By Alain St.Ange of SAINT ANGE CONSULTANCY
Welcome to Saint Ange Tourism Report
Edition 19 of the 15th October 2017.
In this issue you will see in the editorial our quote for the week :- When you blame others, you are avoiding some truth about yourself plus points in the new Workers Union in Seychelles, the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police & Attorney General, tourism and costs as airlines reflect on handling charges in Seychelles and DHL envelopes that is open and resealed.
Articles this week are:-
Seychelles moving towards subsistence fishing practices, MV Espoir proudly Seychellois, Alain St.Ange Consulting Seychelles, Air Austral signs deal to purchase 49% of Air Madagascar, Air Seychelles CEO Roy Kinnear steps down, Qatar Airways launches Two Seats One Great Offer as they win Best Airline Award, COMESA to start implementing open skies, Comores President present at laying of foundation stone of new Hotel Golden Tulip, Lekha Nair of Seychelles Pension Fund does Seychelles proud at WCA Summit, PATA extends CEO contract, Religious Tourism is a Niche Market, James Michel Foundation announces Dr Sylvia Alice Earle as Honourary Member, SUNx Strong Universal Network speaks in Seychelles, Radio Competition winners visits Island of Dream and Fire & Ice launches in Seychelles.
Your link:-
http://http://mailchi.mp/5ae82071d4b6/saint-ange-tourism-report-19th-edition
Enjoy the Read.
Regards
Alain St.Ange
Welcome to Edition 19 of 15th October 2017
Our quote for today is one about actions in daily life by those who feel insecure:-
“When you blame others, you are avoiding some truth about yourself”
Seychelles has changed and the changes continue daily. Last week, we spoke about the arrival of an Independent Workers Union. Not everyone will be pleased to see the hard working men and women of Seychelles standing behind a body ready to have them respected for the work they do. The wise words (reprinted below) of someone from the teaching profession speaks volumes;
“It is the sense of seeing workers exercising a role by themselves and for themselves. We are already having opposition for our determination, but this is a sign of being effective. If there’s opposition, it means they’re noticing change”
A new Workers Union not affiliated to a Political Party is indeed new for Seychelles. Workers are not assembled based on a political colour, but instead, more as the backbone of the islands. They are Seychellois first and should earn the respect for their work. The Government of the day will be encouraged to hear the pleas of the working population, and the Opposition in the National Assembly will be invited to table Private Members Bills to support the aspirations, dreams and ambitions of all who are working for the continued successes of Seychelles, as they have successfully done for the OffShore Financial Sector.
The Union will see itself standing with all who are working, and this includes the salaried employees as well as the self-employed businessmen and women of the islands. At the end of the day, everyone who is working and are therefore workers, need a politically independent body to be by their sides.
Recognise, Respect and Remunerate them for their respective efforts, equals a Responsible and productive workforce, will now guide Seychelles.
A new Commissioner of Police and a New Attorney General have been sworn in at a time when Seychelles really needs a concerted effort on Law & Order. Both Police Commissioner Labonte and Attorney General Frank Ally are known and are highly respected. We congratulate them on their appointment and wish them success in their new position.
Tourism remains the pillar of the Seychelles economy and some visiting personalities from International Organisations reiterated this line used and reused so often. But to see tourism continue to work, all the ingredients needed for this industry must be in place. The time is not appropriate at all to see further increases in operational costs, including new Taxes on Salaries for the higher paid Workers. Any extra burden will be passed on to visitors; Can Seychelles really afford the consequences of this decision? We are saying this, as we hear that some airlines are reviewing their number of flights to Seychelles because operating costs to the islands are just not realistic. The handling charges at Seychelles International Airport continues to be raised and the stubbornness of Seychelles will see, sooner or later, decisions taken that will impact on the livelihood of the thousands who work in the industry and those who have invested in the industry that is and will remain, the pillar of the Seychelles economy.
A DHL envelope was sent to us by someone who received it opened and resealed with a DHL sticker. The question arising today is, if something suspect was inserted into the envelope, who will take the responsibility in the Courts of Justice? The letter, by the person aggrieved by the opening of their envelope, and photos of the envelope, will be in our report next week. Possibility of drugs or explosive material were raised as a scary nightmare for those receiving a large DHL envelope, if the opening continues out of sight of the sender or the receiver of the envelope.
Finally, it is important to again today acknowledge all who are diligently re-posting the Saint Ange Tourism Report weekly. Our Report ranges far and wide, from Australia to the Americas, from the Indian Ocean Vanilla islands to Africa & Asian and Greater Europe, with your continued support, which is greatly appreciated. You are helping us to go from strength to strength with each new Edition.
Enjoy the read,
Alain St.Ange
Saint Ange Consultancy
Seychelles moving towards subsistence fishing practices
Fisheries worldwide are in a state of crisis and the protection of spawning aggregations has become a global conservation issue. Many of the world’s most productive fisheries are operating in less than optimal conditions, with certain stocks having already collapsed.
Some fisheries specifically target spawning aggregations which can in extreme cases, lead to the disappearance or effective reproductive failure of aggregating populations.
It is thus imperative that good fisheries management are put into place to ensure the sustainability of global fisheries.
The coveted experience of fishing in the outer islands of Seychelles has often been described by many as “out of this world”, with large specimens of groupers, snappers and emperors being commonly sought after by avid fishermen.
Science has shown that many of these fish species are slow-growing and late-maturing, rendering their stocks easily prone to overfishing. With key species in the demersal fishery on the Mahé Plateau now considered to be over-exploited, many local fishing vessels are venturing further away from the Mahé to the outer islands in search of a decent catch.
This, in addition to the increasing presence of foreign-flagged vessels fishing illegally in Seychelles, may surmount to catastrophic fish stock depletion.
Until now, there has been no clear protocol for monitoring fishing pressure. As a first step, work has been undertaken to standardise subsistence fisheries monitoring protocols, including monitoring of fish spawning aggregations, among the inner and outer islands, and to ensure that data are collected and analysed in a standardised way.
This project was supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project, ‘Expansion and strengthening of the protected Area Subsystem of the outer islands of Seychelles and its integration into broader land and seascape’.
GEF enlisted the expertise of Dr. Jude Bijoux, assisted by the Saint Ange Report’s very own Environmental Consultant, Mr. Ameer Ebrahim. The team also comprised of Ms Aurelie Duhec and Mr Richard Jeanne from the Island Conservation Society (ICS).
The expert team developed Monitoring protocols that will assist the Outer Islands to carefully survey fish catch, and to build capacity in monitoring subsistence fisheries and spawning aggregations. To test the protocols, a 3-day training workshop was led by the team, and included the participation of key Stakeholders.Participant s were shown how to carry out scientific underwater surveys, how to detect and monitor key spawning aggregations, and also how to use computer software, such as ‘R’, to carry out statistical analyses on the data collected.
With the help of key bodies like GEF, and local experts such as Dr. Jude Bijoux and Mr. Ameer Ebrahim, the commitment towards a more sustainable future here in Seychelles will be strengthened.
M.V. Espoir proudly Seychellois
Gerard Rose and his son Daniel have built a new cargo ship from start to finish. This is a success story said Hon Patrick Pillay, the Speaker of the National Assembly who was on Praslin to show his support to the Rose Family on the launch of their new ship. Also present were Praslin’s elected representatives for Baie Ste Anne and Grand Anse Districts, members of the Rose family and their many friends.
MV Lespoir measures 33,5meters long and has a capacity of 175 tonnes. It also has a 15 tonne capacity of cold store on board. This the first time a ship of this size has been built in Seychelles and the construction done by an entirely all-Seychellois Team.
The Rose family are known and respected seamen of Baie Ste Anne Praslin and they are doing Seychelles proud. For many years they have been providing the needed cargo service between Mahe and the islands of Praslin and La Digue. It is expected that with the arrival of MV Lespoir the service they provide will now be even better.
Saint Ange Tourism Report takes this opportunity to say Congratulations to Gerard Rose, to his son Daniel and to the Rose family and to wish them continued success.
Alain St. Ange, Consulting, Seychelles
Extract from Travel Marketing Network of New York – September 29, 2017
Alain St.Ange has been working in the tourism business since 2009.
He was appointed as the Director of Marketing for Seychelles by President James Michel.
After one year of service, he was promoted to the position of CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.
In 2012 the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands regional Organization was formed and St.Ange was appointed as the first president of the organization.
In a 2012 cabinet re-shuffle, St.Ange was appointed as Minister of Tourism and Culture from which he resigned on 28 December 2016 in order to pursue a candidacy as Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation.
At the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu in China, a person who was being sought after for the “Speakers Circuit” for tourism and sustainable development was Alain St.Ange.
St.Ange is the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine who left office in December last year to run for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO. When his candidature or document of endorsement was withdrawn by his country just a day before the elections in Madrid, Alain St.Ange showed his greatness as a speaker when he addressed the UNWTO gathering with grace, passion, and style.
His moving speech was recorded as the one on the best marking speeches at this UN international body.
African countries often remember his Uganda address for the East Africa Tourism Platform when he was a guest of honour.
As former Tourism Minister, St.Ange was a regular and popular speaker and was often seen addressing forums and conferences on behalf of his country. His ability to speak ‘off the cuff’ was always seen as a rare ability. He often said he speaks from the heart.
In Seychelles he is remembered for a marking address at the official opening of the island’s Carnaval International de Victoria when he reiterated the words of John Lennon famous song… ” you may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one.
One day you will all join us and the world will be better as one”. The world press contingent gathered in Seychelles on the day ran with the words by St.Ange which made headlines everywhere.
Recently St.Ange is credited for a keynote address delivered by the organisers on his behalf at the “Tourism & Business Conference in Canada”. Alain St.Ange was in Chengdu China for the UNWTO General Assembly at that time.
Seychelles is a good example for sustainable tourism. This is therefore not surprising to see Alain St.Ange being sought after as a speaker on the international circuit.
Preview attachment TravelMarketingProposal.pdfTra velMarketingProposal.pdf90 KB
Alain St.Ange, the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine and First President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands is today the President of the Seychelles Labor Union, Deputy Secretary General of FORSEAA (Forum of Small Medium Economic AFRICA ASEAN) based in Jakarta Indonesia, listed as a Consultant for TMN (Travel Marketing Network) in New York USA, Co-Chair of the SUNx (Strong Universal Network) Organisation in London UK, Vice President & Founding Member of ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners), Consultant to PMAESA (Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa) based in Mombassa Kenya, CIOA (Cruise Indian Ocean Association) based in Durban South Africa and for Cruise Africa.
AirAustral of Reunion signs deal with Madagascar government to acquire 49 percent in Air Madagascar
“Air Seychelles is is partnership with Etihad Airways, Air Mauritius has a special working arrangement with Air France and now the deal between Air Austral and Air Madagascar is a reality”
Vanilla Island airlines Air Austral from Reunion and Air Madagascar have confirmed that they have finalized and signed a deal under which the French registered home carrier of Reunion will acquire a 49 percent stake in the Madagascar national airline.
As earlier reported here did both airlines let it be known that their teaming up would substantially enhance air connectivity between the islands and in particular lead to better long haul links for Madagascar and Reunion.
Negotiations were at times described as challenging as they went on since April this year but all is well which ends well. A detailed business plan was apparently agreed between the partners, mapping out the road to turning Air Madagascar’s fortunes around over the next couple of years.
At least 40 million US Dollars will be injected into Air Madagascar by Air Austral to provide additional working capital.
Air Austral will in the very near future second top management to Air Madagascar though the government in Antananarivo will control the board and field the Board Chairman.
Also part of Madagascar’s commitment will be improvements at the main international airport and other airports across the sprawling island.
Air Madagascar presently flies to 12 domestic destinations and a further 7 international destinations across the Indian Ocean, to China and to France.
Courtesy of:- Aviation, Travel & Conservation News from Eastern Africa & the Indian Ocean islands by W. H. Thome
Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Roy Kinnear steps down
Roy Kinnear, the Chief Executive of the national airline of Seychelles has resigned and will be leaving his role on December 31, 2017.
The Chairman of the Air Seychelles board Mr Jean Weeling-Lee confirmed on Tuesday that Mr Kinnear is leaving to pursue a further opportunity.
In a communication sent to the staff Mr Weeling-Lee said: “It is important that we stay focused on business priorities in the coming weeks and months ahead of us, and on behalf of the Board, I ask for your continued support during this transition period.”
Roy Kinnear joined Air Seychelles in July 2015, from Air Seychelles’ strategic partner, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, where he previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Revenue Management and Planning since 2011.
Boasting over 30 years of airline industry experience, with expertise in revenue management, he was tasked with using his extensive experience in leading Etihad’s revenue management, inventory control, pricing, and revenue forecasting to drive sales and extend Air Seychelles’ network deeper into Europe and Asia.
Commenting on Mr Kinnear’s imminent departure, the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne said his decision has taken most people by surprise.
“Roy understood the business, he integrated well with the tourism trade in Seychelles and he had a lot to offer, but he has decided to resign from Etihad Airways for him to take up a new job with a European airline, a much bigger airline than Air Seychelles,” said Minister Loustau-Lalanne.
“He wanted to go earlier but following discussions, we have agreed that he will only leave now at the end of December 2017, as the decision has come at a critical moment as Air Seychelles has some turbulent times ahead,” he added.
Air Seychelles is set to face increased competition in light of the new airline dynamics in the country, including recent announcements that two big European carriers British Airways and Air France – through its new sister airline ‘Joon’ – will be resuming direct flights to Seychelles in 2018.
Minister Loustau-Lalanne said: “We look to Etihad Airways to very quickly propose a replacement CEO to the chairman of Air Seychelles who will take it to the board and a decision will be taken on Mr Kinnear’s replacement.
Once chosen the replacement will have to double up with Mr. Kinnear for at least one month before he leaves in December 2017….we will ensure there is proper handover and proper continuity.”
Air Seychelles maintains a strategic partnership with Etihad Airway, which bought a 40 percent stake in the company in 2012, investing $45 million after the national carrier, which until then was wholly owned by the Seychelles government, ran into financial difficulties.
Qatar Airways Launches Special Companion ‘Two Seats, One Great Offer’ Campaign
As Qatar Airways Wins ‘Best Airline’ Award At The 2017 UK Business Traveller Awards
Qatar Airways invites passengers to take advantage of its latest “two seats, one great offer” sales campaign, providing First and Business Class passengers a special discount when booking two seats together.
This exciting new promotion will allow both leisure and business travellers to plan their next trip with family, friends or colleagues to any destination on Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, where they can enjoy up to 50 per cent discounts when booking flights on board its award-winning First and Business Class cabins. Special discounts on individual fares are also available.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Ehab Amin, said: “We are delighted to launch this unique companion campaign, providing our valued passengers a special discount when booking two seats together. Family, friends and colleagues will be now able to enjoy our renowned five-star service with this special offer to many exciting destinations, including cities recently added to our network such as Nice, Prague, and Dublin.”
Also passengers will be able to enjoy the renowned five-star service on-board Qatar Airways’ First and Business Class cabins, with up to 50 per cent discounts when booking from 9-16 October, with travel validity until 31 May 2018.
From 9th to 16th October, passengers will be able to book their next trip on board the world best business class from Seychelles to London starting from USD1959, Paris starting from USD1809, Rome starting from USD1749 and Moscow starting from USD1909 for travel until 31 May 2018.
Earlier this year, Qatar Airways launched its groundbreaking new Business Class seat, Qsuite, featuring the industry’s first-ever double bed available in Business Class, with privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room.
Adjustable panels and movable TV monitors on the centre four seats allow colleagues, friends or families travelling together to transform their space into a private suite, allowing them to work, dine and socialize together. These new features provide the ultimate customizable travel experience that enables passengers to create an environment that suits their own unique needs.
Last month Qatar Airways introduced a new premium global chauffeur service for passengers, offering door-to-door seamless transfers.
There have also been continuing enhancements to the airline’s in-flight catering, with a new bespoke Pre-Select Dining service for its First and Business Class passengers, giving them even more choice and freedom to create a personalized à la carte dining experience every time they travel on long-haul flights from Doha. Qatari locally-smoked salmon has also been introduced as a fresh new ingredient for First and Business Class dining.
The award-winning airline has received a number of major accolades this year, including Airline of the Year at the prestigious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, which was held at the Paris Air Show. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has been given this global recognition. Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the Skytrax ceremony, including Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.
Qatar Airways operates a modern fleet of 200 aircraft to a network of more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America. The airline is launching a host of exciting new destinations during the remainder of this year and 2018, including Canberra, Australia; Chiang Mai, Thailand and Cardiff, U.K, to name just a few.
Qatar is also the Airline that collected host of awards, including ‘Best Middle Eastern Airline,’ ‘Best Long Haul Airline’ and ‘Best Business Class’. The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to demonstrate excellence through product innovation and refined customer experience
Qatar Airways recently announced that it had been named ‘Best Airline’ at the highly-respected 2017 Business Traveller Awards, held on Monday 9 October at London’s Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington.
In addition to being voted ‘Best Airline’ by travellers from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier also won a raft of other major awards at the ceremony, including ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ ‘Best Business Class’ and ‘Best Long Haul Airline.’
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “I am extremely proud that Qatar Airways has been recognised in these four award categories. To be voted ‘Best Airline,’ ‘Best Middle Eastern Airline,’ ‘Best Long Haul Airline,’ and ‘Best Business Class’ by the readers of Bus
