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The Seychelles Islands crowned WTA’s World’s Most Romantic Destination

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Revered for its mesmerizing beauty, the Seychelles Islands has been awarded the World’s Most Romantic Destination for 2020 in the Grand Final of the World Travel Award.  

The pristine paradise was announced as the world-leading winner for this award following a year-long campaign and voting process on Friday, November 27, 2020.

The archipelago has long built a reputation for being one of the most romantic destinations in the world, attracting couples from all corners of the globe. Relatively untouched and religiously preserved, the islands serve as the perfect getaway for couples longing to escape the hassle of mundane life and create a deeper connection with one another.

These desires have only amplified with the current pandemic as many realize the significance of cherishing every moment. The tropical destination flaunts pearly, white beaches with turquoise waves, surrounded by lush mountains, which blend into the perfect exotic escape from harsh realities. 

Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive expressed her contentment at the announcement as the destination being one of the winners for the Grand Final gives Seychelles the extensive exposure and visibility required to showcase its beauty and charm.  

“Aside from the magnificent features of the destination, credit should also be given to our industry partners as they also have a hand in creating the enchantment and long-lasting memories that comes with a holiday on our shores. This award is a great honor given to Seychelles and our local industry and comes as a great encouragement during these difficult times,” said Mrs. Francis.

The island nation does not just offer unspoiled natural beauty, but it also boasts numerous establishments where many couples choose to relax or tie the knot. This magnificent combination is what has hoisted the Seychelles Islands to its position as World’s Most Romantic Destination for 2020.

The World Travel Awards has been acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries since 1993 with the brand globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

The virtual award ceremony, a milestone event in the travel and tourism industry calendar, was also attended by other major decision-makers and figureheads in the industry in addition to leading trade and consumer media. 

The honorable achievement follows the destination’s win for the regional Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination for the second consecutive year for the 27th annual World Travel Awards. Sustainability and romance walk hand in hand with sustainability as key to preserving the romantic charm of the island paradise. 

More news about Seychelles

#rebuildingtravel

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

Bartlett to Invite Miss World Finalists to Visit Jamaica

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Jamaica Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett says that Jamaica will be extending invitations to Miss World finalists Miss Nigeria, Nyekachi Douglas and Miss India, Suman Rao, following Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh’s historic win on Saturday.

Speaking at the second annual Golden Tourism Day Awards, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre yesterday, the Tourism Minister said that, “This weekend was a very powerful one for us in Jamaica… Our very own Toni-Ann Singh was named the beauty of the world.”

He added that, in celebration of this, “ the Director of Tourism, the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board and I will collaborate with Minister Grange to invite not just Miss Nigeria who showed love and friendship but also Miss India, because we think it will be wonderful to have them in Jamaica.”

The Minister noted that the Government would make the necessary arrangements to host the beauty contestants, and will ensure that they “have the best vacation that they could hope for, in the best destination that they could ever think of, and to also make sure that Jamaica remains top of mind.”

Miss Nigeria, Nyekachi Douglas rose to popularity, because of her reaction to Singh’s win in London.  The reaction, which has since gone viral, had millions of social media users sharing that the genuine show of joy for Miss Jamaica’s win, is an example of how friends should support each other.

In an Instagram video after the competition, she described Singh as “amazing” and a big supporter of her fellow contestants.

Singh is the 69th Miss World and 4th Jamaican to take the title.  Miss World France, Ophely Mezino was the runner up, and Miss World India, Suman Rao placed third at the event that saw contestants from 111 countries competing in London for the crown.

“We are changing our tagline to ‘Jamaica the heartbeat of the world’, and in no other way was it expressed than in London when Toni-Ann became Miss World, becoming the 4th Jamaican to be so accorded,” he said.

The Minister made the announcement during second Golden Tourism Day Awards, which was organized by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Ministry of Tourism. The gala event recognizes Tourism workers who have given 50 years or more of service to the industry.

Some 34 awardees who have served the industry as raft captains, craft traders, ground transportation operators, hoteliers, in-bond store operators, tour operators and Red Cap Porters were lauded for their remarkable contribution.

“We love you, we respect you and we honor you tonight. This process of sighting good work – identifying [awardees] first of all, then positioning and celebrating you is critical. Tonight says to you that a grateful nation of people honour your work, respects your efforts and wish you well,” said Bartlett to the awardees.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Pacific World reveals new programs for #bringchangewithME 

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Initiative to Support Sustainable Development and Behavior Change Continues to Expand Around the World

Pacific World, the leading global destination and event management company, has introduced new programs for its ‘#bringchangewithME’ initiative.

After a successful launch at IMEX America 2019, Pacific World will expand the conversation about global issues at IBTM World 2019, taking place November 19 – 21 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via exhibition and trade center in Barcelona, Spain. 

The business events industry can work collectively to make a real change by creating solutions in the areas of social and environmental sustainability.

“Our vision is to raise awareness and work with our customers and partners to contribute to building a sustainable world for future generations” says Selina Sinclair, global managing director of Pacific World. 

Pacific World has existing products that allow our clients, particularly those of the next generation, to immediately commit to making a real change.  For example, 96 percent of 24,000 fisheries in Greece engaged in coastal fishing, and Pacific World Greece has established a collaborative partnership with carefully selected local communities to reduce IUU fishing practice.

Leveraging successful programs like “secondary destinations” by Tourism Authority of Thailand that supports the livelihood of 55 secondary cities in Thailand, Pacific World Thailand has curated immersive experiences to gain perspectives on real social impact activation – a key success indicator for the programs Pacific World manages.

Pacific World leads the industry by “walking the talk” with #bringchangewithME, a ground-up commitment to help address social, economic and environmental problems through hands-on, meaningful activities at key destinations. Developed by its teams around the world, Pacific World hopes to create more meaningful experiences for clients, provide lasting benefits for each destination, and motivate behavior change throughout the globe.  

For a complete list of #bringchangewithME programs around the globe, visit Pacific World at Stand O50 during IBTM World.

About Pacific World

Founded in 1980 in Hong Kong, Pacific World is a dedicated destination and event management company operating in over 40 countries and over 100 destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and The Americas.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Hwee Peng Yeo, Sarah Rogers, Kate Bewak and Juliona Miller at Glodow Nead Communications, (415) 394-6500 or PacificWorldPR@GlodowNead.com

World Tourism Awards 2019 presented to Matthew D. Upchurch of Virtuoso, Asilia Africa, Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation and Me to We

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The 2019 World Tourism Awards were presented today, November 4, 2019, during the opening day of WTM London at Excel London. The honorees were Matthew D. Upchurch of Virtuoso, Asilia Africa, Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation and Me to We (we.org). Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and multi-Emmy award-winning investigative reporter and world-renowned travel expert, hosted the Awards presentation.

The World Tourism Awards, now celebrating its 22nd Anniversary, is co-sponsored by The New York Times, United Airlines, The Travel Corporation and Reed Travel Exhibitions. Inaugurated in 1997, the World Tourism Awards were established to “recognise individuals, companies, organisations, destinations and attractions for outstanding initiatives related to the travel and tourism industry, and in fostering sustainable tourism and developing programmes that give back to local communities.”

Presenting the Awards on behalf of the sponsors were: Patrick Falconer, Executive Director, The New York Times;Shannon Guihan, Chief Treadright and Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation; Bob Schumacher, Managing Director Sales, UK, Ireland and Off-Line Sales, United Airlines and Jeannette Gilbert, Head of Marketing & Communications WTM Portfolio, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

The World Tourism Awards honored Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman & CEO of Virtuoso, in recognition of Virtuoso’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices; and its mission to make sustainability a greater factor in consumer choice when traveling – to preserve, protect and advance the local culture, environment and economies of the lands they visit and to increase success for those who are dedicated to travel as a force for good. Accepting the Award was Matthew D. Upchurch, CTC, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso.

A World Tourism Award was also presented to Asilia Africa, in recognition of Asilia’s multi-pronged approach to make a positive impact on the local communities, wildlife and vital ecosystems of East Africa. Through this holistic approach, they are able to empower these crucial wilderness areas as well as the people who call them home. Fiona Herring, Agent Relationship Manager- Europe, accepted the Award on behalf of Asilia Africa.

Nikoi Island/ The Island Foundation also received a World Tourism Award in recognition of Nikoi Island and its commitment to sustainability by having a positive impact on the local culture, community, conservation; and for establishing the Island Foundation in 2010, which is transforming education for Riau’s island communities through the creation of 8 learning centers. Accepting the Award on behalf of The Island Foundation, Ed Jenne, Chairman.

ME TO WE (WE.ORG) was honored with a World Tourism Award in recognition of ME TO WE’s impact through its partnership with WE Charity; providing more than 1 million people with clean water, building 1,500 schools overseas, and empowering children with access to education; and of course, providing volunteer travel to those looking to change the world. Aaron Sapra,ME to WE, Global Director, accepted the Award on behalf of Me to We.

The Award itself, Caring for Our World, sponsored by VisitMalta, was specially designed and handcrafted on the Mediterranean Island of Malta by Mdina Glass, and celebrates the qualities of leadership and vision that inspire others to care for all people around the Globe.

The Award ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by United Airlines.

Malta Tourism Authority: Summer News

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As the summer season in Malta draws to a close and travelers look ahead to autumn, the archipelago offers a season full of wonderful weather and an abundance of activities. There is something for everyone, ranging from historical ruins, relaxing beach getaways, exploring an incredible underwater world, and a jam-packed schedule of events.  Following is a roundup of the latest news from Malta and the best dates for the diary.

Second Gatwick flight added by Air Malta launching Winter 2019

In need of some winter sun? Air Malta is increasing the frequency of its flights from 27th October with a second weekly flight departure from Gatwick Airport. This will result in 14 flights a week from the airport. Combined with flights from Heathrow, there will be four daily flights to the stunning archipelago. The new flight times will allow tourists travelling to Malta to maximise their time on the island as departures from Gatwick will start from 5.55 AM and return flights from Malta will leave between 21.50 PM and 23.00 PM.

Heritage Malta Historic Wreck Sites

Malta has identified and gained access to 12 historical wreck sites. Consistently named the second-best diving destination in the world, diving enthusiasts will be able to visit these sites by appointment with The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU). Divers will now be able to explore these incredible locations that range from a 2,700-year-old Phoenician shipwreck, to WWI battleships and dozens of aircraft crash sites.

Freediving workshop in Malta with Umberto Pelizzari, 27-29 September 2019

Enjoy a three-day freediving workshop with Freediving champion, Umberto Pelizzari. The workshop is dedicated to passionate and certified free divers from all over the world who are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge. As the only workshop to be taught in English in 2019, this is a unique opportunity for freedivers to learn first-hand about Umberto Pelizzari’s theoretical and practical expertise. The workshop will take place from 27-29 September 2019 at Divebase Malta.

2000-year-old temple floor discovered

A 2000-year-old floor, dating back to pre-historic times was recently uncovered at a farmhouse during an ongoing excavation in Tas-Silġ. The floor belonged to the Temple of Ashtart, which was made famous by Roman senator Cicero. This discovery forms part of a wider, long-term project by Heritage Malta, which will eventually be transformed into a visitor centre.

Latest tourism figures from Malta

Malta has seen a significant increase in its tourism figures, with the number of people visiting the island more than doubling since 2010. The largest number of tourists comes from the UK with more than 280,000 visiting in 2019 alone.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Malta Pride: 6-15 September 2019

There is no better place to celebrate Pride than at the number one LGBTQ+ European destination. Malta has retained the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, awarded by the IGLA index in recognition of its laws, policies and lifestyles of its LGBTQ+ community. Starting on 6 September 2019, Malta Pride offers an abundance of activities across the island; from fashion shows, concerts and parties to human rights conferences and discussion groups. The celebrations will finish in style, with the main Pride March on 14 September in the capital, Valletta.

Birgufest: 11-13 October 2019

Birgufest is a true celebration of culture and art in one of Malta’s most historic towns: Birgu. With events taking place throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences including historical re-enactments, local art exhibitions, concerts and discounted tickets to museums and historical sites. Candles and flowers line the streets and music plays throughout the town creating a magical atmosphere.

Super League Triathlon: 19-20 October 2019

The Super League Triathlon will return to Malta this October combining a glamorous location with the very best in swim, bike and run action. As ideal location for the sporting event, the historical Mediterranean island is surrounded by hundreds of miles of water and is home to historical forts, ancient temples, towering City Gates, and magnificent scenery as well as Super League’s most notorious hills; last year’s racing saw the top triathletes of the world battle it out in some of the most exciting sprint finishes of the entire season.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race: 19 October 2019

Named as the most beautiful racecourse in the world, The Rolex Middle Sea Race returns this October. This nautical spectacle is a true highlight of the sailing calendar, bringing together the very best the sailing world has to offer. Competitors will race around the challenging and changeable circumnavigation of Sicily, before returning to the archipelago’s waters. Spectators can watch the start of the adrenaline packed course against the backdrop of Valletta’s impressive Grand Harbour.

Baroque Festival:  10 – 25 January 2020

The annual Valletta Baroque Festival is returning for its eighth consecutive year in January 2020. Treating audiences to unique, cultural classical performances, this upcoming prestigious two-week festival will showcase the very best musical talent in some of Valletta’s wonderful historical venues.

About Malta

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean. Comprising three main islands – Malta, Comino and Gozo – Malta is known for its history, culture and temples dating back over 7,000 years. In addition to its fortresses, megalithic temples and burial chambers, Malta is blessed with nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. Capital city Valletta was named European Capital of Culture 2018. Malta is part of the EU and 100% English speaking. The archipelago is famous for its diving, which attracts aficionados from around the world, whilst the nightlife and music festival scene attract a younger demographic of traveller. Malta is a short three and a quarter hour flight from the UK, with daily departures from all major airports across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Lauren Williams, Emily Olsen or Georgia Gogarty at malta@finnpartners.com or 020 7326 9880

Dr. Taleb Rifai has a message for Africa

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Former UNWTO Secretary-General Dr. Taleb Rifai today issued this statement when joining the African Tourism Board as their Patron.

Travel & Tourism Today is a powerful economic sector affecting and changing the lives of Billions of people around the world , but , beyond the numbers and the economic benefits of Generating $ 3.4 billion of global spending every DAY , Creating 1/10 jobs all over the world , and Representing 10.4 % of world GDP , Travell and Tourism, is today a major contributor to much more significant change and transformation that slowly and gradually is bringing us together, as humans, like never before. We and Africa are ONE in today’s world. Travel has connected us back to where it all started.

WE ALL CAME OUT OF AFRICA .

In today’s world, I would like to believe that, the transformative power of Travel and Tourism, When well managed and utilized, is a cornerstone in establishing world peace and in turn a better world, for people and planet,
Protecting our cultural and natural heritage, Empowering local communities. Breaking down stereotypes enabling us to experience, enjoy and celebrate the beauty of our rich cultural diversity,

These are indeed some of tourism’s contributions to MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

Just imagine what that means to Africa.
Mark Twain summed it up pretty well when he said
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

Travel, my friends, opens minds, open eyes, and open hearts. We became better people when we travel

That is why it’s a great honor for me to have joined ATB . It’s my, our opportunity to pay back to Africa, our motherland, the birthplace of mankind, a long-standing debt that we all owe 

Come join us let us make Africa ONE again and, be ONE with Africa 

TALEB RIFAI

About African Tourism Board:

  • Philosophy:
    Tourism as a Catalyst for Unity, Peace, Growth, Prosperity, Job Creation for the People of Africa
  • Vision:
    Where Africa becomes ONE tourism destination in the WORLD
  • Code of Ethics:
    ATB supports the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism which highlights the “decisive and central” role of UNWTO, as recognized by the General Assembly of the United Nations, in promoting and developing tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal respect for, and observance of human rights, and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction and without any form of discriminations.
  • The  Board provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to its member organizations.
  • The African Tourism Board provides an effective platform for both the public and private sector to engage and reach out.

More information on African Tourism Board is available on www.africantourismboard.com

Contact ATB at https://africantourismboard.com/contact/

Join African Tourism Board at https://africantourismboard.com/join/

Media Contact:
TravelMarketingNetwork
954 Lexington Ave. #1037
New York, NY 10021 USA
marketing@travelmarketingnetwork.com

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Vote for the finest spa and wellness brands in World Spa Awards 2019

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Spa and wellness industry professionals are invited to vote in World Spa Awards 2019 for the brands they consider the finest in their fields.

With the crucial 16-week voting period entering its final weeks, World Spa Awards has recorded a surge in year-on-year votes, reflecting the awards program’s reputation as the most trusted in the spa and wellness industry.

Voting is taking place across the full spectrum of the global spa and wellness industry, with world-level categories including Best Destination Spa, Best Spa Design, Best Cruise Spa, Best Detox Program, Best Eco Spa and Best Medical Spa.

New categories in 2019 include a technology focus with Best Wellness App. Country and regional-level categories include Best Hotel Spa, Best Resort Spa, Best Wellness Retreat and Best Day Spa. Within the USA, a number of state-level categories have been introduced. View the full list of 2019 finalists here.

Spa industry professionals – senior travel executives, luxury buyers, tour operators and media – along with spa consumers, are eligible to vote for the brands they consider to have performed at an exceptional level over the last 12 months.

Voting closes at midnight on 19 August. The winners will be unveiled at the red carpet 5th annual World Spa Awards Gala Ceremony 2019, taking place on 21 October at Armani Hotel Dubai, UAE. Industry leaders from around the world will attend the spa tourism event of the year. Guests can participate in an exclusive three-day spa and wellness networking program staged around the red-carpet World Spa Awards Gala Ceremony.

Launched in 2015, World Spa Awards aims to drive up standards in spa and wellness tourism and foster global growth by rewarding the leading organizations in their respective fields. A World Spa Award is the industry’s ultimate hallmark of excellence.

World Spa Awards is the sister event to World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 26th anniversary.

For more information about World Spa Awards and to register to vote, visit worldspaawards.com.

About World Spa Awards

World Spa Awards was developed in reaction to overwhelming demand from the spa industry for a program that was fair and transparent; a program with a mission to serve as the definitive benchmark of excellence, and to help to foster a new era of growth in spa tourism.

Media Contact:

World Spa Awards™ Public Relations

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000

Email: pr@worldspaawards.com
Web: worldspaawards.com
Social: Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

Anguilla scores a three-peat! Voted Best Caribbean Island third year in a row in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2019

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The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is delighted to announce that for a truly unprecedented third year in a row, Anguilla has been ranked #1 island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas in the 2019 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, honoring the top travel destinations and companies around the globe as rated by its readers. The Island was also claimed the #6 position on the Top 15 Best Islands in the World list.

“We are extremely pleased and proud to once again receive this prestigious Award, a wonderful endorsement of our exceptional tourism product,” said the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary in Anguilla’s Ministry of Tourism. “The credit for this Award goes beyond our tourism stakeholders to all the people of Anguilla, and our longstanding tradition of warm hospitality that brings our visitors back, year after year,” he continued.

“We are thrilled that Anguilla has been voted the #1 Island in the Caribbean for the third year in a row, and the #6 Island in the World, by this discerning group of experienced, global travelers,” said ATB Chairperson, Mrs. Donna Banks. “Over the past two years we have restructured the Anguilla Tourist Board, bringing new talent into the organization, strengthening our marketing department, and expanding our outreach to stakeholders. We are greatly encouraged by this Award, which validates our change in strategy and direction.”

Three Anguilla resorts are featured in the Top 25 Caribbean Resort Hotels category – Frangipani Beach Resort ranked #2; Malliouhana, Auberge Resort Collection ranked #14; and Zemi Beach House Hotel & Spa ranked #24. The Frangipani Beach Resort is once again the only property featured in the Top Hotels Overall, ranked #46.

Starting in December 2018, Anguilla has achieved record-breaking tourist arrivals every month through May 2019, the latest month for which visitor arrivals are available. With brand new and newly renovated resorts, a host of new attractions, and a new campaign, “Beyond Extraordinary” that focuses on the Anguilla experience, the island’s tourism industry is on track to realize its best year ever in terms of both arrivals and revenues.

The World’s Best Awards appear in the August 2019 issue of Travel + Leisure, on sale July XX, and online at this link: https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best. A special reception to celebrate the winners will be held on July 16, 2019 at the new Times Square EDITION in New York City.

For more information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

About Anguilla

Tucked away in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile. A slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green, the island is ringed with 33 beaches, considered by savvy travelers and top travel magazines, to be the most beautiful in the world.

Anguilla lies just off the beaten path, so it has retained a charming character and exclusivity. Yet because it can be conveniently reached from two major gateways: Puerto Rico and St Martin, and by private air, it’s a hop and a skip away.

Romance? Barefoot elegance? Unfussy chic? And untrammeled bliss?

Anguilla is Beyond Extraordinary. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Ross, Anguilla Tourist Board, North America, T. 917-858-2411, E. rossa@pmgroup.bz

Seychelles efforts for a sustainable destination in the forefront

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The destination joins the rest of the world to celebrate world environment day, a time us to reflect on sustainable tourism and how Seychelles as a destination is actively advocating for natural conservation.

As Seychelles took home the award for the Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2019 at the 26th Edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) held at the Sugar Beach- A Sun Resort in Mauritius on Saturday June 1, 2019.

Seychelles is one of those countries on the planet that is most reliant on tourism and fully realise the need to behave in such a way that its many resources are not squandered over the short term, but rather, used wisely so that they remain available for future generations of Seychellois.

At the forefront of keeping Seychelles sustainable is our very own Ministry of the Environment and its plans for waste management with the specific aim of reducing the amount of waste going into the landfill, which produces unwanted greenhouse gases, consumes scarce land and releases dangerous leachate into the environment.

The initiative towards developing a recycling system for PET and aluminium cans which started in 2008 is still ongoing and being sustained by importation and environmental levies. A glass bottle recycling system is also being implemented and has taken effect during 2018.

Additional restrictions are also being applied to the manufacture, trade and distribution of domestically produced and imported plastic bags of under 30 micrometres thickness.

 In 2017, the Ministry of Environment banned the use of manufacturing and sale of plastic, Styrofoam boxes and plastic utensils, rather promoting the use of paper boxes, reusable bags and other biodegradable substitutes. The government is working on setting up a waste-sorting centre to sort different types of waste for exportation.

Most recently, Plastic straw importation has been banned as of Friday, 1 February 2019. The sale, use, manufacturing, and processing of plastic straws ban has been reinforced as of 1 June 2019.

In order to benefit from the latest research, the Seychelles Ministry of Environment has been collaborating with different universities and also the World Bank and European Union to gather information about waste management in Seychelles and the development of a sustainable, 10-year waste management plan, which includes a waste-characterisation study and students’ exchange programme.

The ministry is also behind a composting programme where green waste will go to the landfill and also an education and awareness programme about effective waste management and waste sorting.

Meanwhile, the Seychelles Blue Bond Project which was presented at the recent Economist World Ocean Summit in Bali and which has already been awarded with the 2017 Ocean Innovation Challenge. It involves the government issuing a blue bond valued at $15 million over 10 years with guarantees from the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility to support the transition to sustainable fisheries.

The need for sustainability also underpins Seychelles’ exploration of the ocean for biotechnology as well as its research into alternative forms of energy such as that provided by, for example, wave power or solar farms, to lessen the load on imported and increasingly expensive forms of power production.

However, sustainability’s lowest common denominator remains the manner in which we each make a concerted effort to lessen our footprint on the planet and to consume its resources in ways that will make them available to future generations of Seychellois and tourists alike. It is when, as individuals, we truly begin to change our habits to take into consideration the broader, long term, needs of our environment and communities that we most favourably affect our prospects of success.

“As we commemorated World Environment Day on June 5, and looking at celebrating World Ocean Day on June 8, it is important we remember that our immaculate environment is the reason Seychelles is considered one of the best destination around the world. It is great to see that our government alongside the NGOs and the public remain focus on ecological measures. Our legacy to the younger generations has to be at the level of what our forefathers left for us,” said Mrs. Francis.

Article written with the collaboration of Glynn Burridge / TOURISM CONSULTANT / COPYWRITER, SEYCHELLES TOURISM BOARD

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

Seychelles’ Best recognized at World Travel Awards in Mauritius

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Seychelles’ best performing tourism related businesses have been recognized at the 26th Edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) in Mauritius  on June 1, 2019 in a ceremony held at the at the Sugar Beach- A Sun Resort.

During the same ceremony, the destination was crowned Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2019; Mrs. Sherin Francis Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive collected the prize on behalf of the destination.

Minister Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism Civil Aviation Ports and Marine and Mrs. Anne Lafortune Principal Secretary for Tourism also represented Seychelles at the ceremony; Mr. Ronny Brutus Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) CEO accompanied them.

Speaking about the various companies rewarded WTA; Minister Dogley mentioned his satisfaction that Seychelles is appreciated for its commitment to excellence in service, he further mentioned that he is confident that the service industry in Seychelles will keep on flourishing.

In the Indian Ocean region, Air Seychelles was crowned Leading Airline – Economy Class 2019, while Port Victoria was named Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Port 2019 and Constance Hotels & Resorts topped as Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2019 in their respective categories.

Prizes on a national level were as follows; Le Château de Feuilles was rewarded as Seychelles’ Leading Boutique Hotel 2019 and Hertz made it for Seychelles’ Leading Car Rental Company 2019.

Eden Bleu Hotel, Constance Ephelia, The H Resort, Beau Vallon Beach were named Seychelles’ Leading Conference Hotel 2019,Seychelles’ Leading Family Resort 2019 and Seychelles’ Leading Green Resort 2019 respectively, while Constance Lémuria Seychelles was acknowledged as Seychelles’ Leading Hotel 2019.

The Three-Bedroom Beach Suite @ Four Seasons Resort Seychelles claimed the title for Seychelles’ Leading Hotel Suite 2019; Seychelles’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2019 category was picked up by Two Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villa @ Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island was capped Seychelles’ Leading Luxury Resort 2019 and finally Seychelles’ Leading Resort 2019 rewarded JA Enchanted Island Resort as best performer in its category.

“Once again Seychelles as a destination with world class hotel establishments providing excellent service to their clients has shined.  The accolades received by Seychelles through its airline, sea port and also the top hotels clearly confirms that hard work, dedication and an unwavering strive towards excellence is what is required to sustain and grow our tourism industry.  I congratulate all the awardees,” said Minister Dogley.

World Travel Award celebrates its 26th anniversary year in 2019. Its annual programme is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry. In 2019, World Travel Awards Grand Tour features regional gala ceremonies in North America & the Caribbean (Jamaica), Middle East (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Africa & the Indian Ocean (Mauritius), Europe (Madeira, Portugal), Latin America (La Paz, Bolivia), and Asia & Oceania (Phu Quoc, Vietnam). Regional winners then compete head to head in in the corresponding world categories. The winners will be announced on the night of the World Travel Awards Grand Final in Muscat, Oman in November 2019.

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