Government and private tourism re-look at safety label in Seychelles

“There is a need for us as a country to re-look at the safety aspect in our tourism industry so as to protect the ‘Seychelles Brand’ that we are promoting.”

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, said this while talking about the Seychelles safety label during the multi-sectorial meeting chaired by Vice President Danny Faure on Friday, September 4.

Held at the National House, the meeting was attended by Ministers Alain St.Ange, Joel Morgan, Jean Paul Adam, and Wallace Cosgrow, several high government officials, members of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, and of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Minister St.Ange said with all the petty thefts being reported by tourists recently, it is the “Seychelles Brand” that is being affected.

“When such incidents happen, it affects our tourism industry, and the economy of our islands in general suffers,” Minister St.Ange said.

“We must all come together and take our responsibility to defend and to protect our unique tourism brand.”

Minister St.Ange said security at the various tourism establishments in the country must be re-looked at.

“It is vital that actions are taken to curb this problem and all concerned authorities must be involved.”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan, added that these incidents are also happening on yachts as thieves see them as easy targets.

Minister Morgan said this is badly affecting Seychelles’ reputation as a safe and ideal holiday destination. “In this troubled world, it is safe and peaceful tourism destinations that will continue to be holiday destinations for many. But the onus is on each and every Seychellois to take their destiny into their own hands and spread the word that Seychelles must preserve its safety label at all costs. Maintaining the peace and stability we have will ensure we also have a consolidated tourism industry.” Minister Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said.

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