By Alain St.Ange of SAINT ANGE CONSULTANCY
The Editorial this week highlights:- a. Recognition by African Diaspora Tourism of the USA. b. Control and Protection of Dogs Bill, 2018. c. Assumption Island Military Base project. d. Operating costs must decrease. e. Anguilla has undergone a dramatic decline in the tourism sector. f. Granite boulders shaped by nature & g. Sea turtles mating on a beach at Denis Island.
Stand alone articles this week:-
1 .Hotels & Resorts in Seychelles are now in a class to themselves.
2. Hawaiian Poké at the Club Liberte Restaurant.
3. African Diaspora Tourism of the USA says:- The Saint Ange Tourism Report Celebrates One Year Mark as Premier Destination Publication.
4. Seychelles Tourism stakeholders meet in third multi-sectoral meeting for 2018 (Operating cost for trade raised as an issue).
5. Savoy Resort of Seychelles setting the example in empowering young Seychellois.
6. Vijay Poonoosamy moves from Etihad Aviation Group to join the QI Group in Singapore as Director International and Public Affairs.
7. Green Globe Certification awarded to LUX* Resorts & Hotels.
8. Namibian Government Donates 5 Oryxes to Mauritius.
9. Serge Lablache and Chateau Sans Souci of Praslin wins Certificate of Excellence.
10. Seychelles Boat Owners need help, but from whom?.
11. TUI Tour Operator has New Riu hotel in Zanzibar.
12. The Seychelles Tourism Board hosts annual South Africa roadshow targeting three main cities.
13. Travel + Leisure readers name 15 best islands for 2018 (Seychelles misses the list, but Mauritius and Maldives make the best 15).
14. World Travel Awards some are ready others are doing nothing as Sarova Group enters 8 hotels (African Tourism Board’s support is needed).
15. British Airways to launch its largest schedule ever between UK and South Africa.
16. Air Tanzania to launch flights to Entebbe and Bujumbura.
17. Stray dogs around Seychelles – finally, a solution.
18. International Newswires continue to republish our Report.
Another important week and one that marks the arrival of the month of August telling us clearly the final months of 2018 are upon us. We were thrilled this week to see the African Diaspora Tourism Group of the USA write about the Saint Ange Tourism Report and refer to it as the “Premier Destination Publication”. Recognition by the tourism and travel press has been increasing and it is this partnership we today have that is keeping us visible and indeed relevant.
Control and Protection of Dogs Bill, 2018
The world of tourism finally saw that Seychelles had succeeded in producing a modern and comprehensive “Control and Protection of Dogs Bill, 2018”. “Seeing how you treat your dogs will tell me who you are as a people” has been the repeated statement made by so many visitors to the islands. This new legislation is a step in the right direction for our small island Nation.
Assumption Island Military Base project
Following the Government’s decision to revive the Assumption Island Military Base project, peaceful protests in the streets of Victoria have recommenced. The Preserve Seychelles group chaired by Terry Sandapin said the following on various posts:- “Assomption pou Seselwa! Recommencing the protests against a military installation on Assumption Island following our President’s visit to India and subsequent contradictory statements made and huge credit lines allocated. We say NO to any foreign military interference (directly or via credit lines) and NO to the direct threats & dangers to our environment. Vesna Rakic and Ricki Morin were both on the local news and are asking for everyone to join the next protest and to make your voice heard. Follow Preserve Seychelles for the details. This is a non-political citizens movement”.
Assumption Island is but some twenty miles from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra and not suitable at all for the installation of a foreign power military base .
Operating costs must decrease
The outcry for a reduction of operating costs in Seychelles continues. Tourism is an integral part of the business community, which has called for better understanding of operating costs they are faced with. It cannot be in dispute that the operating costs incurred by the business community in Seychelles are too high and consequently serving to stifle growth. The time to assist the business community is now because, in return, it will consolidate the island’s economy and also provide more employment opportunities for the people of Seychelles.
This call was reinforced in the last Cross-Sectorial Meeting chaired by Minister Didier Dogley, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine. The press reported on this particular point as follows:- “The private sector representatives also had the opportunity to put forth their concerns relating mainly to security and safety, illegal tourism activities, increasing operating cost for the trade, among others”.
The call has been made by the private sector bodies, the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) and the Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association (SHTA) and reinforced once again only last night on national television by the Seychelles Car Hire Operators Association (SCHOA) following the recent General Assembly.
Anguilla has undergone a dramatic decline in the tourism sector
During the final days of the month of July, Pam Webster published a document on the downward spiral of tourism in Anguilla. She wrote:- “As of June 2018, Anguilla has undergone a dramatic decline in the tourism sector of the island’s economy. As summarised by the Anguilla Statistics Department, under the Tourism Statistics Summary 2018, Anguilla has experienced its sixth decline for 2018. In comparison to the summary of June 2017, we have managed to decrease our visitor numbers by 56.8%, which is more than half of the visits. Anguilla and our people are dependent upon tourism for the most basic underpinning of the economy, but not only as a means of securing the necessities of life – also to maintain stability. With numbers continually declining at this rate, we risk experiencing hardship, struggle, and instability as we have not experienced it in living memory…… The Tourism Statistics Summary recorded a decrease from 9,610 persons during the period of June 2017, and compared it to the number of visits during June 2018, which was 2,440 persons. It is said that this is in fact the lowest recorded number of excursionists to the island for any June month as far back as 1993. While day trippers do not bring the same economic benefit to the island as tourists staying longer and occupying overnight accommodation, every little helps.”
Anguilla is suffering from a reduction of visitors for a different reason, but like Seychelles, it depends largely on tourism. Seychelles needs to give oxygen to its tourism industry and to its business sector in order to sustain its economic viability.
Granite boulders shaped by nature
Gilles Lionnet posted a photo of granite boulders in Seychelles which he claims bear striking resemblance to an elephant, a gorilla and a wolf. Locals will note other interestingly shaped granite boulders around Mahe, including ‘ros koson’ (Pig rock). These quirks are today providing photo opportunities to visitors eager to discover what unique gems our islands have to offer.
Sea turtles mating on a beach at Denis Island
Another amazing photo published last week was from Denis Private Island, where workers found a pair of turtles mating on the beach. This is not a normal scene because these acts by turtles can normally be seen in open sea. The photo has generated a lot of interest because it is just not common at all. Denis Private Island has been leaders in the field of environment protection and today many more sea turtles are seen in the turquoise blue seas surrounding that island
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
Hotels & Resorts in Seychelles are now in a class to themselves
Hotels and Resorts held the consolidation of tourism destinations and in Seychelles the message has been clear that the best in Resort Brands are already well established. The islands have managed over the years to attract the brands they wanted, but at the same time encourage home grown tourism companies to develop unique establishments that have now made a name for themselves.
Seychelles has most of the International Brands and they coexist with “home grown” Seychellois brands such as the Domaine de L’Orangeraie of La Digue Island or the Denis Private Island with its 25 Villas on a 300 hectare island where nature blends is with a sustainable tourism development approach. Both these properties are successful and have become unique selling points of the Seychelles tourism industry because they are unique in their own rights. Their location, the architecture style and the local knowledge have come together to showcase what is often seen as some of the best Seychelles has. International Brands also find their own place in this developing tourism network. Raffles of Praslin in Seychelles as an example has a location that is unrivalled with the stunning views from all its villas and its main resort structure but a stone throw from Praslin’s white sand beaches. The size of their villas are seen as a home away from home and the Raffles Brand and experience completes the experience.
A tourism destination is not and cannot be only its hotels and resorts. The country needs to be what their marketing says they are. This is why location of tourism establishments play a big role in ensuring a holiday of a lifetime for visitors. It is accepted that a five star resort or hotel cannot be positioned in a ghetto where people are sleeping on the roads or pavements. The country needs to solve such issues to bring about what is today seen as sustainable an approach. Raising the living standards of the inhabitants of the country, eradicating poverty, cleaning up of the country all go hand in hand with tourism and it can be the vehicle that helps make this happen.
Seychelles can be seen today as the benchmark for good and exceptional hotels. They have embarked on the eco-tourism approach and push the sustainable tourism development approach. Seychelles is the brand for its tourism and remains a brand that sits as an example for many to follow.
Hawaiian Poké at the Club Liberte Restaurant
What is Hawaiian Poké you might well ask?
Poké is a dish that originated in Hawaii and has taken the major cities of the world by storm in the last year or so. You can find Poké restaurants now in London, Los Angeles, Paris, Melbourne, you name it they are there. And now Poké is now available in Seychelles at the Club Liberté 5 Spices Restaurant. First of all you have to be able to pronounce it! Poké (Po-Keh) / poʊˈkeɪ / verb – Hawaiian to ‘slice’ or ‘dice’.
It is a classic Hawaiian dish of cubed, marinated fish. Traditionally in Hawaii the local fisherman would haul in their catch, dice it up, season it and eat on the spot, mixed with a few vegetables and fruits. The ‘Poké Bowl’ is a modern approach to this concept and normally includes a base of rice or slaw topped with seaweeds, fruit salsas, pickles and garnishes. It is rather like deconstructed sushi in a bowl. The big advantage of Poké in the Seychelles is that pretty well all the ingredients – fish, fruits, vegetables – are easily and freshly obtainable in the Seychelles. The Club Liberté has now brought these authentic flavours, fresh from the shores of Hawaii to the Seychelles. Riding the wave of the Hawaiian Poké phenomenon which swept its way through America, Club Liberté Poké brings the full-on Pacific flavour to the Seychelles.
It must be admitted that Nurettin, the Head Chef at the Club Liberté was not really aware of Poké either, until the 5 Spices’ international customers started to ask if Poké was available. As they could get it at home, they wanted to try it in the Seychelles where the best ingredients are freshly available. After a few weeks of trials, Nurettin and Jerico, the sushi chef, have now perfected their Poké Bowl and it is available on the 5 Spices menu. What is in it? Fresh marinated tuna, sushi rice, avocado, wakame seaweed salad, red cabbage, cucumber, carrot, pickled ginger and vegetables, red radish, nori leaves and their subtle secret blend of spices. You can also ask to build your own Poké Bowl with other items that you might fancy. Just ask the chef when you order.
And it is good for you! You can get your protein-packed bowl of Hawaiian Poké, for a dish that almost looks too good to eat. Of course, it goes almost without saying that the 5 Spices Restaurant is passionate about using the best quality and sustainable ingredients. They use only top grade raw fish and premium Japanese rice. When you first try Poké you will be blown away by the fresh and punchy flavours. 5 Spices has tried to bring a little of that to the Seychelles and they hope you feel at home next time you visit.
African Diaspora Tourism of the USA says:- The Saint Ange Tourism Report Celebrates One Year Mark as Premier Destination Publication
Minister of Tourism Alain St. Ange recently celebrated the first anniversary of the Saint Ange Tourism Report, a weekly publication that touches on tourism in Seychelles, the greater Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and the surrounding Indian Ocean Countries as well as global tourism matters. The Saint Ange Report was launched in June, 2017.
The Report goes to a large number of Seychellois locally and also those residing in the four corners of the world, the Business Community in Seychelles, Tour Operators and the Tourism Travel Trade, Airlines and is being reposted by several friendly and important newswires which will ensure a very wide global distribution.
Alain St. Ange is a foremost expert in tourism and cultural heritage. He is a sought after speaker by many tourism professionals in various countries. A tourism marketing guru who is an expert in branding Africa as a destination for all types of tourism, St. Ange is the creator of the International Carnival of Seychelles, the world’s first multi-international carnival. A former candidate for the Secretary General for the United Nations World Tourism Organization, he continues to create in roads in the cultural heritage and destination tourism.
The last issue highlights included:- a. Routes Africa 2018. b. Visibility to maintain relevance. c. Operating cost and the slide of the Seychelles Rupee against the US Dollar. d. African Tourism Board – Where Africa becomes one tourism destination. e. Vertical Integration Policy?. Stand alone articles this week starts with:- 1. Ghana Minister for Aviation meets Alain St.Ange from Seychelles. 2. Denis Private Island of Seychelles achieves Tripadvisor Hall of Fame status. 3. Restaurants mark tourism destinations. 4. Eco label awarded to Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort. 5. Routes Africa 2018 in Ghana. 6. Alain St.Ange at Routes Africa 2018. 7. Mayotte offers its own Vanilla Islands event with the first Lagoon Festival. 8. Ethiopian Airlines & South African Airways take centre stage at Routes Africa 2018. 9. Tenerife & Seychelles discuss tourism and cooperation. 10. Environmental pollution kills tourism. 11. Anaël Bodwell Smart, outstanding young Seychellois leader. 12. Echoes from the Oasis. 13. The Joy of Giving by Jane Stravens (Miss Seychelles 1972). 14. IATA Africa supports call for Tourism & Aviation Ministers meeting in discussions with Seychelles Tourism Consultant . 15. Uganda Airlines order for two A330neo from Airbus at Farnborough. 16. African Airlines Association (AFRAA) & Seychelles meet. 17. Ports and Maritime Stakeholders in Kenya launch Maritime Awards . 18. Tang Soo Do World Championships in North Carolina “Seychelles wins 9 Gold, 5 Silver and 5 Bronze” 19. African Youth Games 2018 17 athletes from Seychelles. 20. “Voyages Afriq” Magazine consolidates working partnership, 21. Aviation & Allied Business Journal meets Seychelles’ Alain St.Ange. 22. Uganda Tourism and Seychelles Tourism Consultant discuss Brand Africa and cooperation. 23. The Seychelles Tourism Board welcomes year round operations by Edelweiss Air. 24. International Newswires continue to republish our Report.
For more information on latest issue, visit: https://mailchi.mp/saintange/saint-ange-tourism-report-edition-29-of-23rd-july-2018?e=0d015cfb9d
Seychelles Tourism stakeholders meet in third multi-sectoral meeting for 2018
(Operating cost for trade raised as an issue)
The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, hosted the third multi-sectoral meeting for the year. The meeting held at National House, saw the participation of government officials, and representatives from the private sector. The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley, chaired for the first time since assuming his new portfolio in April this year.
The Minister for Environment, Energy & Climate Change, Wallace Cosgrow; and Minister for Employment, Immigration & Civil Status, Myriam Telemaque, were also present to update those present on issues relevant to their respective portfolios. The status of various projects discussed and agreed upon in previous meetings as well as challenges being faced by the tourism industry were among issues discussed. The participants also heard a presentation from the Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC) about the benefits of photovoltaic systems. The presentation sought to give an overview of the benefits of using solar energy, in terms of reduced electricity costs.
The Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) addressed various challenges being faced and presented development plans for jetties on Mahé and the inner islands. SPA also updated those present on the upgrading of existing facilities at the various passenger terminals. Finally, the meeting heard from the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) about their efforts to maintain existing and increase mooring buoys within marine protected areas. The private sector representatives also had the opportunity to put forth their concerns relating mainly to security and safety, illegal tourism activities, increasing operating cost for the trade, among others.
Minister Dogley noted that considering the numerous monthly meetings where stakeholders come together to discuss the same or similar issues, it is important to assess the efficiency of the multi-sectoral committee. “I am pleased with the outcome of the meeting in view that a new approach was agreed upon whereby the meeting will be more focussed on specific issues with the relevant government agencies presenting and providing clear and tangible information on the specific issues,” said Minister Dogley.
The next multi-sectoral meeting is scheduled for October.
Source:- Seychelles Tourism Board
your link : https://mailchi.mp/saintange/saint-ange-tourism-report-edition-31-of-6-august-2018?e=b05df7b2bd
