face of these unprecedented times include developing a COVID-19 health and safety guideline for its staff, only accepting electronic payments for Vallée de Mai ticket sales and other transactions, as well as the installation of hand sanitizer dispensers and other facilities to enhance levels of hygiene and social distancing. 

#rebuildingtravel

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

MCB Tour Championship in Seychelles starts off with Pro-Am Competition

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Following its first leg from Madagascar, the MCB Tour Championship 2019 continues its journey in the Seychelles at Constance Lemuria, Praslin.

The well anticipated competition leg of the Indian Ocean swing will be held on our shores from Thursday December 5, 2019 to Saturday December 7, 2019. 

Warming up for the big day, the 48 professionals golfers have gone around the 18-hole golf course consisting of the Lemuria property which spans over an area of 5,580 metres, teaming up with Seychellois residents for the Pro-Am competition. 

It is under a perfect paradise sun that the day took off with the first tee at 11am, which 24 joyful foursomes, playing under the flag of the various sponsors to the Seychelles MCB Tour Championship event, made their way to the course for 5 hours play approximately.

Last year’s Seychelles winner Roger Chapman teed at the first hole alongside Dominique Bastienne both playing under the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) flag, against Clark Dennis and Captain Guy Adam representing the Constance Hotels and Resorts. 

Present on the course to support the golfers, the STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned her satisfaction to see the MCB Tour Championship in Seychelles starting off on such a great note. 

“It warms the heart to see that last year’s MCB Tour Championship has created so many beautiful ties. It is definite that professional golfers and amateurs have been looking forward to playing together again.  I believe that the Pro-Am sessions is a great platform for our local golfers to gather the exposure and experience required to improve themselves, “said Mrs. Francis.

At the end of the Pro-Am competition round this Wednesday afternoon, team ISPC including Philip Golding and Jonathan Paul came in first place, scoring -14 points, the runners up were Tim Thelen and Eddie Micock flying the STB Flag with -13 points and were followed by the competition venue host team Constance Hotels and Resorts, represented by Clark Dennis and Captain Guy Adam with -11points.

This year’s competition also saw the remarkable performances of Damien Hoareau and Bridget Weaver as best performers for the Longest Drive Men and Ladies respectively and finally Axel Andrade as best performer on the Nearest the Pin. 

She further commented that this year’s coverage on the Staysure Tour network of the MCB Tour Championship in Seychelles will definitely add on to the destination’s visibility as it places the Constance Lemuria Golf course on the global platform as one of the beautiful in the region.

The best performers were crowned at a special event at the Takamaka Beach Bar at Anse Kerlan.

The MCB Tour Championship in the Seychelles is sponsored by Seychelles Tourism Board, MCB Seychelles, Constance Lemuria, Staysure Tour, ISPC Seychelles, Hugo Boss, Cat Cocos, Takamaka Rum and Seybrew. The tournament, also received the support of local destination management companies Mason’s Travel, Creole Travel Services, 7 Degree South and Summer Rain Tours.

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

Seychelles represented at a Corporate Travel Planners Roadshow in Abu Dhabi

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Maximizing its exposure in the Middle East, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) participated in a Corporate Travel Planners Roadshow held at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The roadshow, which took place on November 20, 2019 was organised by dnata Abu Dhabi with the objective of connecting the corporate travel bookers to the key service facilitators.

The event saw the participation of over 90 key travel planners/bookers from dnata’s prestigious corporate account and 20 exhibitors providing various travel services including airlines, hotel chains and tourism boards. This involved the STB featuring Seychelles as a versatile destination of choice in the Indian Ocean.

The Corporate Travel Planner Roadshow attracted mainly frequent travellers from the corporate world such as travel managers, procurement managers and travel officers all keen to keep abreast with the services available on the market.

The destination was represented by Ms. Aliette Esther, Tourism Attaché based in Abu Dhabi, and was assisted in promoting the Seychelles in the roadshow by Cerf Island Resort representative Mrs. Foram Varsani.  Both were working in unison to provide information about the destination. Mrs. Varsani also used the opportunity to explain about the facilities and activities available to potential clients at the Cerf Island Resort.  

Commenting on the STB’s participation at the event Ms. Esther explained that it falls in line with STB’s strategy for visibility as well as educating its partners.

 ‘It is important to be constantly on the road to promote the destination especially in this day and age where the competition is tough. It is important also to keep managing our relationship vis-à-vis our travel trades partners and update their knowledge of our destination. This can be achieved by reminding partners that Seychelles is a versatile destination, which also includes services for the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segments,” said Ms. Esther. 

 “I had a fruitful visit to Abu Dhabi to attend two events which took place on 20th & 21st November. I am pleasantly surprised to see the marketing & awareness, which is done by STB  as I found great number of corporate and tourism establishments interested in the destination.

I am very grateful for all the help and support I received during my visit from Aliette to draw more business to our shores.” Mrs Foram Varsani said.

‘At the moment, the UAE is the 5th biggest market for the Seychelles.’ Ms Esther said. ‘Roadshows such as this one will certainly help in getting the UAE to climb a notch higher on the ladder.  At the end of the day, the more visitors we get, whether it be from the UAE or any other parts of the world, the ultimate benefactors are the Seychellois people.  In the process, we will be sharing some of the beauty and culture of our islands with the visitors. It is a win-win situation all around. We look forward to participating in similar events in the future.’

According to the latest Knight Frank’s 2018 City Wealth Index, Abu Dhabi is the richest city in the GCC.

Ms. Esther further mentioned that the affluence in Abu Dhabi and the regular daily flights availability -3 times a day from the two UAE hubs (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), a 4-hour flying time make the city an excellent place to market the destination. 

With the five-day long National Day holiday coming up at the end of November early December, the roadshow was well timed and Ms. Esther and Mrs. Varsani at the STB and Cerf Island Resort were kept busy answering questions about attractions and activities on the islands of Seychelles.

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

Top-selling agents of Emirates Holidays visit Seychelles on a FAM trip

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) through its office in Dubai, in partnership with Emirates Holidays and with the support of local partners in Seychelles organized a familiarization (FAM) trip to the paradise destination for top travel agents across Dubai.

The visit was organised in line with the STB strategy to increase Seychelles’ visibility through the education of its close partners.

As part of their visit in the destination, the small group of agents were given the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the beauty of the islands, partaking in activities such as touring of the capital, Victoria and its cultural landmarks, ziplinging and cruising the islands.

During their visit, the Dubai agents received a warm Seychellois welcome from the various hotel partners including Constance Ephelia, Four Seasons Resort, Constance Lemuria, Hilton Northolme Resort, Raffles Seychelles, Kempinski Resort Seychelles, Banyan Tree Resort, and Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa and were able to familiarize themselves with the products and services offered by these establishments.

The Account manager for STB office in Dubai, Mr. Ahmed Fathallah commented on the FAM trip, stating “The entire experience enhanced their knowledge to better promote and sell the destination and they can impart their personal experience to their clients, which can help them entice travelers to visit the beautiful Seychelles. We will definitely be working on having more FAM Trips in the future as incentive to the hardest working agents. These FAM Trips serves not only as a motivation but as well as an educational experience to provide edge and added knowledge about the destination.”

Prior to the FAM trip, Emirates Holidays ran a campaign among their agents – the top sellers of Seychelles will get the chance to win a place on a FAM trip to the destination.

Compared to the previous year, market performance in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has seen positive increases; the UAE to 22%, Kuwait to 14%, and Saudi Arabia to 18%, making the region increasingly significant to the Seychelles.

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

Seychelles’ Ecological Commitment Commended in the UK News

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Making the most of their presence in London for the World Travel Market (WTM), Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley and Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis met with several key media specialists earlier in November.

The press meetings aimed at urging the UK and other countries to join the fight against climate change, focused on raising the alarms about the various effect of the global warming; particularly the vulnerability of destinations such as the small island nation are facing with the rising water levels.

Seychelles, 115-islands archipelago state, is a pioneer in the Indian Ocean and the world through its continuous actions in reinforcing its national policies for conservation.

As pioneers, the Seychelles continually takes steps towards cementing its national climate change policy, meaning that the targeted 30% consensus of protecting the sea will be met 10 years earlier than scheduled, according to both the Minister and the STB Chief Executive.

During a live interview with BBC Africa, Minister Dogley, a former Minister for Environment, Energy             and Climate Change explained the impacts of climate change on the lives of the Seychellois people.  He further commented on how  his environmentally conscious    home nation     is a model for sustainable tourism with its array of unique sites.

Minister Dogley further revealed that in such a world where unspoiled natural land and seascapes are becoming a rare asset, it was a real pleasure to see European countries and destinations, including China and India, getting on board with the movement.

In previous interviews, it has been stated by the Minister that Seychellois people have no choice but to sustain and maintain their environmental standards, out of sheer necessity.

Spreading a similar message, Mrs. Sherin Francis, recounts driving through inundated roads, on the East coast of Mahé, in order to get to work.

Mrs. Francis was interviewed across the 7th – 8th of November by the BBC (World News and Wildlife), as well as Sky News, Arise News and City Metric. Her message was clear: ‘Be our ambassadors when you leave the Seychelles, and spread the word about climate change’.

Speaking candidly, the Chief Executive also stated that the shared vision between the government and STB, and the actions taken to iron out climate issues, has promoted an eco-warrior mentality across the generations.

Some of the more talked about achievements discussed by Mrs. Francis included the ban of single use plastics, which came into effect in 2018, and the campaign aimed at reaching out to potential holidaymakers.

With Britain being the fourth largest European incoming market, after Germany, France and Italy, visitors are encouraged to join in on beach clean ups, wildlife tagging or planting coral.

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

Top Singapore Travel Company in Seychelles for a familiarization visit

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The successful visit organized through the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) with the support of various local partners, followed a sales visit earlier this year by the Mrs. Amia Jovanovic-Desir, the Director for India, Australia and South East Asia in Singapore.

Ms Crystal Sims, the CEO of the international Travel Agency Albatross World, made a special effort to see the Seychelles on a familiarization for ten days by the end of October 2019. This trip was the prime opportunity for her to also experience the products and services.

During her working visit to Seychelles, Ms. Sim had the opportunity to have an overview of the destination through the diverse attractions available on islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, which are the most frequented island- including the pristine beaches and the Vallée de Mai.

As part of her explorations of the islands and tourist attractions, Ms. Sims also had the chance to stay at the Four Seasons Resorts on Desroches Island and Hilton Seychelles, LaBriz Resort and SPA on Silhouette.

Several meetings with core tourism stakeholders including key Destination Management Companies (DMC) in Seychelles, through which the representatives presented their products and services providing the Singapore professional with a clearer idea of what holidaymakers would expect while in Seychelles.

Ms. Sims also met with the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr Didier Dogley, Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB’s Chief Executive and her Team during which discussions were centered towards the strategic approach of how to tap into the Singaporean market. Throughout the debates all partners agreed that further collaborations with the tourism trade partners on both end need to be encouraged.

Ms. Sims mentioned that her perception of Seychelles has surpassed her expectation. She added that she was impressed to see the natural beauty of the islands and the strong commitment of the Seychellois people including its government to preserve the environment.

“The world will love travelers who roam beautiful places with ease, and one corner of the globe not yet fully appreciated is the Seychelles.  We will become better people if we know the Seychelles, truly another world,” said Ms. Sims

Speaking of the visit from the Singaporean partner, Mrs. Amia Jovanovic-Desir mentioned that she is pleased to see that the continuous efforts done by STB to meet with international partners being rewarded.

“As a prime collaborator to several international partners, such collaborations add to our marketing strategy and what we are currently doing to further position on the market. FAM trips are one of the most cost effective marketing activities for the destination to engage more agents to boost their knowledge on the Seychelles and its products and to push more interest to be converted into sales, added Amia Jovanovic- Desir.

Mrs. Jovanovic- Desir expressed STB’s sincere appreciation to all the partners who have supported in making this FAM trip a success, she extended special thank you to the Four Seasons Resort at Desroches, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort and SPA, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and SPA, Double Tree by Hilton Seychelles, Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove and Patatran Hotel.

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

Seychelles launches its first Nature Trail competition

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In a press conference at Botanical House, Mont-Fleuri at the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) headquarters today, the organization announced the launch of the Seychelles Nature Trail competition to be held in May 2020.

The announcement was made by the STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis in the presence of Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, STB Regional Director for Europe, Ms. Bernadette Honoré, the STB representative in Reunion – who initiated the project with the support of Christian Hamer and Veronique Victor (directors of the trail) – and various partners on-board to make the project a success in Seychelles next year. 

The partners for the SNT project alongside the STB will include the Seychelles National Sports Council (NSC), the Seychelles National Park Authority (SNPA), Air Mauritius, Seychelles Breweries, ABSA ( Barclays Bank), Cable and Wireless and Skychef.

Launched in Reunion in September this year, this first edition of Seychelles Nature Trail (SNT) adds to the prestige of the destination as a multifaceted one.

The SNT aims at further promoting the archipelago’s concept of green tourism as well as enticing potential visitors’ to the discovery of Seychelles’ rich biodiversity.

The 25km trail which will be competed on Mahé on May 3, 2020 will be starting in the region of Port-Glaud round Anse Major, through the well-known hiking routes including the Mont Le Niol and Congo Rouge area finishing at Grand Anse.

 The event plans on attracting and engaging nature sport enthusiast in the region and across the globe to Seychelles, as well as concept for Seychellois competitors.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned her satisfaction to add another event to the destination’s profile on the international level.

“The SNT event projects the destinations towards an adventure that will open great doors for the destination, we have seen how big in publicity the recent trail event “Diagonale des Fous” which closed a few days ago to our fellow islanders in Reunion. We can only anticipate great participation from the region and hope that the beauty of our Islands will attract potential runners from all over the world,” said Mrs. Francis.

Mrs. Francis mentioned that in order to reach the anticipated number of participants for the event in 2020, an intensive communication campaign has been designed and will be implemented through traditional and social media.

In addition, a publicity campaign in collaboration with the Seychelles Public Transport Company (SPTC) will be activated in Seychelles in the coming weeks.

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

The Seychelles celebrates the 2nd edition of the Tourism Festival

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The Seychelles Tourism Festival 2019 came to an end on World Tourism Day, Friday September 27, 2019 after an eventful week of celebrating and promoting the importance of tourism in Seychelles.

This year’s festival was centered on the theme ‘We Are Tourism: Our Pathway to Prosperity’ and focused on raising awareness of the role and significance of tourism in our country.

The second edition of the festival was officially launched by Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Didier Dogley, at the annual Tourism Ball, organized by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and the Tourism Festival Committee, at Constance Ephelia on Saturday September 21, 2019. 

The theme for this year’s ball was ‘Under the Sea,’ which was reflected in the decorations made of recycled materials.

In attendance were tourism partners and stakeholders who united to celebrate the tourism industry. Minister Miriam Thelemaque, Minister of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status and Minister Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Minister of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning also attended the event.

Minister Dogley and Mrs. Sybille Cardon, Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, placed great emphasis on the significance of sustainability in their speeches, noting that it is crucial for the survival of the tourism industry.

The evening saw performances from Aaron Jean, who performed a song composed for the occasion by Jean Marc Volcy, and Joe Samy who performed his song ‘Oceans and Visions.’

The Tourism Ball was followed by the Food Fiesta the next day, which took place at Beau Vallon on Mahe and Cote D’Or on Praslin. The event featured the waiter’s race, in which waiters and waitresses from different hotel establishments as well as students from the Seychelles Tourism Academy participated.

The food fiesta gave the Seychellois public exposure to the culinary experience that tourists have access to during their stay in the Seychelles.

On Monday 23, 2019, seven tourism pioneers of the tourism industry were recognized in a ceremony at the Seychelles Tourism Academy. Andiana Hoareau nee Sandapin, Brendon Grimshaw, Achille Kwame Luc, Philipe L’Efevre Karl St. Ange, Philibert Loizeau, Mathew Servina were each honored with a plaque in the Tourism Pioneers Park.

The youth played a significant role in this year’s tourism festival, participating in both the ‘Adopt a Student’ forum on Tuesday 24, 2019 and the French Public speaking competition on Thursday 26, 2019.

Concretizing what Minister Dogley expressed in his speech at the launching ceremony regarding the importance of educating the youth on what the tourism industry entails at an early age instead of waiting for them to specialize.

For the ‘Adopt a Student’ forum, primary and secondary students selected by the Ministry of Education for a brief internship in several hotels came to share their experiences with their peers.

This exposure gave students a better idea what a career in tourism entails, therefore encouraging more students to choose this path. The program generated positive feedback from both the students and the hotels, who appreciated the initiative by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Education.

The participating schools and hotels were Takamaka Primary attached with DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort & Spa; Bel Ombre Primary with Savoy Seychelles Resorts & Spa; Beau Vallon Secondary also with Savoy and Hilton Seychelles Labriz; English River Secondary with Hilton Seychelles Northolme; Anse Boileau Secondary with Constance Ephelia Seychelles and Avani Hotels & Resorts; and Grand Anse Primary with Constance Lemuria Seychelles and Hotel L’Archipel. The Human Resource officers from the hotels were also present to share their experience with the students.

Another activity involving the youth was the ‘Concours d’expression orale,’ organized by STB in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. This was a French public speaking activity involving schools in Seychelles at primary, secondary and post-secondary level. The discussions were based off the world tourism day theme “Le Tourisme et l’emploi: Un avenir meilleur pour tous,” and students seized the opportunity to showcase their fluency in French, one of our official languages which is often overlooked and less popular. Minister Jeanne Simeon, Minister of Education and Human Resource Development was also present at the event.

The winner for the Primary school group was Baie Sainte Anne Praslin, with Mont Fleuri in second place and Glacis in third place. For the Secondary group, Pointe Larue landed first place, followed by Plaisance in second place and Anse Royale in third place. At Post-secondary level, SITE won first place, whilst STA came out second.

Aside from the youth, employees in the tourism sector also had activities of their own during the week of festivities.

A tourism mass was held on Wednesday September 25, 2019 at Plaisance Church, attended by staff from the Seychelles Tourism Board, the Department of Tourism and Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority with the participation of the Seychelles Tourism Academy students and staff.

The service was followed by a beach clean-up with employees of STB, Department of Tourism contributing to the Clean up the World campaign. This campaign is one which crucial to the tourism industry, as it supports the conservation of the Seychelles pristine beauty.

On World Tourism Day itself, Friday September 27, 2019, the STB partnered with Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority and Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Foundation for a special “Meet and Greet” at the Seychelles International Airport.

Arriving visitors were greeted by a live band and traditional dances were performed. Many engaged with the performance; joining in to dance or capturing the moment with ‘That Selfie Mirror Seychelles.’ Tourists were also given the ‘Pristine Seychelles’ badge along with a bookmark that included small tips on how to be a responsible traveler whilst exploring the islands.

Departing visitors were given the chance to share their experiences in the Seychelles and what their contributions to sustainability were or could be, which was documented by the SSTF team.

Due to weather, the scheduled Meet and Greet at the Botanical garden was cancelled. However, the staff of the Seychelles Tourism Board and Department of Tourism united for a brief gathering honoring Tourism Day, where STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis and Principal Secretary Mrs. Anne Lafortune shared a few words with the employees.

The Tourism Festival came to a close at Hilton Northolme Resort and Spa, during a panel discussion of the festival theme “Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all.”

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

The celebrations to mark the 250 years of Seychelles are officially launched

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It is in a ceremony at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS) in Victoria, on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, that the President of the Republic, Mr. Danny Faure, officially launched the activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of Seychelles.

The launch organised by the national preparatory committee for the 250 years of Seychelles saw the presence of several high Government officials including the Designated Minister, Mrs. Macsuzy Mondon; the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Nicholas Prea; the Leader of the Opposition party Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan and the leader of Government Business Mr. Charles de Commarmond.

In her speech during the ceremony, Mrs. Sherin Francis, chairperson of the committee, mentioned the colourful history of the Seychelles throughout its 250 years of existence and urged all Seychellois to be part of the celebrations.

She further expressed her profound gratitude to all the organisations, including government offices, schools, private sector, artists, private individuals who have responded positively to the various media calls by presenting their projects and ideas to make the celebrations a success.   

“We are all honoured as Committee Member to be part of this celebration, but mostly it has been very humbling to see how much our Seychelles is a proud nation through the various contribution of their ideas and time. The celebrations remain a way for us to celebrate our beloved country and share with our next generations the real sense of the word patriotism,” said Mrs. Francis. 

The ceremony conducted in the three national languages of Seychelles opened its curtains on singing presentation from Angel’s Choir singing the blessing song “Ouver ou Leker” written by Raymond Clarisse and ended on a light note through a dance performance-dubbed “Nou Lorizin”-retracing the early days of Seychelles by the youth from the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC).

About the Committee

  • A national preparatory committee chaired by Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive, Sherin Francis was appointed by President Danny Faure in August 2018.
  • The committee, which consists of seven other members namely Jeannine Chung Faye, Emanuel D’Offay, Sybille Cardon, Oliver Bastienne, Tony Mathiot, David Andre, Cindy Vidot and Alvin Laurence.
  • On May 30, 2019, the cabinet endorsed of the proposed plan to celebrate 250th anniversary of the first settlement in 2020.
  • In June 2019, the 250 years national preparatory committee organised a press meeting to address the Seychelles press partners for the first time and unveil the logo of this historic event.
  • On September 5, 2019, the committee met with the local press for a brief on the upcoming activities.

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