The owners and management teams of the six small hotels on Cerf island brought forth the challenges they face in the tourism industry to the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, during his recent visit there.

Minister St.Ange, along with the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune, and the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken, visited the six Seychellois-owned small hotels on Cerf island and one which is still under construction.

Speaking to the hoteliers there, Minister St.Ange and his delegation learned of the many challenges faced by these small hotels.

The two most common concerns raised were the shortage of staff and coastal erosion.

The owner of Villa de Cerf, Charlie Marzocchi, has invested quite a sum in trying to curb the erosion in front of his property.

Since five years back, he had to put sandbags along the coast in front of Villa de Cerf, but across the recent years, these have not served much purpose as the beach is still being eroded.

The sandbags have not become an eye sore for those visiting this beautiful villa.

Mr. Marzocchi said his aim is to now venture into rock armoring as has been done by the neighboring hotels.

Having and retaining Seychellois employees is also a problem on the island. Though Cerf island is just a few minutes away from the main island of Mahe, and even if it provides a peaceful and conducive working environment, Seychellois people are still not showing interest in working there.

Along with the other points raised, Minister St.Ange has assured the hoteliers there that these issues will be brought to the concerned authorities so that these challenges can be alleviated.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .