Seychellois discuss their tourism industry as Minister St.Ange visits small establishments

The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, said domestic tourism is on the rise across the country, and there is a need to encourage more tourism establishments to promote it. Minister St.Ange said this after visiting tourism establishments in the eastern and southern parts of the main island of Mahe last Friday and a property at on the north side of Mahe at Glacis but days earlier.

The minister was accompanied on his visits by the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune, and together they visited two well-established, self-catering establishments – Green Palm self-catering apartments and Julie Villa – as well as private residences of Julienne Madeleine at Pointe Larue, Nella Suzanne of Baie Lazare, and the property of Maxime and Sandra Thomas of Glacis. The owners of two of these private residences are seeking to rent rooms on their properties to local residents, hence moving into domestic tourism.

Minister St.Ange said he is impressed with the two tourism establishments he visited, adding that they are assets to the Seychelles tourism industry. He said the two establishments are properly maintained and are of high standards.

Green Palm self-catering apartments located at Green Estate is owned and managed by Theresa Vandagne. The establishment consists of six chalets of one bedroom each, ideal for couples, and two apartments of two bedrooms. The green walls of the establishment adjust themselves well in the beautiful garden filled with green palms and other neatly-cut trees.

Julie Villa at Pointe Au Sel was the next stop on the minister’s tour. The newly-opened purpose-built holiday home of four bedrooms, belongs to Barry Laporte and his wife, Julie. It is located only a few minutes away from the main road and not far from the beach.

Minister St.Ange and Mrs. Lafortune commended Mrs. Vandagne and the Laporte family for having good products for the tourism industry. “Both these home-grown tourism establishments are well managed and are offering a distinct Creole touch and welcome. Their positive outlook and with the sincerity with which they entered the tourism industry of Seychelles, makes them ideal partners of the Tourism Board,” said Minister St.Ange, before adding that these door-to-door visits in the tourism industry helps him and his team to remain connected with those working on the front line of this sector, known to be the pillar of the islands’ economy.

Minister St.Ange said it is important to meet those working in the industry and to know of their successes, challenges, and to also learn more on the products that is being offered in the tourism sector. On the question of domestic tourism, the minister said that this is a point that needs encouraging. “Seychellois and residents of Mahe should be encouraged to spend breaks on Praslin and La Digue as well as the other islands and the same with those from the islands to also enjoy the facility and diversity of Mahe. We do not need to wait for national events to enjoy our country but can spend time appreciating our country, and visit family and friends right through the year. This is domestic tourism and a niche market we need to embrace,” said Minister St.Ange as he visited two property owners who have expressed the wish to open their homes to Seychellois wanting a break in their own country.

For more information on Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange, click here.