Almasalla news | Arab Tourism Portal News
Alain St.Ange, a renowned tourism consultant from Seychelles, was invited to London to address a group of tourism professionals and politicians on the topic of sustainable tourism and the importance of tourism as an economic sector for the local population at tourism destinations. The event took place at the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford on August 2nd and 3rd.
On Friday, St.Ange took to the stage after several interventions by the meeting organizers for their regional offices and agents. In the presence of numerous UK politicians, St.Ange emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism as the way forward. He reiterated a line he often uses: “We have a duty to leave the world better than what it was when we embarked on economic development for our own benefit.” During his speech, he addressed concerns from the audience about the increasing number of tents for the homeless in Hyde Park.
Avoiding delving into local UK politics, St.Ange stated: “The State must ensure iconic areas and sites that remain key USPs of London cannot be overtaken by the homeless and their tents. This is London, and we are talking about Hyde Park. Those responsible must find a suitable field for the tent city if needed, but the UK cannot display or encourage sprawling tent cities above and beyond the numerous individuals camping by the roadside in between the shops in the city itself.”
Returning to his main address, St.Ange highlighted the necessity for tourism to benefit local people as investors and entrepreneurs consolidate their investments. He acknowledged the UK’s efforts but stressed the need to revisit operating strategies, especially in the wake of COVID-19. “You should not forget how it was when you were touched by COVID, and you know better than anyone else the need to keep tourism as an industry working,” he said.
St.Ange also discussed his recent appointments, including being named ‘Lead Patron’ of the Jamaica-based Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN) Villages as Businesses and IIPT Caribbean. He emphasized the importance of small businesses in sustainable development, sharing his experiences from Seychelles, where the Small Hotels & Establishments Association (SSHEA) appointed him as ‘Ambassador at Large’. In Seychelles, tourism accommodations with fewer than 25 keys are reserved for Seychellois, ensuring local involvement in the tourism industry.
“In both areas I am affiliated with, I see sustainable development virtues where small establishments and businesses are run by locals. At the core of the sustainability principle is the need for everyone in the community to be able to sustain themselves and their dependents. Small hospitality entities owned and managed by residents offer numerous positive elements, including authentic cultural experiences, economic benefits for locals, and personalized service,” St.Ange said.
He concluded by highlighting the vital role of tourism in directly benefiting the local population. “Large or small businesses can work and must be encouraged to work, but they often need the State to guide through legislation for fair play and for removing operating obstacles,” he said.
A lengthy question and answer session followed St.Ange’s speech. He expressed his delight at receiving an invitation to address another event in Oxford in early October. “These are new forums, and I am delighted to be selected and called upon to address such important gatherings,” he said.
In the evening, St.Ange was hosted for a working dinner by Fred Finn, ‘The World’s Most Travelled Man’ according to the Guinness Book of World Records, who had just launched his book ‘SONIC BOOM’. This was also an opportunity for St.Ange to present Finn with a biography of his life in tourism, while Finn offered St.Ange a copy of his book. The two have previously worked together and share a connection through their experiences with Seychelles.
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