By Alain St.Ange of SAINT ANGE CONSULTANCY

 

In this Christmas edition the editorial covers Seychelles beaches again being recognised as being among the best in the world. We also touched on Seychelles being a leader in the field of the Blue Economy and Sustainable Tourism mentioning the nomination of Dr Nirmal Shah as Global Goodwill Ambassador and the work done by the dedicated people at the James Michel Foundation.

 

 

The appointment of the acting CEO of Air Seychelles is announced and the challenges he faces as redundancies of dedicated Seychellois staff who fly the Creole Spirit was announced at the same time. The first visit by Cruise Ship AIDA is also looked at as well as the work by the Vanilla Islands alongside many supporting bodies to get cruise tourism in the Indian Ocean working again.

 

 

The visit to Seychelles by WEI Hospitality Group is also mentioned as a positive for growing tourism from China. We close the editorial with the announcement of the relaunch of the Seychelles Regatta.

 

 

 

Stand alone articles in the Christmas issue cover:- Seychelles beaches again listed in the Top 50 of the world, Perseverance pays off for Bertrand Vidot, Avani Seychelles keeping the island vibe alive, WEI Retreat Hospitality Group of China looking at Seychelles, Kempinski Seychelles Resort spectacular lighting of Christmas Tree, H Hotel Seychelles wins Best Family Resort on Mahe, Kenya tourism growth continues, Beachcomber Resorts & Spa receives Top TUI Quality Award, Nigeria to host Africa Tourism Ministers Meeting, Air Seychelles announces the appointment of Remco Althuis as interim CEO, Support for Blue Economy & Sustainable Energy by Diana Chen of Hong Kong to James Michel Foundation, Anantara arrives in Americas, Turkish Airline celebrates 2nd Anniversary serving Mauritius, Tourism Minister Loustau Lalanne visits AIDA Aura on its first voyage to Seychelles & Dr Nirmal Shah of Seychelles a Global Goodwill Ambassador.

 

 

Enjoy the read, your link:-

 

edition">http://mailchi.mp/3cb53a5db8e7 /saint-ange-tourism-report-29t h-edition

 

Welcome to Edition 29 of 24th December 2017.

Christmas Edition 2017

 

 

 

Tomorrow is Christmas. It is that most wonderful time of the year when family and friends rally. I am indeed lucky to have a loving family. I returned from Brisbane, Australia, with my wife, Ginette, only on Thursday after spending quality time with my eldest daughter, Christine, and Steve, her fiancée. Tomorrow for Christmas Day, we shall be joined by our second daughter, Michelle, and her husband, Ameer.

Christmas is all about family, and we are lucky to have close family and many good and sincere friends. This year, both the St.Ange and Michel families are here in force, and this strengthens even more the joyful spirit of Christmas.

As we celebrate Christmas we must also reflect on our country to ensure we remain united as one. Each and every citizen owes it to their fellow man, woman and child to treat others with utmost respect, to entertain differing religious beliefs or political ideals with tolerance, and to do their part to make our island home safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous for future generations to come.

This takes us to the quote for this week which is by President John F. Kennedy of the USA.

“If not us, who? If not now, when?”- John F. Kennedy.

Kaisar Hamid took that quote and expanded on it by saying, “You are blessed with everything. You have a brain, you are fit, you have support, you have guts. So what are you waiting for? The world needs you badly. The nation needs you badly. Your family needs your support. Your society needs your contribution. People expect your company. If it is not us then who would take the responsibility to make a change in society? If it is not us then who would contribute for the nation? If it is not us then who would make this world a better place for living? When you are ready to go, go with all your heart. When you are set to go, go with full swing. It is high time, you should show your class. Starts from today, even now. Every single moment matters.”

In the troubled world we are living in today, it is peace that we all dream of

Mohammed Waseemuddin has a quote that helps keep the Spirit of Christmas alive today, tomorrow and forever. He says:- Before you say something, think how you’d feel if someone said it to you.

If this is the most wonderful time of the year, let us all do the needful to keep it that way always.

Seychelles’ beaches of Praslin and La Digue, the Anse Lazio and Anse Source D’argent beaches, are again listed in the World’s Top 50 Best Beaches. This is another great accolade for Seychelles, today a leader in the work for the Blue Economy & Sustainable Development concept, where many talented professionals dedicate time and effort in the James Michel Foundation of Seychelles. The good news this week that Nirmal Shah has been named Global Goodwill Ambassador, recognising his work as a respected conservationist and for his fight against plastic pollution in marine ecosystem, is also confirming the hard work by Seychellois who strive for a sustainable future. Congratulations to Dr Nirmal Shah. You make Seychelles proud.

On its part Air Seychelles, the National Airline of our mid-ocean islands, has announced the appointment of Remco Althuis as its Interim Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Roy Kinnear. Mr Althuis joins the carrier from Etihad Airways, where he held the position of Regional General Manager Europe, with responsibility for the airline’s commercial activities in 17 European markets. The Saint Ange Tourism Report says welcome to Mr Althuis and takes this opportunity to wish him success as the head of Air Seychelles at that crucial time of streamlining, coupled with the announced staff redundancies which came at the most difficult time for the dedicated and committed staff flying the Seychelles Creole Spirit for the country`s National Airline.

AIDA Cruise Ship entered Port Victoria for the first time this week. No one should forget the work done by the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, our Regional Body that worked tirelessly for the last couple of years on the consolidation of Cruise Tourism. Marketing Funds were dedicated by the organisation to Cruise Tourism and today the Region as a whole is seeing new Cruise Ships and the extension of time in Ports by the visiting ships. They worked side by side with the Regional Ports Organisation (APIOI), the Indian Ocean Commission (COI), the Ports Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA) and the Indian Ocean Rim (IORA), and we are now reaping the benefit of all the hard work.

The WEI Hospitality Group were in Seychelles this week looking at an upmarket hotel complex in the islands. Ms Meijuan Chen & Dr Ziyad Zaidan were in Seychelles and toured both Praslin and Mahe looking at possibilities for a straight out purchase, a management contract or even a partnership.

Ms Meijuan Chen & Dr Ziyad Zaidan in Seychelles this week

Seychelles has been after tapping into the Chinese Tourism Market, and the interest now by the WEI Hospitality Group is indeed good news for the tourism industry and for airlines connecting us to China.

Seychelles has announced that it is relaunching the Regatta where known international sailors will be in Seychelles for the yacht race between our islands that were conceived with sailors in mind, as Glynn Burridge of the Tourism Board would fondly say. Events that attract World Press to our shores is a good thing for the tourism industry of Seychelles as it increases the visibility of the destination. James Mancham used a festival in 1972 when he was responsible for tourism and needed to create a buzz for the islands and its new International Airport. Over the years, it is the World of Events that has helped propel Seychelles into the International Arena as a relevant Tourism Destination.

Finally, I will not stop to throw stones at every barking dog because this will just delay me getting to my destination, and as was said in a previous editorial:- “When people throw you stones it’s because you are a good tree full of fruits. they see a lot of harvest in you. Don’t go down to their level by throwing them back the stones, but throw them your FRUITS so the seeds of yourself may inspire them to change their ways.” 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 grow from strength to strength with each new Edition.

Enjoy the read,

Alain St.Ange

Saint Ange Consultancy

 

 

Seychelles’ Anse Lazio and Anse Source D’argent featured on FlightNetworks’ list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches

Two beaches in Seychelles have once again been recognized as spectacular, world-class beaches. Anse Lazio and Anse Source D’argent have made the list of the World’s 50 Best Beaches compiled by FlightNetwork, one of the largest Canadian-owned online travel agencies. FlightNetwork consulted over 600 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies from across the globe to put together the list.

The beaches were judged on five main criteria: sheer untouched beauty, remoteness, sand and water quality, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature.

Anse Lazio, located on Praslin, the Seychelles’ second most populated island, is ranked third, scoring ten out of ten for its sheer untouched beauty. Anse Lazio scored seven out of ten when it comes to its remoteness, while its sand and water quality obtained a score of nine out of ten. Boasting a magnificent stretch of coastline, with powder-white sand and a dreamy blue sea, the Anse Lazio beach is framed by big granite boulders, giving visitors the feeling of being secluded in a little piece of heaven.

Scoring ten out of ten for both its sheer untouched beauty and its sand and water quality, Anse Source D’argent located on the Seychelles’ third most populated island La Digue, is ranked 26th. Anse Source D’argent, which has been described as the world’s most photographed beach, also scored nine out of ten for its remoteness. A must-see attraction for visitors on La Digue, the Anse Source D’argent beach boasts crystal clear waters and white talcum powder-like sands, shaded in parts from the sun by massive granite boulders.

Grace Bay in the Caribbean archipelago of Turks and Caicos and Australia’s Whitehaven Beach are ranked first and second on FlightNetwork’s list of the world’s 50 Best Beaches.

Contributed by the Seychelles Tourism Board

Editor’s Note:- Seychelles is blessed with some of the most pristine beaches. They are clear and lapped daily by turquoise blue seas that are always clear and clean. Seychellois have always valued the sea that surrounds their islands, which is the source of many livelihoods, and a source of recreation for most island-dwellers. Today, we are calling our seas part of the Blue Economy concept; this only increases the commitment of each and everyone on our islands to be even more committed to saving our seas and oceans.

Perseverance pays off for Bertrand Vidot

Bertrand Vidot always dreamed about playing football, but to do that he would first need to be able to walk. Thanks to the dedication and combined efforts of his mother, a local fundraiser, and several partners who have been able to help him with his condition, he is now getting closer to that dream.

Bertrand, who was born with a club foot and up until recently required crutches to move about, walked unassisted into the Mason’s Travel offices yesterday to visit the staff. Now 13-years-old, Bertrand has undergone two surgeries in Chennai, India. His mother first approached Mason’s in 2014, and after reviewing his case, the company provided US $1,000 in travel costs for his first treatment. Later, Mason’s Travel offered to match any personal donations that its staff made to the cause, which totalled SCR 88,000 and US $800 after doubling up the funds.

“Most of our corporate social responsibility projects go toward tourism sustainability and the environment,” Mason’s PR, Branding and Communications Manager, Nicole St Ange said. “However, being in the hospitality business, generosity is one of our core values, and this was one instance where our staff knew they had an opportunity to help an inspiring young man.”

Following publicity surrounding Mason’s sponsorship in the local press, additional donors also stepped forward to contribute toward his treatment. The ongoing relationship has led many Mason’s staff to take a personal interest in Bertrand’s growth and improved mobility.

He and his family were given complimentary Reef Safari excursion tickets during the visit, as Bertrand enjoys spending time in the water where he has an easier time moving around. Nonetheless, kicking a football around may yet still be possible with future treatments.

For more information, or to contact Mason’s Travel Seychelles, visit their website:-
http://www.masonstravel.com/

Editor’s Note:- Congratulations to Mason’s Travel for a great show of Social Responsibility
AVANI Seychelles

– Keeping the island vibe aliveStephane Vilar, General Manager,

AVANI Seychelles is keeping the island vibe alive, extending a choice of entertainment options for its guests and local residents alike. Further to the recent launch of special themed evenings such as Saturday Dinner Dance, with Creole buffet and entertainment by band Zenith and Thai Nights, with Thai buffet and traditional Thai dances, feedback has been excellent amongst guests and local residents, making this West Coast Resort a well-loved venue for laid back entertainment. The year ahead holds more in store at AVANI, with the Resort taking steps to re-introduce its Bazar Barbarons as ‘La Folie Kreol’ in January, as an evening to showcase, to one and all, the best highlights of the island’s Creole Culture, though food, music, games and dance.

The Resort is also proud to announce its very own private music lounge ‘TGA’ opening end of January 2018. This contemporary private lounge, accessible to in-house guests and members only, will add to the island’s growing entertainment venues. Music with live DJs and bands, themed nights, special promotions and events await at TGA. The lounge is also promoted alongside the resorts new premium membership card, ELITE, giving its members access to TGA and the opportunity to enjoy a range of benefits at the property, from accommodation to dining benefits and more.

For more information, or to contact AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & SPA, visit their website:-
https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/seychelles-barbarons

WEI Retreat Hospitality Group of China looking at Seychelles

WEI Retreat, part of the BTL Hospitality of China, were in Seychelles this week to explore the possibility of having a tourism establishment here. BTL Hospitality was established only in 2012 with offices in Beijing and Shanghai. The general agent of the French top luxury international hotel group HÔTELS & PRÉFÉRENCE in Asia with its six varieties of high-quality hotel brands PALACE, LUXURY, RESORTS, BUSINESS, BOUTIQUE and DEMEURE with more than 160 properties around the Globe.

In 2015, they established their first high-end luxury hotel groups: WEI Retreats and WEI Academy. Their aim was to provide Oriental Elegance in tranquil environments around the globe. They said at that time that they had launched a unique hotel brand with its harmonious level of service and pledge to stay true to their core values of WEI Care & WEI Friends. They also launched a mid-market brand “Dormitory” in 2016 providing customers with diversified options, offering services for different level guests.

FORBES wrote about the WEI Group in their review of China just after the opening of the group’s first hotel establishment:- “Also investing in the future of China’s hotels are several China Hospitality Veterans with years of experience working with International Chains, many of whom agree there is a huge market for both discerning and International travellers…. Philip Wei, who has worked with IHG, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Shangrila – La Hotels & Resorts has opened the first WEI Retreat in Tianmu Lake, 2.5 hours from Shanghai by road or high-speed rail”.

During their Seychelles visit, Ms Meijuan Chen, Director of Business Development for the Group, and Dr Ziyan Zaidan of the Ziyad Zaidan Development Group partners of the WEI Group, met with local authorities and on Friday 22nd met with Alain St.Ange and Peter Sinon of SAINT ANGE CONSULTANCY and Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave, Seychelles Ambassador based in Beijing China.

The WEI Group Delegation are following some leads on properties they visited and will be back for more meetings in the near future.

For more information, or to contact BTL Hospitality of China, visit their website:- http://www.btlhospitality.com

Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare welcomes the Festive Season with Glittering Tree-Lighting Ceremony

 

 

 

 

Last Friday, guests at Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare were invited to attend the hotel’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in a glittering ceremony under the stars. Hotel guests, both young and old, were dazzled as an enormous floating Christmas tree lit up the night from its position in the centre of the hotel’s private lagoon.

Angelic choruses from Baie Lazare’s St Francis choir declared the festive season officially open as sparkling wine and Christmas treats were passed around for all to enjoy.

“We are incredibly honoured that our guests have chosen to spend this very special time of year with us,” said General Manager Masami Egami. “We intend to make this festive season a memorable one, blending the best of our tropical traditions with remarkable European flair.”

Kempinski’s floating Christmas Tree is quite unique to Seychelles, standing at over 26 ft tall and weighing an impressive 250 kg. It took a team of four people seven days to erect the towering tree, which can be seen shimmering on the hotel’s lagoon every evening this December.

Located on the famous Baie Lazare, in the exclusive south-end of Mahé Island, Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare offers guests round-the-clock expertise, dedication and unmatched Creole hospitality in dazzling surroundings of untouched, natural beauty. This beachfront paradise, nestled in a secluded bay at the foothills of a magnificent mountain range, offers a private haven for romantics at heart, an activity-packed family getaway or the perfect destination for corporate gatherings and events.

For more information, or to contact Kempinski, visit their website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/baie-lazare/seychelles-resort/

The H Resort wins the ‘Best Family Resort’ on Mahé Seychelles

The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach was awarded the Condé Nast Traveler Middle East – Readers Choice Award 2017 for the Best Family Resort internationally. The annual Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards was held at YAS Island in Abu Dhabi and is the GCC’s premier travel industry awards – all nominees are voted for by the readers of the prestigious travel publication. The award categories range from favorite travel experiences across destinations and hotels, to airlines and tour operators.

“Winning the award and recognition this year, proves what the staff at resort are best known for – to anticipate and provide for the varied needs of the perceptive travelers and families we receive at the resort.” said the General Manager, Johannes Steyn. He further added that, “the vision for our hotel from the outset was to create a unique experience that merges well with the life and style of our travelers and an award like this is a great reinforcement that we are correctly addressing the needs of all our guests.”

The H Resort is nestled on one of the Seychelles most picturesque islands, Mahé. The Beau Vallon azure turquoise waters, its crystal white beach and surrounding lush emerald greenery are complimented by charming creole hospitality, unparalleled dining and leisure experiences and 100 of the Seychelles most opulent villas and suites.

For more information or to contact The H Resort visit their website: https://www.hresortseychelles.com/

Kenya’s tourism growth continues

Kenya’s tourism growth, during the first six months of the year, exceeded 11 percent, but slowed down over the election period to 7.7 percent according to data received over the weekend.

While the Kenyan economy overall continues to show contraction, compared to a year ago, largely attributed to the extended election period and the fallout caused by irresponsible politicians calling for boycotts, has tourism defied that trend and, while growing slower, still shown an upward curve.

Local sources in Kenya attribute the growth to strong performance by African visitors who ordinarily pay little attention to Western anti travel warnings and the recent announcement by President Kenyatta in his public address shortly after being sworn in for his second term of office, to open up to Africans from other countries by giving them Visa on arrival, will no doubt strengthen this trend.

The Kenya coast, ahead of the upcoming Festive Season, reports a strong demand from in particular Kenyans traveling to the coast for the holidays, from further across Eastern Africa and from the traditional markets in Europe, at last filling the resorts to capacity again and in the process adding and securing jobs.

Year to year data on tourism arrivals will be published here just as soon as they become available from the usual sources.

Courtesy:- Aviation, Travel and Conservation News – DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands

Beachcomber Resorts & Spa has received the TUI Top Quality Award

Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa of Mauritius has again received the coveted TUI Top Quality Award.

The confirmation of the Award was made by Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, which announced this week that they had received this Award for the 4th year in a row for their Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa of Mauritius. This remains a quality hallmark by TUI, which is exclusively based on guest experience and rewards the top 250 holiday resorts and hotels worldwide.

Congratulations to Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa of Mauritius, and to Beachcomber Resorts & Spa.

Nigeria’s Federal Government to partner with Federation of Tourism Association to host 2018 African Tourism Ministers conference

The Federal Government of Nigeria said it would partner with the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) and other stakeholders in hosting of the African Tourism Ministers in June 2018.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja, when a delegation of FTAN led by its National Chairman, Alhaji Kareem Rabo paid him a courtesy call.

Nigeria, at the 22nd United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly held in September in Chengdu, China, won the right to host the Conference of UNWTO Commission for Africa in Abuja.

Mohammed said that FTAN, a statutory umbrella body of every association involved with tourism was crucial to successful hosting of the conference.

He said from its membership ranging from tour operators, airlines owners, car hire operators, and hotel owners as well as other professional bodies in the sector, FTAN remained a major stakeholder in tourism industry.

“There is no way we can organise the conference without FTAN being co-opted in either the general purpose committee or the sub-committee.

“You will be very much involved because it is FTAN that will provide services at the airports, the hotels and as guides of the visitors.

“The impression that our visitors will have about Nigeria will depend on the effectiveness and competence of the various associations under FTAN.

“Therefore, you should be rest assured that we are going to carry you along,’’ he said.

Also responding to the request by FTAN for its members to be appointed on the board of Tourism Parastatal Agencies, the minister said that the enabling Acts of some of the government establishments already catered for it.

The minister said that the Government efforts at resuscitating the Presidential Council on Tourism was on-going and it would be made a priority of the ministry in 2018. Mohammed reiterated his commitment to the culture and tourism portfolio of his ministry.

Earlier, Rabo had underscored the importance of the private sector to the development of the tourism industry and the need for Government to partner with the association in its activities.

He said FTAN was ready to synergise with the ministry in realising the 2017 Declaration as Year of Sustainable Tourism Development spanning till 2030.

Rabo also congratulated the minister on his recent election as the UNWTO Vice President for Africa and urged him to use the position to grow the nation’s tourism industry.

Source: ATQ News & guardian.ng

Air Seychelles announces appointment of Remco Althuis as interim CEO

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, today announced the appointment of Remco Althuis as its Interim Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Roy Kinnear.

Mr Althuis joins the carrier from Etihad Airways, where he held the position of Regional General Manager Europe, with responsibility for the airline’s commercial activities in 17 European markets. He has also held senior management positions at Air France-KLM and KLM during an aviation career spanning more than 20 years.

Board members of both stakeholders, the Government of Seychelles and Etihad Airways, have welcomed Mr Althuis’ appointment.

Jean Weeling-Lee, Chairman of Air Seychelles, said: “Remco is a highly talented executive with a wealth of experience in aviation and a proven track record in leadership roles. His extensive skillset will be crucial to ensuring that Air Seychelles continues to develop in ways that achieve our commercial objective of sustainable profitability.

“I would also like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Roy Kinnear, who has made an enormous contribution in developing the business. We wish him all the best in the next stage of his career.”

Mr Althuis said: “I am honoured and delighted to join Air Seychelles, and with the support of the shareholders, look forward to driving the strategic development of the business. Like all airlines in the commercial aviation industry, we continue to face significant challenges. However, I am confident that together with the Air Seychelles workforce, we’ll continue to enhance the business and spread the Creole spirit.”

Mr Althuis started his career at KLM where he worked across various functions including sales and distribution, revenue management, marketing and e-commerce.

He joined Etihad Airways in 2012 as General Manager for China, overseeing the expansion of the airline’s route network in the region and driving revenue growth in Greater China, before moving up to the Regional General Manager Europe position.

Mr Althuis holds an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

Support for the Blue Economy & Sustainable Energy
by Diana Chen of Hong Kong to James Michel Foundation

 

 

 

 

A short ceremony this week at the James Michel Foundation headquarters at Espace Building in Victoria in Seychelles saw Dr. Sidney To, the representative of Honorable Diana Chen from Hong Kong hand over a donation to Mr. Jacquelin Dugasse CEO of the James Michel Foundation.

The donation included T.shirts, Caps, Laptops, IPad and Pendrives which will be used as prizes for various competitions aimed at promoting a greater understanding of concepts such as Blue Economy and Sustainable Energy.

The James Michel Foundation has extended its appreciation to Honorable Diana Chen for her support for the Blue Economy and Sustainable Energy.

In a separate release the Foundation showed the need for everyone to work together to save our seas with a photo on an endangered species of shark found dead on a beach.

This is a picture of a juvenile Sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens) which was taken at Marie Laure Beach Bel Ombre in the Seychelles, depicting another endangered species killed by plastic pollution in the sea.

The plastic bottle label prevented the shark from opening its mouth meaning it could not properly pass water over its gills and it in effect suffocated.

This is just one of the reasons plastics should totally be banned.

#Plasticpollution #Oceanpollution

Anantara arrives in the Americas
with Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort

Big news in the world of Anantara. The beloved Bangkok-based luxury hotel brand is arriving in the Americas for the very first time. Set to debut in mid 2018, Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort is situated on the Bay of Camamu, an ecological sanctuary, on the Maraú Peninsula in Bahia. This is a beautiful stretch of Atlantic coastline in the northeast of Brazil, and Bahia is celebrated for its rich cultural melange and year-round tropical climate.

The former Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort is under renovation before its transformation under the Anantara umbrella. Notably, the Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort will be the first Asian hotel brand in Brazil.

To quote the official press release, Anantara aims to bring “five-star luxury with a sense of adventure to this extraordinary destination.” Guests will be able to arrive directly by plane to the resort’s private landing strip.

The resort’s thatched roofing was designed to blend into the surrounding landscapes, verdant with vegetation along a pristine beach. There will be only 30 guestrooms, suites and bungalows when the resort opens, with an anticipated expansion to follow. (And private pool bungalows are in the works.)

Caroline Stevens, the Chief People Officer at Minor Hotels and a Seychellois National by birth (Caroline Albert), said, “We’re expanding in Brazil! In addition to our two existing Tivoli hotels, we are delighted to confirm that our Anantara brand will be launching in Brazil next year.”

On-site attractions at the new Brazil property will include an Anantara spa, large swimming pool, tennis courts and beach volleyball, while the resort will also offer a host of local experiences: Think horseback riding on the beach to the Carapitangui River, fishing trips, scuba diving, paddle boarding at sunset and excursions to Tremembé Waterfall and its natural bathing pools and nearby tropical islands.

Turkish Airline in Mauritius since 15th December 2015

 

 

 

 

Turkish Airline Mauritius has been celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of the airline since it started operation to the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius and Madagascar.

Fatih Mehmet Kursun manages the Indian Ocean Offices of Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles and this week he was communicating his satisfaction with the successes of Turkish Airline in the Indian Ocean Region as he celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of their flights to Mauritius and Madagascar.

Seychelles Tourism Minister visits AIDA Aura – the latest cruise brand to include Seychelles on its itinerary

The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, visited AIDA Aura, one of two cruise ships docked in Port Victoria on Tuesday December 19, 2017.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune, and the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Ports Authority, Colonel André Ciseau. AIDA Cruises is one of eleven brands operated by the Carnival Group – one of the world’s largest cruise lines.

The AIDA brand, which has a fleet of 12 ships is sailing to Seychelles for the first time this season, and AIDA Aura — one of its smallest cruise vessels — is already making its third call to Port Victoria.

AIDA Aura arrived in Port Victoria on Tuesday, carrying 1,300 passengers and 400 crew members and will be leaving on Thursday. The large majority of the passengers are German nationals. The ship’s captain, Sven Laudan, welcomed Minister Loustau-Lalanne and his delegation onboard the ship measuring some 200 metres with 11 decks.

Captain Laudan explained that AIDA Aura is making round trips to Seychelles, Mauritius and Reunion, and will be making some 10 port calls to Seychelles this season. “We spend three days here and the passengers are happy about this, there’s excursions everywhere,” he added.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne and his team were given a short tour of the cruise vessel, which has many amenities, including restaurants, bars, fitness centre, and pool area. The Minister said he has visited AIDA Aura considering it’s the first time the cruise brand has included Seychelles on its itinerary. He noted that AIDA has already confirmed that it will be sending a bigger cruise vessel to Seychelles for the 2018-2019 cruise season.

Welcoming the news, the Minister said that this signifies an added boost to the number of German tourists visiting the destination, considering AIDA is tailored for the German market. Germany is already the leading tourism market for Seychelles in 2017. “From my discussions with the Captain I have been made aware that the passengers are extremely happy to be in Seychelles and would prefer to spend up to seven days, but we cannot allow them to be docked for seven days in our port as it would affect our operations, so we have to find ways to get the cruise ships to include other islands on their itinerary as we endeavour to attract more cruise vessels to our shores,” said Minister Loustau-Lalanne.

“I believe we are slowly developing our cruise business and we need to make a good impression when we have new cruise lines picking the destination. We are witnessing an increase in the number of holidaymakers coming through the cruise liners and we should try our best to get at least half of them to get on a plane and spend a longer holiday in Seychelles,” he added.

The CEO of the Ports Authority, Colonel André Ciseau, said a total of 42 port calls are expected this season, with the cruise liners bringing some 42,700 visitors to Seychelles. This represents an increase of almost 50 percent over last year when 28 port calls were recorded, as well as a 55 percent increase in cruise visitors to our shores. “The work we have done together with the Association of Ports of the Indian Ocean Islands (APIOI), stakeholders, partners and the local authorities, in addition to improved maritime security in the region is paying dividends. We have invested a lot of efforts in growing the business and we will continue to work with other countries in the region for joint marketing. And now that we are also jointly promoting the Cruise Africa Strategy this would be of added advantage,” said Colonel Ciseau.

“As part of the Cruise Africa Strategy we are also working to encourage super yachts to visit the region in parallel with cruise ship calls, and together with the Port Management Association of Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA) we are developing a yacht lottery as part of this promotional effort, which will allow the winning yacht to visit member countries of the port association without paying the applicable port dues,” he said. Colonel Ciseau said the lottery should be ready to go on sale by the end of next year.

The Seychelles’ cruise ship season lasts from October to around April.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne remarked that the cruise business is one with huge potential and that once the planned six hundred metre extension of Port Victoria is completed the country should be more aggressive in promoting Seychelles as a cruise destination. If all goes according to plan, the Port Victoria extension and redevelopment project is expected to commence early next year and should be completed by 2021.

Source:- Seychelles Tourism Board

Dr Nirmal Shah of Seychelles – Global Goodwill Ambassador

 

 

 

Seychelles is today appreciated as a leader in the Blue Economy sector, and also in what is known as Sustainable Tourism Development. It is important to recognise driven Seychellois who are committed to promoting and boosting sustainable practices in Seychelles. Efforts by governmental and non-governmental organisations, such as the James Michel Foundation, in this regard are commendable and noteworthy.

Seychelles is today counted as a serious partner in the World of Blue Economy. James Michel, the former President of Seychelles and Head of the James Michel Foundation, said in his message to the World Ocean Council, “Thank you for the excellent work in advancing corporate ocean responsibility and creating awareness in the promotion of our Oceans Health. The James Michel Foundation will continue to be a faithful partner of the World Ocean Council”.

Congratulations to Dr Nirmal Shah, to the James Michel Foundation, and to all who those who are proudly flying the Seychelles flag in the global arena.