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The Seychelles Tourism Board Announces Restructuring in its Operations

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) announces various changes to its overseas operation given the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact on the country. 

On the Chinese market, the STB offices in Hong Kong and Beijing will no longer be in operations in these two cities and its activities will be conducted from the STB office in Shanghai.

In Europe, as of March 2020, the STB office in France will move from its current location to the premises housing Seychelles’ Embassy. Furthermore, the STB office in Italy will close following the retirement of the Director for Italy, Turkey, Israel and the Mediterranean, Mrs Monette Rose as of 1 January 2021. Henceforth, STB will be represented by a Rome-based PR and Destination Representation Company, ITA Strategy srl- headed by Ms Danielle Di Gianvito.

 With more than 25 years of experience, Ms Danielle Di Gianvito has a strong background in the travel industry; she has worked with airlines and several international Tourism Board on the Italian and Spanish markets. To ensure continuity and maintain an authentic link with the Seychelles islands, Mrs Yasmine Pocetti – former STB Marketing Executive will also join the team at ITA Strategy srl and she will be working on the Seychelles account. 

In addition, the STB office in the UK will cease physical operation by the end of February 2021. The Marketing Executive for the UK based office Mrs Eloise Vidot will be working from home while the Director for that market Ms Karen Confait will be based back at the STB headquarters. 

The STB Director for Russia, CIS & Eastern Europe, Mrs Lena Hoareau will also be based at the STB headquarters. 

Additionally, as of the end of February 2021, the STB office in South Africa will also be closed, its Director, Ms Christine Vel will be operating from the STB headquarters, while the STB Regional Director for South Africa, Other Africa and Americas, Mr David Germain will remain in South Africa maintaining an STB presence on the market. 

Speaking about the changes in the STB operations, Mrs Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive stated that the decisions are purely based on cost reduction but at the same time retention of the team.

“These are difficult times for the industry and the changes are unavoidable. We have to find creative ways to maintain our operation and operate at minimal cost.

We are also mindful that now more than ever, we have to make sure that we remain even more strategic and targeted and stay focus on our mandate,” said Mrs Francis. 

In late November, Mrs Francis addressed a long communication to all STB Staff and collaborators explaining the very difficult predicaments the organisation is facing

An extract taken from her communiqué reads as follows:

“The measures to be applied are to ensure that firstly STB can get through the year, but at the same time maintaining as much of its meagre resources; both human and financial for the eventual recovery of the country. The uncertainties that lie ahead of us requires as much planning and foresight while we acknowledge we are in a time where we have little information or data that can guide us through. To coin a gentler metaphor, normally, the purpose of a fiscal rigour is to prepare us for a rainy day. I think we can all agree that that proverbial rain is already falling today and falling hard. Failing to buy an umbrella, when it is raining and when you can still afford one, is not prudent. It is foolish,” said the STB Chief Executive. 

In the same communique, Mrs Francis also expressed her gratitude to her team locally and overseas for their immense support and continued commitment in these difficult times. She encouraged everyone to not be discouraged and to look forward to sunnier days ahead. 

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

Seychelles Tourism Board staff movement

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The Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) Management and Board would like to inform all its partners and stakeholders of the retirement of Ms. Monette Rose Director for Italy, Turkey, Israel, and the Mediterranean effective January 1, 2020.

Ms. Rose, who joined STB on October 1, 2005 and has been part of its marketing team for the past 15 years was based in Italy where she expertly directed the operations and the various projects.

Ms. Rose will be remembered as a market- savvy and a diligent member of the STB team. Speaking of the retirement of Ms. Rose, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin Director Regional Europe mentioned Monette as an enthusiastic professional.

“Monette’s passion for her country has transpired through her hard work. Having worked close to her for many years, I will not only miss a close collaborator but also a dear friend. Dedicated and always available, Monette is a keen listener and has shared with us her expertise, creativity and her wisdom. She has been a strong link in my European team,” said Bernadette Willemin.

On her part Mrs. Francis stated her gratitude to Ms. Rose for her very many years of service for Seychelles and her great work at the STB.

“It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of a great team member. Monette’s commitment and dedication has played an important role in the growth and success of this destination’s marketing in Italy and the various markets she has worked on. Although we will miss her dearly, she has more than earned the right to spend more time with her loved ones.

The STB Board, management and its team extend their warmest wishes for the future to Ms. Rose and her family.

Prior to joining the STB, Ms. Rose worked in the airline industry namely for Air Seychelles for 17 years and other African Airline companies.

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

Seychelles Guards Middle Eastern Ties in First Virtual Gulf Travel Show

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Seychelles strengthens its relationships with Middle Eastern travel trade partners through the Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) participation in the first virtual Gulf Travel Show on November 23, 2020. 

The two-day virtual event united around 2,500 participants joining in from 59 countries across the globe, with the Middle East Seychelles Tourism Board Office representing the island destination in networking and paving a path towards the recovery of the tourism industry. 

The first virtual edition of the GTS used an impressive and user-friendly platform which displayed the convention centre, a virtual hall, auditorium, and exhibition hall, creating an immersive virtual experience. Amongst the 40 exhibitors was the STB Team, who kept visitors updated about the destination, the latest safety measures and products. Whilst visiting these virtual booths, visitors also met with the representatives and had access to essential documents and videos. 

The virtual show’s gamified system fostered a dynamic atmosphere with the leader board encouraging visitors to participate in the different talks and to connect with the exhibitors. Insightful and engaging panel discussions, including an explanation of trends defined by technology companies, led by local and international industry leaders drew in visitors. 

Representing STB at the event was Mr Ahmed Fathallah, member of the STB Dubai Team, who said “This show brought together industry experts, world-class speakers and attendees from across the region all under one virtual roof. STOME will continue to take part in these regional activities to continue to spearhead the gradual restart of the tourism industry. We will always be here for our trade partners and continue to offer and extend the assistance that we can give.”

Hosted by TravTalk Middle East, the Gulf Travel Show provided a platform for exhibitors to, not only network and market their products, but also discover a recovery path for the tourism industry. 

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

The “Tourism Wi” Campaign Continues with the Youth of Seychelles

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As part of the “Tourism Wi” campaign, activities engaging with the youth of the island nation of Seychelles have taken place over the past few weeks.

Educators from some 20 schools around Mahé, Praslin and La Digue attended a half-day workshop conducted by the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) on how to sensitize their students on the importance of the tourism industry.  

The workshop, which forms part of the activities in the “Tourism Wi” awareness campaign, was hosted at the SITE Auditorium on Friday, November 13, 2020.  

The training included the presentation and handing over of a set of educational resources for the participants to use when dealing with the topic in their classes or tourism clubs.   

The material provided, tailored to address the importance of tourism, is a vital part of the campaign, which teachers were encouraged to customize in their classrooms to enhance its suitability and effectiveness, as well as share with their colleagues to ensure its wide use.  

This campaign component was specifically designed to be delivered to children from P5 to S2.

In addition to this workshop, SHTA also organized a student panel discussion which took place on Thursday, November 26, 2020, at the STB Headquarters at Botanical House, Mont Fleuri.

The event saw the participation of a total 8 children from Pointe Larue, Anse Royale, Au Cap and Mont Fleuri upper primary who shared their views on the Tourism Industry and how it is significant to the country.

The discussion was produced by K-Radio Seychelles and hosted by Ms. Patsy Canaya, who witnessed an incredible display of the students’ confidence as well as their articulate and well-informed opinions on the current situation being faced by the country.

This activity not only gave the tourism industry players an idea of educated and informed the youth are on the matter, but it also presented the opportunity to clarify common misunderstandings.

Run by Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), the “Tourism Wi” awareness campaign is a domestic campaign designed to reassure local people who might have concerns about the return of tourists to Seychelles despite their importance to our economy.    

The campaign highlights how the Seychelles economy has been severely affected by the pandemic, which has trampled on the global tourism industry, and that Seychellois must band together to preserve the creole hospitality they are famed for.   

The campaign launched at the STB Headquarters at Botanical House on Monday, October 19, 2020, and has run through two stages through various platforms including television, radio and social media.   

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

The Seychelles Islands Remain a Tourist Favorite

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The mystical Seychelles Islands remains a fantasy escape for travelers across the globe and, although the vicious pandemic has dwindled travel, the destination maintains its allure.

On the path to a slow yet steady recovery, the tropical paradise has seen the arrival of 98,894 up to November 15, 2020.

Based on data provided by the National Bureau of Statistics, since re-opening to commercial flights on August 1, 2020, the Seychelles International Airport has seen the arrival of 9,272 visitors.

Since then, up to date, the local tourism industry’s traditional markets have remained steadfast with the UAE as the top visiting region with 3,065 visitors, followed by Germany with 2,328, Switzerland with 1,495, the UK with 662 and France with 298.

In week 46, the airport has seen 1,154 arrivals with the same markets remaining strong during this time hailing 628 visitors from Germany, 218 from Switzerland, 83 from the UAE, 72 from South Africa and 55 from Austria.

Additionally, since the resumption of Air Seychelles flights to South Africa, there has been an increase in the number of visitors from the region from 11 in week 45 to 72 in week 46.

Reviewing the recent tourism arrival numbers, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis stated that the current situation leaves little room for previsions of trends as travelers are booking very close to their travel date.

“The last quarter of 2019 alone, Seychelles received 104,079 visitors; therefore, the numbers presented this year may seem dull in comparison. However, looking at the bigger picture, these same figures are monumental for the local tourism industry. At current, our marketing approach is flexible and in constant evolution. We are doing so without deviating from the very crucial goal of keeping our people safe,” said Mrs. Francis.

Mrs. Francis further stated her gratitude to the local industry, international partners and the airlines who are pushing for Seychelles to remain visible and accessible during these challenging times.

Keeping abreast on client’s sentiments regarding the safety of visitors in the destination, a small-scale pilot study was conducted by STB’s Strategic Planning and Market Intelligence Team in collaboration with Hilton Northolme, and the data collected comes as a beacon of hope for the local tourism industry.

With support from Hilton Northolme, the Market Intelligence Team was able to evaluate tourists’ travel motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Assessing tourists’ perception of the destination during the COVID-19 pandemic, measure tourists’ level of safety and satisfaction in Seychelles during the pandemic as well as capture issues and challenges faced by travelers when travelling to Seychelles in the ‘new normal’.

The findings revealed several key information as 100% of respondents stated that they felt safe being in Seychelles during this time, with 81% claiming to feel very safe. Furthermore, 100% of respondents claimed that they would recommend travelling to Seychelles during this time and 17% responded that they came to Seychelles to seek refuge from the pandemic.

The data collected convey growing confidence in the travel industry especially in the Seychelles where the local authorities have united to implement extensive safety measures whereby the low infection numbers have created a sense of security in the minds of travelers. The study is expected to be repeated with a bigger sampling.

As the pandemic swept across nations and fear of travel rose, Seychelles made safety central to its recovery strategy. As the main marketing body for the islands, STB has been advocating for safe travel for months now, through a myriad of campaigns and participation in virtual summits and webinars addressing the safety of travelers and tourism recovery.

“Safe tourism is not an option for Seychelles but rather a must. This is not only for the safety of our people but also especially for the restart of our industry, which was, until we were hit by the pandemic, a flourishing one. Our commitments for safe tourism have been ably supported by the various partners on the tourism task force,” said the STB Chief Executive.

During these moments where reconnection with loved ones and family and the much-needed escape are desperately sought after, the Seychelles Islands, with its pearly white beaches meeting crystal waters and spectacular landscapes, fulfils these desires whilst keeping the safety of travelers and locals its highest priority.

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