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Seychelles receives honor of hosting FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019

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The excitement was palpable at Beau Vallon Beach on Saturday, April 13, 2019, almost a month before the Seychelles hosts for the second consecutive year the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019.

This year’s event is being held in collaboration with Chinese based company CNSG and Seychelles is once again the second leg in the series of eight.

The organizing committee’s partners including the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), officials and local swimmers gathered at Beau Vallon Beach where a trial run was organized to test out the facilities, the technical requirements and of course, the local swimming talents.

Principal Secretary for Sports, Fabien Palmyre present at the trial run mentioned his satisfaction to see that the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is materializing with the support of all local partners.

“I am excited to again, be part of such an event. I am proud of all our young swimmers who have made an effort to be present today. I am grateful to all the partners and volunteers and I am definitely looking forward to this year’s event,” said PS Palmyre.

15 swimmers competed in the Beau Vallon waters in three main races, 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km. According to the Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA) officials, the reasoning behind the distances selected is to enable the swimmers to test out their abilities to see which category would suit them best for the May 11, 2019 event, which will be opened for the public and other swimming enthusiasts.

The 2019 Mass Open Water event will take place on Saturday May 11, one day prior to the Elite event.

The May 11 Mass event will comprise of four distances, Group A (500 m), Group B (1 km), Group C (3 km) and Group D (5 km). The only age restriction will be for Group A where students aged 13 years and under can participate. The others will be open to all ages and there will be two races, a male and a female race for each distance.

“Mass participation is crucial in making the Mass event a success and the Seychelles Swimming Association is calling on all swimmers to register for the event,” said David Vidot, SSA Chairperson.

Mr. Vidot indicated that the forms for registration are available on the SSA Facebook page and website. The deadline to return the registration form to the Swimming Association is May 1, 2019.

The Seychelles is honored this year to have four Seychellois swimmers qualified to take part in the Elite 10 km race, which will take place on Sunday May 12, 2019.

Joining the 2018 swimmers, brothers Bertrand and Damien Payet, will be Matthew Bachmann and Alain Vidot, both of whom completed the 7.5 km race finishing second and third consecutively behind Damien who crossed the finishing line on Saturday first.

The Elite event which is broadcast to a global audience via the FINA network, exposes Seychelles in another light, similar to that of the annual Eco-Marathon event, which strengthens Seychelles’ potential as a Sports Tourism destination.

“It is such a privilege to be hosting the event again on our shores; as announced earlier this year, STB is committed to promote Seychelles as an ideal sports destination. Our collaboration with Seychelles Swimming Association and other partners for FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is an ideal platform for us to showcase our beautiful destination and its pristine waters,” said Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive.

In May 2018, open water swimming made its debut in Seychelles, as the small island nation became the second host in the FINA World Cup Series 2018. The iconic Beau Vallon beach was the chosen venue to launch Seychelles in the open water swimming world, making it the first country in Africa to host an event of this caliber.

As part of the FINA mandate, the host country is required to host a mass event alongside the elite 10k m event, in order to encourage and mobilize the local community to appreciate and take part in the sport.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel

Tourism Clubs launched for primary and secondary students 

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Students of primary and secondary schools around Mahé, Praslin and La Digue can now be part and parcel of the booming tourism industry as the Ministry for Tourism and its partner the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association launch the Tourism Clubs for Seychellois students.

The initiative launched on Friday March 22, 2019 at the AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa on Mahé is the result of a long preparation germinating from discussions held during the Tourism Festival organized by the Tourism Department last year.

The aim of the project is to educate students about the tourism industry and trigger their interest for a career in hospitality and tourism.

The launch was conducted by the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr.  Didier Dogley and Mrs. Jeanne Simeon, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development.

The ceremony also saw the presence of Mrs. Anne Lafortune, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Principal Secretary for Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Odile de Commarmond, and Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association Chairperson, Mrs. Sybille Cardon alongside Martin Kennedy.

In his opening statements, Martin Kennedy who presided the event’s proceedings mentioned that all the respective ministries, stakeholders and educators equally have a role in helping the young Seychellois to imagine themselves as a major successful partner in the tourism industry.

Speaking at the launch the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Mrs. Jeanne Simeon commended the stakeholders of the Tourism sector for their active commitment in providing an extra-curricular activity that would not only benefit the development of students but also impact on their life choices.

“As a country we should not underestimate the importance of the Tourism Industry as the major pillar of our economy and it is of utmost importance that this is transmitted to our children from primary. Tourism should be seen as a sector that helps builds our country’s brand and value,” said Minister Simeon.

Minister Dogley supported the statement as he addressed the gathering emphasizing that it is his pride that Seychellois manage more than 60 percent of the small hotel establishments.

“I thank all the partners, especially ministry for Education and Human Resource Development, the private sector and club coordinators as we all work towards building the next generation of hoteliers and educating them about the importance of keeping our local tourism industry’s standard high in order to maintain our reputation as a destination,” said Minister Dogley.

Mrs. Sybille Cardon, also present, expressed her satisfaction to see the project concretize. She mentioned that with the implementation of the tourism clubs, the industry is hoping to see a very positive response.

With the tag line “We are Tourism,” the call for our responsibility as Seychellois is once again called upon to raise the profile of our Destination and the standard of our Tourism industry.

The event concluded with presentations made from students from Mont-Fleuri Primary School and Beau-Vallon Secondary School.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Seychelles welcomes another set of hospitality professionals

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The tourism industry of Seychelles, the country’s leading economic pillar, will greatly benefit as it welcomes home 11 hospitality professionals, following the completion of their studies in Ireland.

The sixth cohort of Seychellois student at the Shannon College graduated on March 17, 2019, a ceremony that took place in the presence of Seychelles’ Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Ports & Marine Mr. Didier Dogley.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were Mr. Flavien Joubert, the Principal of the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), Mr. Claude Narin, the Patron of STA, Mr. Terence Crea of the NHRDC, parents and family members of the students.

Minister Dogley said it is the government’s vision to have the hospitality industry in Seychelles led by Seychellois professionals.

“During the last 10 years the necessary resources and support systems have been put into place to enable this to happen. Today we have reached another important milestone with the sixth cohort graduating with sterling results. All efforts will continue to be made for them to remain in the industry and prosper,” said Mr. Dogley.

The management of the school had only praise for the Seychellois students, who have performed very well and have been exemplary as students.

The twinning program between the Seychelles Tourism Academy and the Shannon College started in 2008. Since its inception, 65 students have graduated, with most of the young professionals still actively working in the industry.

The program, which is a 5 years Degree program, consist of three years training at Higher Diploma level at the STA plus two years degree training at Shannon College. The College forms part of the National University of Ireland.

During the visit to the college, the Seychelles delegation met and discuss a number of issues with the group of students currently following the course at the college. Generally, Seychellois students are very satisfied with the program and the quality of student life offered by the college.

It was also a great opportunity for the delegation to meet with the management of the college. Renewal of the five-year collaborative agreement between the two institutions was discussed, as the current one is ending.

The five-year strategic plan of the Seychelles Tourism Academy was also a topic of conversation between the officials present during the meeting. With the new plan, the academy hopes to chart a clear road map for the further development as an institution of excellence.

Travel News | eTurboNews

New GM at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel

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Rizal Bin Yaacob is the new General Manager of the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel and Casino of Seychelles. He was transferred from The Tarras Beach & Spa Resort of Malaysia.

“He is a committed and dedicated manager who can be relied upon to be at ‘the beck and call’ of the hotel in ensuring guest satisfaction and smooth operations. He is a team developer and delegates authority and empowerment to his subordinates. He has excellent interpersonal skills in communicating with both guests and employees. I have found Rizal to be firm and fair in his style of management. He was a very well respected member of the team and also by the local community in Redang Island,” says a member of the hospitality trade who knows him well.

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel & Casino sits on one of the most popular tourist beaches of Seychelles and has all the potential for being the meeting place for visitors and Seychellois.

Travel News | eTurboNews

New GM at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel

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Rizal Bin Yaacob is the new General Manager of the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel and Casino of Seychelles. He was transferred from The Tarras Beach & Spa Resort of Malaysia.

“He is a committed and dedicated manager who can be relied upon to be at ‘the beck and call’ of the hotel in ensuring guest satisfaction and smooth operations. He is a team developer and delegates authority and empowerment to his subordinates. He has excellent interpersonal skills in communicating with both guests and employees. I have found Rizal to be firm and fair in his style of management. He was a very well respected member of the team and also by the local community in Redang Island,” says a member of the hospitality trade who knows him well.

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel & Casino sits on one of the most popular tourist beaches of Seychelles and has all the potential for being the meeting place for visitors and Seychellois.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Seychelles Tourism Board at Mahana Tourism Fair in France third-largest city

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The destination through its marketing body, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), featured at the Mahana Tourism Fair in Lyon from March 8, 2019 to March 10, 2019, an opportunity for many French visitors to discover more about the exotic islands of Seychelles.

Held over three days, the event received over 26,100 visitors at the Halle Tony Garnier in Lyon, France.

Destination Seychelles rubbed shoulders with the best exotic destinations during the 39th edition of the fair; presenting itself in its most favorable light through a short island-hopping video highlighting the three main islands of Seychelles – Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and the various available activities such as hiking, diving and sailing, among others.

The STB team in the Hexagon was represented by STB Marketing Executive based in Paris Ms. Valérie Payet displayed the destination’s feature, the stand was honored by the presence of the Seychelles Consul for Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Mrs. Virginie Mathieu on the first day of the fair.

They also took the opportunity to inform visitors about Seychelles’ investment in sustainable tourism, culture and heritage.

The team noted that frequent questions asked at the Mahana Fair refer to the best season to visit Seychelles, the available activities and flight connectivity to the destination.

STB’s Regional Director for Europe, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, explained that the Mahana Tourism Fair is an opportunity to shift the perception that Seychelles is an expensive destination with only luxury hotels. She explained that the strategy behind the STB’s participation to the fair was to provide the chance to show that the destination remains accessible experience for all.

“The fair has been a good opportunity to promote our official website and to show potential visitors that Seychelles offers a large range of affordable accommodations such as guesthouses, small family Seychellois hotels, and self-catering establishments,” said Mrs. Willemin.

She added that people were pleasantly surprised and happy with this information. Mrs. Willemin commented that the trend has changed and people are more and more looking for holiday’s destinations where they will be able to meet the local people and interact with them.

“Seychelles remains a dream and paradisiac destination that people hope to visit once in their lifetime. This fair definitely allows increasing Seychelles visibility and people’s awareness about the destination,” Mrs. Willemin concluded.

The Seychelles’ stand Mahana Tourism Fair recorded visitors from diverse lifestyles and demographics; ranging from young couples looking for their honeymoon getaway, to people looking to embark on an unforgettable cruise, not forgetting those looking for the best destination for diving.

The STB stand also provided visitors with the occasion to share their experience and memories made during their stay in the island nation.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel

Constance Lemuria welcomes celebrity golf players for first MCB- Staysure Tournament in Seychelles

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The golf club staff at Constance Lémuria in Seychelles, the place to be this weekend as a golf enthusiast, have been on their feet making sure that all facilities and the ground of the golf course is operating perfectly as it readies to welcome participants of the final of MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season.

Having recently been awarded the “Luxury Golf Hotel” of the Indian Ocean at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, that took place in Bali on November 10, 2018, affirms the resorts capability to host an event of such caliber.

The General Manager of Constance Lémuria, Mr. Bruno Le Gac, said that the team responsible for the golf club “have been working extremely hard to ensure that we are ready for this prestigious international event, and they can be proud of what has been achieved so far.”

With the course covering about three quarter of Constance Lémuria’s property, the resort has 18 staff, whose job is to maintain the par-70, 18-hole golf course. 

Improvements on the golf course includes the construction of new professional tees on the fifth, seventh, tenth and eleventh holes. The team, led by Mr. Wilson Volcere, the head greenkeeper and Mr. Gary Pouponneau, the Golf Director, has also been working on the surface of the course, enlarging green areas where possible.

Leading up to the final tour of the MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season, Mr. Pouponneau, a professional golf player himself, said that security would be tighten within the resort during the tournament.

“Badges will be provided to people with classification of access areas for people attending and participating,” said Mr. Pouponneau.

All across the course, selective underbrush, trees and vegetation have been cleared. The Lémuria golf facility spans over about 80 hectares, with half of the course located on mountainous terrain.

Despite the challenging grounds, the course attracts many players, especially recurring clients. Mr. Pouponneau said that some clients have been coming to the hotel since its opening in 2000.

Participants in the MCB-Staysure tournament will be offered a ‘Hole in One’ prize in the 15th tee for any pro achieving a hole in one during the competition days by Constance Lemuria.

Constance Lémuria is proudly working hand in hand with the Seychelles Tourism Board, Mauritius Commercial Bank Seychelles and other local partners to provide a truly Seychellois week of entertainment. The tournament will showcase the Seychelles to a global audience, putting the destination of the Seychelles on the map of world-class golfing venues.

The only 18-hole course in Seychelles, Lémuria organizes weekly competitions for their clients. Mr. Pouponneau takes the opportunity to interact with the clients by joining in the competitions. Every now and then, he also makes it a must to take part in tournaments organized on Mahé or at the hotel itself.

Mr. Pouponneau started playing golf at the age of ten, a passion that was inspired as he lived in close vicinity to the Reef Golf Club on Mahé, the first golf course to open in Seychelles. Two years after completing his studies, Mr. Pouponneau moved to Lémuria.

“I knew by then that I wanted to make a career out of the sport. In fact I joined the hotel one year after its opening,” said Mr. Pouponneau.

Participants in the MCB Tour Championship Seychelles competition will be offered a ‘Hole in One’ prize in the 15th tee for any pro achieving a hole in one during the competition days by Constance Hotels and Resorts.  

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]

Seychelles Club in Perth honors Creole Culture in colorful celebrations to mark Creole festival

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A series of activities were organized by the Seychelles Club in Perth, to celebrate the Creole Festival in Australia. The Festival was celebrated on November 3, 2018 and the event brought together all the Creole communities in Perth.

To open the festival a welcoming speech was given by the Seychelles Club President, Mr. Pat Barallon, who thanked warmly all the partners including the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) for supporting the commemorations of the Creole Festival. He also added that having the engagement of other communities from the Caribbean, Mauritius and La Reunion made the festival more inclusive and meaningful.

The activities saw the participation of local renowned artist; Ms. Antoinette Dodin performing at the events, Ms. Dodin was back by Grace Barbe and her band, bringing the heart of the Seychellois community in Perth a little closer to their island homeland.

On the itinerary of the night were Creole music, dance performances and food, all of which gave the audience the opportunity to appreciate the diverse beauty of the Creole culture profoundly.

The talented Ms. Eleonora Green and Ms. Axelle Angelique choreographed the traditional and modern dances, in a way to portray how the traditional Seychellois dances have evolved. Their aim was to get the younger generation involved so that they can continue the journey that was started before them.

Adding to the celebration, the girls of the Caribbean diaspora, dressed in their traditional dresses made of the madras fabric, presented an outstanding dance performance. They were backed by their families and older members of their community.

Commenting on the STB’s commitment to create visibility for the destination sometimes demands investment in activities that go in parallel with tourism.

“We have very meager budget to penetrate some emerging markets and the strategy for markets like these are  always to look for ways to build on other activities and partnerships  which already exist where possible. Additionally, if we build the awareness focusing on the elements that differentiate Seychelles from its close competitors, thus showcasing our culture and at the same time tapping into the appropriate market segment, it will surely help to add to the visitor arrivals basket. Taking into consideration the large Seychellois community in Perth; if each and every of them all give a hand to promote our Country, it will definitely give an added boost to our visibility in Australia, thus such initiative should be greatly encouraged,” said Mrs. Jovanovic- Desir.

The show continued with a group of dancers from Reunion Island where the girls, also dressed in their traditional brightly colored costumes, gave a performance, choreographed by Murielle Toulcanon.

The cultural show of the Perth Creole Festival 2018 would not have been complete without Mauritian Sega dance performances, which was executed by Yannick’s Dance Fusion, a group of young dancers of Mauritian and other cultural background. Their performance was very lively and, as expected made an excellent impression.

The show was largely attended by several of the Creole communities in Perth and Australian friends and acquaintances who wanted to know more about Seychelles.

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]