By Alain St.Ange of SAINT ANGE CONSULTANCY
Welcome to Edition #5 of 2017.
Together with the NewsWires which are faithfully reposting our newsletters weekly, we are growing stronger and are playing our part to bolster the tourism industry.
Thank you all so very much for your feedback and messages of support; they are greatly appreciated. Among the varied suggestions arising from last week’s newsletter is the proposal for a Tourism Conference, an idea which I have been toying with ever since.
The discussion in last week’s newsletter regarding the proposed ring-road from Anse Lazio to Mont Plaisir on Praslin sparked a lot of outrage and support for the Talma family. Other feedback from last week’s Issue consisted of more shared stories of the struggles being experienced and encountered by those involved in the tourism industry of Seychelles.
In particular, the question of staffing generated quite a reaction. Debates around the issue of expatriate employees in Seychelles tends to polarise the public. It cannot be denied that the curtailing of expatriate staffing will inevitably impact the standard of service and also the success of many licensed operations in the field. As a Nation so dependent on tourism, we cannot afford to taint the tourism industry with political agendas.
Others wrote in to share their concerns regarding the potential introduction of fast food chains in our humble town of Victoria. Many wondered who was behind this ambitious venture. We sympathise with the traditional takeaway operators who work hard to keep Seychellois traditional cuisine alive, and whose livelihoods would undoubtedly be threatened by the arrival of the flashy neon lights.
Some readers raised their qualms about the costs involved in construction on the islands of Praslin and La Digue. The cost to dock to offload construction material needs to be re-examined by the relevant authorities because it is passed on to the Diguois. It is said that on La Digue SCR30,000 is payable per day for a landing craft carrying building materials docked next to the fuel station. This cost is exorbitant for the men and women trying to repair their homes or to build a little establishment for their family’s livelihood. This is a real concern for those living on these islands, and it is something which needs to be addressed.
The Seychelles Tourism Board met recently and discussed the way forward for tourism. Their forecast is brave, but they know, as we all know, that they remain highly dependent on visibility, which is key for Seychelles as a tourism destination to continue to remain relevant. Press coverage does not happen by itself; it requires work and dedication by those responsible for putting Seychelles on the map. Now that the catalyst for bringing considerable press coverage to Seychelles for the past six years, the annual Carnival, has been discontinued, the trade appears to be blindly hoping for a miracle.
The Saint Ange Consultancy is proud to announce that we will be branching into Environmental Consultancies. The Seychelles, like other small island states rely heavily on tourism, which remains the main pillar of our economy. If we were to ask the many visitors that flock to island destinations like Seychelles the reason they chose to holiday in these parts, the majority would say ‘to admire the rich natural beauty which surrounds’. Therefore, it is clear that the environmental wellbeing of small island nations remain crucial to the tourism industry.
Ameer Ebrahim, a Seychellois Marine Scientist and current PhD Candidate with the University of Queensland, has been selected to deal with any Environmental queries that may reach Saint Ange Consultancy. Ameer has previously worked with the City Council in Australia in developing a mangrove rehabilitation project, and has gained valuable experience in mangrove rehabilitation and protection. Furthermore, he has worked alongside Australia’s leading shark scientist, Dr. Jonathan Werry, for a period of two years, gaining insights into shark morphometrics, tagging, DNA sampling and monitoring. Locally, Ameer has completed some major consultancies in the recent past. He was part of the Consultancy team that drafted the National Protected Areas Act byelaws and regulations for the Seychelles Government. He is also working with a team of scientists in developing fish monitoring baselines and training of island staff at four protected Outer Islands of the Seychelles.
As sustainable tourism becomes an ever-emerging concept, we are confident that Ameer will be a vital asset to our expanding team. Ameer can be contacted via email at [email protected]. au
With that said, I hope you enjoy the read,
Alain St.Ange
Saint Ange Consultancy
Joe & Maryse Pool are the proud owners of the lovely Bambous River Lodge of Seychelles
Bambous River Lodge is located on the banks of the Bambous river, situated at Mount Simpson Bel Ombre, on the north coast of the main island of Mahé.
This very private and quaint Lodge is situated close to Marie Laure beach and is just a few minutes’ walk from the extremely popular and world-famous Beau Vallon Beach, boasting the white sands and turquoise blue water of the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles International Airport is situated at approximately 13 kilometres or 8 miles from their location.
This newly-built establishment features seven spacious luxury holiday apartments. All units are equipped with a fully fitted kitchen, living space and a private veranda. Bedrooms are all fitted with air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. Each bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom comprising of a large glass shower enclosure, water closet and wash-hand basin. All bedrooms have a built-in wardrobe, with a built-in digital wall safe, and a 32″ flat-screen TV. In addition, the establishment offers free Wifi. Guests can enjoy sun bathing in the privacy of their swimming pool, relaxing in the charming gazebo area and grilling fish on the Barbeque.
Joe and Maryse Pool are currently setting up a main kitchen and dining area to provide an English breakfast on request in the near future.
Web: www.brlseychelles.com
Congratulations to Joe and Maryse Pool. This Lodge is a real home away from home.
Owner Manager is new approach for ‘Villa Authentique’ Guest House of La Digue
Bertine AhKon is the proud owner of Villa Authentique, the 18-room complex at Anse Reunion, La Digue, and has recently retaken management control of the property.
During my visit to La Digue Island last week, I was privileged to see members of the AhKon family hard at work, striving to ensure that their personal touch was evident throughout the establishment.
“Villa Authentique is a guest house that captures perfectly all the ingredients of la Digue’s unique way of life and proposes a memorable fusion of exceptional nature, heartfelt hospitality and touch of true Creole culture” Bertine AhKon says in her brochure before adding that Villa Authentique is nestled in its very own private corner of one of Seychelles’ modest traditional islands, the timeless La Digue Island.
LGBT tourists welcomed with open arms in Seychelles
“Tourism for All” was Alain St.Ange’s personal call during the recent UNWTO election campaign for the post of Secretary-General. It is today a must that our tourism industry be accessible to all without any form of discrimination. Lobby Groups are working tirelessly to emphasize the importance of RESPECT. However, tourism destinations need to embrace this notion whole-heartedly and the industry needs to play their part.
One notable group in Seychelles is ‘LGBTI Sey’; it is striving to make Seychelles a country where all people are accepted and affirmed, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Ronny Arnephy and his associates are being encouraged to work with the tourism industry and to get involved with Destination Management Companies in welcoming the LGBT community members to the islands. Moreover, the International LGBT Body should offer the needed hand of support to the Seychelles LGBT to get the group moving in tourism.
The following excerpt derives from an article published by eTN News –
“The African tourism world became larger and more beautiful for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) travellers. Seychelles’ National Assembly has passed an amendment to the penal code that decriminalizes the act of sodomy. The outspoken Seychelles Minister of Culture and Tourism Alain St.Ange took this opportunity and told eTurboNews on the sideline of the ongoing FESTPAC festival of Pacific Island Cultures in Guam. He said: “Seychelles welcomes tourists with open arms. This include tourists regardless of origin, race, religious believe what includes sexual orientation. Seychelles is a rainbow nation and had demonstrated this with the United Nations of Culture and the recent carnival and this move to decriminalize sodomy and respect the rights of people is seen as a positive move for the islands.”
Gaytourism.travel spokesperson Scott Foster said: “We welcome Seychelles’ stand on welcoming LGBT travellers. This is a good move and a global example of how a society opposed to non-traditional way of life can be tolerant and welcoming.”
The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) is the leading global travel network dedicated to connecting and educating LGBTQ travellers and the businesses that welcome and support them along the way. IGLTA when contacted would surely welcome for Seychelles to become the second African member, after South Africa, to join the prestigious Association.
Recently, IGLTA concluded a successful summit in Capetown. The Honourable Mr Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism for South Africa, was a host and delivered a keynote speech. Mr. Hanekom also attended the Seychelles Carnival last year and repeated his call to show all travellers Recognising a tourism operator who has been faithful to the industry is always important.
Similarly, Alain St.Ange, the then Minister of tourism and Culture, also expressed his support for a tourism industry free from any form of discrimination. The Carnival was used as a platform to unite the world.
Out of all the countries in Africa, South Africa and the French territory Reunion are known to have legalised same sex marriages and extend needed protections for the LGBT community. Now Seychelles can be added to a list of countries where homosexuality has been decriminalized. The same cannot be said unfortunately for other African countries, including Uganda and Tanzania, where people face life imprisonment for homosexual acts. It is hoped that Seychelles can continue moving forward and strengthen its tourism industry further by welcoming LGBT travellers onto its sandy shores.
William Rose, the Seychellois Ferry Operator who stood the test of time
William Rose is one such Seychellois who started small and grew to become a loyal and integral part of the Seychelles Tourism Industry. Punctuality has been the guiding principle set by William Rose from day one. His boats are all clean and crewed by professional and very attentive Seychellois. The Cat Rose ferries are today an integral part of Seychelles tourism and he is seen as an important part of the tourism chain. Tour Operators set many an itinerary based on the William Rose ferry schedule and day excursions in Seychelles programmed by the local DMCs rely a lot on the professionalism and punctuality of the Cat Rose Ferry Service.
He has today added small, purpose-built fast cats, which were made in Australia, as well as a locally manufactured schooner, ‘Curieuse’, to his fleet.
As we say Congratulations to a successful Praslinois who has his island’s tourism industry at heart, we know that William Rose and his family stand with the country to help steer tourism to be what Seychelles and the Seychellois expect it, and need it, to be.
Experience the high life with new Air Seychelles business class bidding service
Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has launched HMUpgrade, an innovative bidding service offering travellers the opportunity to upgrade to Business Class without breaking the bank.
Through the new service, guests can either submit an offer by going directly to “Book” option on www.airseychelles.com and selecting “Upgrade Flight” or, upon receiving email notification about the potential availability of Business Class seats seven days before departure, directing them to a special page on th
Link below for you.
http://mailchi.mp/6bf10b5afaee /saint-ange-tourism-report-5th -edition-36359
