The Editorial this week highlights:- a. Patrick Victor was proposed to be ‘Ambassador At Large’ for Seychelles. b. Seychelles punching above it’s weight – an army of working at no cost for its tourism. c. After the IATA Regional Aviation Forum in Accra, Ghana the world of tourism moves its attention to the AFRICAN RESILIENCE SUMMIT in Johannesburg, South Africa. d. Named as one of the two Seychellois shortlisted in Tourism: Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities. e. Call made for Africa to look for SG of UNWTO as Minister Najib Balala is named as potential candidate. Stand alone articles this week:- 1. Tourism Industry News Seychelles: Mason’s Travel awaits new addition to fleet. 2. Creole Undergoes Corporate Re-Branding In upcoming celebration of the “20 Years of Creole” Anniversary. 3. Tourism: Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities Unveiled – Two Seychellois nominated in TOURISM ADMINISTRATION Category. 4. Mary Geers: A Seychelles Home Grown Success Story. 5. Fish discovery in Seychelles is confirmed as new species of dwarf goby group. 6. Country & Western Music Hoedown Concert is coming. 7. Seychelles- the garden of Eden welcomes 12 contestants to Miss Reunion Crown. 8. Vijay Poonoosamy at ICAO: Ensuring no country is left behind in Aviation. 9. Paradise Flycatcher Reserve on La Digue Island reopens. 10. HMC (Pty) Ltd. a Seychellois “Hygiene Management Company”.(Helping customers succeed, solve problems and save money in the hospitality business). 11. Reunion Island – the President Didier Robert pleads for a State / Region partnership serving Reunionais. 12. American collaborators in Key US cities enjoy a feel of the Seychelles Island . 13. Mayotte Island has an active Volcano. 14. Madagascar set to experience tourism-driven boom this year. 15. Closing Notes.
Welcome to this 25th edition of Vol 3 of the Saint Ange Tourism Report of 2019.
Patrick Victor was proposed to be ‘Ambassador At Large’ for Seychelles
The well known and popular Patrick Victor has been proposed as Ambassador at Large for Seychelles. Though the confirmation of the appointment has been rejected by the National Assembly of Seychelles, the people of the islands by a large majority continue to welcome Patrick Victor’s proposed appointment. “We can say what we want about the man, but Patrick Victor is indeed our very own John Lennon of Seychelles” was the copy of one of the public posts forwarded to us.
A Seychellois Islander will always work hard for his island and one as committed as Patrick Victor could only do good as a representative of the island.
Is it not better for Seychelles to let Seychellois, immaterial of their political belief and leaning, work for Seychelles and do away for once and for all with the ‘with us and not with us’ plague that continues to destroy our islands?
Seychelles punching above it’s weight – an army of working at no cost for its tourism
Seychelles has been recognised for leaving no stone unturned when its tourism industry was concerned. As Minister responsible for Tourism, it was the island’s economy and the consolidation of the Seychelles Tourism, that remained my priority. To succeed, it was important to innovate and remain ahead of the pack. The budget allocated to tourism has never been enough, and Finance Principal Secretaries failed to appreciate the need to nurture the industry that is, and that will remain, the Pillar of the island’s economy. The Seychelles Ministry responsible for Tourism thinking outside the box brought an army of ‘foot soldiers’ to think Seychelles Tourism and to work ‘free of charge’ for Seychelles Tourism.
The call for Seychellois to claim back its tourism industry resulted in hundreds of Seychellois Islanders investing in their very own tourism industry and becoming operators of small home grown properties (hotels and guest houses) or tourism supporting facilities. This assured the long term support of tourism by the Seychellois who had become, in large numbers, owners of their industry. The drive then to consolidate the Seychelles Tourism Industry saw the appointment of three blocks of voluntary workers join the call we made from Seychelles, namely:- Tourism Ambassadors, Cultural Ambassadors and Friends of Seychelles – Press.
Tourism Ambassadors
The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors program was launched and became a valuable resource for Seychelles tourism as they are, in each and every case, Seychellois nationals living across the globe who are very familiar with their country of residence and who enjoy a very wide network of social and business contacts. With their extensive local knowledge and wide range of contacts, they are in an excellent position to support, and sometimes spearhead, Seychelles’ promotional campaigns and initiatives.
It was way back in 2010 when this program was launched that 14 Seychellois were named as the country’s new tourism ambassadors overseas, that Vice President Belmont stated that the new Tourism partnership was bearing fruit. Mr Belmont – who was also the then minister responsible for tourism – said this during the 2010 Seychelles Tourism Marketing Meeting held at the International Conference Centre.
The forum was also addressed by President James Michel, Seychelles’ tourism marketing director Alain St Ange, Air Seychelles’ executive chairman Captain David Savy – also a member of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) – and the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association chairman Louis D’Offay.
Mr Belmont told the tourism representatives: “We have seen encouraging progress with regards to the industry, and your strong presence here today at this official launch of the 2010 Tourism Marketing Meeting shows your commitment to ensuring the industry continues to grow, and I am confident this support will continue in the crucial months ahead.” He said with tourism still at the forefront of our economy, we all need to work together for the future. “And I take this opportunity to reassure you, our tourism trade, that I will continue to drive the government policies that make for a vibrate tourism sector,” he added.
95 Seychellois Tourism Ambassadors were named in 30 countries worldwide to help consolidate the island’s tourism industry
Seychelles is the first country to have taken the initiative of appointing its citizens as tourism ambassadors all over the world and their role is to assist in the promotion of Seychelles as a tourism destination in tandem with the country’s marketing team and overseas tourist offices. That program fell under the title tag line, “Once a Seychellois, always a Seychellois.”
“The tourism ambassadors are like consuls, but here only to promote and continuously help develop Seychelles as the tourist destination,” I said at the launch of the program. “They now have their own newsletter, email addresses, and soon they will have their own forum on the popular social network Facebook to exchange ideas and update each other on their activities.” before stressing the point that all Seychellois living abroad are natural ambassadors of their country of birth. They are well-known in their countries of residence, and their network of contacts and local knowledge will be invaluable tools in promoting Seychelles as a tourism destination across the globe.
The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors very own newsletter
Cultural Ambassadors
Following the success of the Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors that was reserved for Seychellois only, a second program was instigated, again on a totally voluntary basis for well know foreign artists and tourism professionals who were ready to dedicate time, resources and energy for the promotion of Seychelles in their country of residence.
This program saw some influential personalities get involved, such as the Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman. The music maestro has sent out his love and regard to the people and government of the foreign nation.
A two-time Oscar winning composer, Rahman shared an image of the certificate, on the micro-blogging site. “With love and regards to the people and government of Seychelles,” he captioned the picture. The certificate reads: “The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture proudly names A.R. Rahman Cultural Ambassador for Seychelles in appreciation for the invaluable services contributed to enhance Seychelles’s Art and Cultural development.
In 2015 Sven Lindblad Appointed Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles the world press wrote:- ” New York, NY – The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism has appointed Sven-Olof Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, as Cultural Ambassador of Seychelles. The presentation of the official document of his accreditation was made by Minister Alain St. Ange, responsible for Tourism and Culture, at a dinner held on April 11th in honor of Sven Lindblad at the residence of Sir James Mancham, the founding President of the Republic of Seychelles.
The Lindblad family was integral to tourism development in Seychelles from its inception. Sven’s father, renowned adventure-travel pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad, brought his expedition ship to Seychelles in the 1960’s, even before the opening of the Seychelles International Airport. A deep friendship and collaboration developed between Lars Eric and Sir James, and together they worked to open up the Seychelles to travelers while ensuring that the magnificent natural riches would be protected. That collaboration continues today, with Sven Lindblad and the 102-guest National Geographic Orion in the Seychelles for a series of voyages exploring the archipelago.
In making the appointment, Minister Alain St.Ange said, “Tourism started in earnest when people ventured beyond their own borders to see cultural and historical sites of interests. This is what the Lindblad Group were doing when they added Seychelles onto their list of must visit destinations. As we welcome back the Lindblad Group this time through Sven Lindblad, the head of the organization, we say thank you for your support and for flying our flag high.”
“Seychelles is a tourism destination where its culture has been positioned at the base of its tourism development and it is with this ‘tourism through culture’ tag line that we have the pleasure to appoint you Cultural Ambassador for the Seychelles” he continued.
Friends of Seychelles – Press
Following in the footsteps of the two voluntary programs working well for the Seychelles Tourism Industry (Tourism Ambassador & Cultural Ambassador) a third program, “The Friends of Seychelles – Press” was set in motion in a bid to help the visibility of the islands for the benefit of its tourism industry.
“‘Friends of Seychelles-Press’ is an association whose ranks are swelling, which in itself indicates that we are achieving greater outreach in our efforts to gain greater visibility on the international stage,” I said at a tourism trade fair as I welcomed new members of the press fraternity to the program.
Press from the four corners of the world reported that this innovative move by Seychelles has been making news right around the world as the mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles continue to surprise the press fraternity with its commitment to sustain this appealing grouping of press personalities.
At the Seychelles Investment Forum in South Africa press reported:- “Another member of the international press was welcomed into the fold of “Friends of Seychelles – Press” by Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, during the Seychelles Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mr. St.Ange invited the newest member of “Friends of Seychelles-Press,” Mr. Isaac Mangena of e-News Africa, to the forum to receive his certificate of membership and to be recognized by all present for his work in helping to raise the profile of the islands in the international press.
Isaac Mangena is the second TV personality from South Africa to be accredited to this unique grouping. At the 2011 Seychelles “Carnaval International de Victoria” held earlier this year, Masechaba Lekalake, the very popular SABC TV personality from South Africa was presented with her “Friends of Seychelles-Press” accreditation certificate in the ceremony following the Seychelles Carnival’s press briefing.
Anita Mendiratta of CNN TASK Group
Anita Mendiratta of the CNN Task Group published on the 11 April 2014: Travel & Tourism leaders close-up, this time a Minister of Tourism and it was Alain St.Ange. She wrote that Seychelles as an island nation in the Indian Ocean neighbouring Africa’s eastern coastline, while small in geographic size and remotely located, the Seychelles has become a destination with a reputation for ‘punching above its weight’.
After the IATA Regional Aviation Forum in Accra, Ghana the world of tourism moves its attention to the AFRICAN RESILIENCE SUMMIT in Johannesburg, South Africa
Just over a week and a half ago, I attended the IATA Regional Aviation Forum in Accra Ghana which was convened under the theme “Aviation: Business for Regional Prosperity” and brought together more than 150 distinguished aviation experts, decision makers and influencers from airlines, airports, civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers, travel agency associations, and government agencies from across the West and Central African region.
As the President of the African Tourism Board at this IATA special annual event I participated as Moderator of a Panel Discussion on the topic “West and Central Africa as Preferred Tourism Destination: The Need for Greater Industry Synergy” and can say as I congratulate IATA for hosting the event that their Forum was not only good, but was needed.
Next week, the world of tourism will move its attention to Johannesburg in South Africa for the AFRICAN RESILIENCE SUMMIT.
The Summit will see Naledi Khabo, CEO, ATA (Africa Tourism Association) and Daniela Wagner, Group Business Development Director, Jacobs Media Group lead the even with Beulah Mosupye, Founder, MD, Hauweng Consulting as moderator.
African tourism can play a significant role in the economic development of countries on the continent, while also battling to save one of its most precious natural resources, wildlife. There are clear needs for the countries on the continent to embrace crisis preparedness, despite the frequency of events, countries must learn to systemically plan as well as develop long term strategies for destination diversification, ending wildlife crime and addressing the impacts of climate change to ensure sustainable economic growth. Today’s summit will surface issues for consideration and action, starting with understanding crisis management and preparedness, the value of tourism as an economic driver, the connection between tourism and conservation and finally addressing the “continental blur”. Not everything that happens on the continent, happens in each of the 54 countries.
A Minister’s Roundtable is expected to see distinguish tourism leaders such as H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner, African Union, Infrastructure, Energy & Tourism, H.E. Fikile Mbalula, Minister of Transport, South Africa, H.E. Jose da Silva Gonçalves, Minister Tourism, Transport and Maritime Economy, Cabo Verde, H.E. Tshekedi Khama II, Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Botswana and Dr. Taleb Rifai, Co-Chair, Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, Chairman, Resilience Council, former Secretary General, UNWTO coming together with Gillian Saunders ofGillian Saunders Consultancy as their moderator.
I will be on the panel SECURITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT – how to plan for resiliency.
The panel discussion will look at What constitutes a crisis, how to prepare for it and what are the essential things to know when in Africa? One thing everyone agrees upon when talking about preparedness is that planning is essential. Drafting a plan is the result of the exercise but the actual planning and training are the critical ingredients, on the continent it is a bottom up process. With various types of crisis from man-made to natural disasters, what are the key elements to ensuring a country or a business are ready for when they are confronted by crisis? Are governments connecting the dots?
The listed participants for this panel discussion are:- Dr. Lee Miles, Professor of Crisis and Disaster Management, Bournemouth University, UK , H.E. Joe Okudo, CBS, Principle Secretary, Kenyan State Department for Tourism and Wildlife, Simon Hardern, CEO, Kenyon International Emergency Services, Alain St. Ange, Saint Ange Consultancy and Monthly Tourism Newsletter, former Minister of Tourism and Culture, Seychelles with as Facilitator: Magcino Gule, Sr. Manager, Travel Sure, Old Mutual Limited
The Summit will also see a number of other tourism leaders discuss CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE: ETHIOPIAN AIR, BOEING AND THE PUBLIC, CAPE TOWN’S WATER CRISIS, EXTREME MEASURES FOR EXTREME SUCCESS, DATA DRIVING CHANGE, AFRICAN BIODIVERSITY and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: TOURISM AND WILDLIFE, ALTERNATE DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING STRATEGIES for LONG TERM SUSTAINABILITY, SOUTH AFRICA ADDRESSES CHALLENGES IN TOURISM, SOUTH AFRICA’S UNIQUENESS: It’s not just about wine and safari, THE MEDIA’S PERSPECTIVE: DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER.
The reception for the closing ceremony of the summit will see the IIPT DESTINATION AWARDS. Ajay Prakash the President of IIPT will present IIPT Destination Awards (International Institute for Peace Through Tourism) to nominees furthering resiliency through travel and tourism in South Africa and across the Continent.
Named as one of the two Seychellois shortlisted in Tourism: Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities
Alain St.Ange & Elsia Grandcourt
shortlisted in Tourism: Africa Travel 100 Global Personalities
I am indeed proud to have ended last week receiving the information that I had been listed by the African Travel Quarterly (Atqnews.com) in the first shortlist of the winners of the Africa Travel 100 Global personalities awards. The African Travel 100 Global Personalities Award that will take place during the 15th AKWAABA African Travel Market at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on the 23rd of September, 2019. Akwaaba African Travel Market is from 22nd to 24th of September 2019. The award is expected to honour personalities in the travel and tourism sector that have exemplified themselves in the industry and contributed to the growth of the sector in Africa and in the Diaspora. The event will be part of the First African Tourism Diaspora Conference 2019. The Conference is expected to draw top tourism personalities from around the world to Lagos Nigeria.
Call made for Africa to look for SG of UNWTO as Minister Najib Balala is named as potential candidate
Najib Balala of Kenya
The IATA Regional Aviation Forum in Accra Ghana which was convened under the theme “Aviation: Business for Regional Prosperity” and brought together more than 150 distinguished tourism and aviation leaders saw a call for Africa to organise itself in order to se someone from the continent get elected in the next UNWTO elections for the position of Secretary General.
The call was made to loud applause during one of the panel discussions when a prominent press personality raised the circumstances surrounding the 2017 UNWTO elections and questioned where Africa’s bid to head the UNWTO was after the Seychelles and Zimbabwe bid ended in disaster once the Seychelles Government had withdrawn its own bid but two days before the May 2017 elections.
The name of Najib Balala the SG Tourism for Kenya is the name that was floated as the possible candidate from the Continent of Africa with its 10 votes in the elections. Everyone present agreed that this subject needed to be put of Africa’s Tourism Agenda.
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