World Tourism Network Vice President for international affairs, former president of the African Tourism Board, and a WTN Hero is now on his way to becoming the next president of the Republic of Seychelles, the friendliest nation in the World.
Together with Daniella Payet, another well-known personality in tourism, they were declared the independent candidate for President in Seychelles.
When St. Ange was the minister of tourism, he said Seychelles is a friend of all and enemy of none, a philosophy that is becoming increasingly important in this current geopolitical environment. With his philosophy, he demonstrated clearly the resilience and role tourism has in world peace.
Mr. St. Ange was a former minister of tourism for his country, set up the Carnival or Carnivals, and a known personality and consultant in global travel and tourism.
In a press release from today, the team St.Ange and Payet said:
The stage is set for a pivotal moment in Seychelles’ history as the nation prepares for its Presidential Elections on September 27, 2025. Amid growing calls for change, two candidates are stepping forward with a bold vision for transparency, unity, and pragmatic leadership.
Alain St.Ange, a distinguished figure in Seychelles’ political and economic development, has officially announced his independent candidacy for President, with Daniella Payet as his Vice Presidential running mate. Together, they aim to usher in a new era of inclusive governance, breaking away from the constraints of traditional party politics. St.Ange and Payet were prompted to enter the political arena following pressure from the business community, urging them to bring their expertise and leadership to Seychelles at this critical juncture.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Seychelles is currently facing unparalleled economic challenges. The nation’s tourism sector, the backbone of its economy, is struggling. This downturn is rippling across supporting industries – destination management companies, taxi operators, car hire companies, restaurants, guides, and ferries – impacting livelihoods and economic stability. Visitor arrival figures continue to drop, signaling the urgency for real solutions.
Adding to the economic strain, Seychellois citizens are battling soaring living costs. High electricity rates and landing fees imposed on locals using jetty services on Praslin and La Digue have further burdened the population. Meanwhile, social challenges are becoming more pronounced, with poverty giving rise to systemic issues and increasing pressures on law enforcement, health care, and education.
St Ange and Payet believe that the current issues call for urgent, unbiased action – free from the constraints of traditional party politics.
They advocate for a new era of governance focused on dismantling systems that prioritise personal and partisan interests over the common good. By rejecting party politics, they aim to address issues with transparency, fairness, and accountability. This approach seeks to create a government that listens to its citizens, values merit over connections, and prioritizes national development. Their vision for Seychelles relies on collaboration and genuine public engagement to build a prosperous, inclusive future.
The Power of an Independent Movement
Alain St.Ange and Daniella Payet are leading a movement for inclusive governance. Their campaign is supported by a coalition of independent candidates under the banner of Lalyans Nouvo Sesel (Alliance for a New Seychelles).
St.Ange and Payet pledge to prioritize the people’s interests over party loyalties by running independently, enabling elected representatives to vote in the National Assembly based on national interests rather than party mandates.
“Seychellois should be allowed to choose their representatives based on merit, not party allegiance,” St.Ange affirmed, reinforcing his commitment to a transparent, people-first government.
A Vision for Progress
Alain St.Ange brings over five decades of experience in both public service and the private sector. He is a globally renowned tourism expert, with samples of his many accolades, including the “Mahatma Gandhi Award,” the “Global Achievers Award,” and the “Lifetime Achievement Award for Promotion of the Travel Trade” at ITB in Berlin. His expertise in tourism will be central to reviving the industry and restoring economic stability.
Daniella Payet is a seasoned tourism professional who has worked as a Tour Operator in France and is now a successful local entrepreneur in Seychelles’ hospitality sector. She is also a decorated tourism leader, having received the following recognitions: Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government (2017) and the Continental Award for the African Continent for Tourism & Leisure. She also owns a leading private clinic, bringing business acumen and medical industry experience to enhance the local healthcare system.
Unlike traditional political figures, St.Ange and Payet have pledged to serve only a single term, focusing solely on meaningful reforms without the distractions of personal or party-driven agendas.
A New Future for Seychelles
The St.Ange-Payet candidacy presents a clear alternative to traditional politics. By empowering independent representatives, Seychelles can transition to a governance model that genuinely reflects the will of its people rather than the dictates of political parties.
In the last elections, Seychellois proved they were ready for change. However, that change was driven by a desire for something different rather than a clear vision for the future. Now, Seychellois have the opportunity to decide what kind of change is right – for themselves, their families, and the country as a whole.
Seychellois: Join the Movement
Alain St.Ange and Daniella Payet, alongside a coalition of independent candidates, invite Seychellois to participate in a transformative movement. The 2025 Presidential Elections offer an opportunity to redefine leadership and forge a prosperous, inclusive future for Seychelles.
