Tourism Ball 2016 – Minister thanks partners for success of Seychelles tourism
aTP- Arab tourism portal News- Tourism industry partners gathered at the Eden Bleu Hotel on Saturday evening for the annual tourism ball, the highlight of activities marking Tourism Week.
The event was attended by the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, principal secretary (PS) for tourism Anne Lafortune, chief executive (CEO) of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Sherin Francis, the chief executive of Air Seychelles Roy Kinnear, the sales manager for Qatar Airways in Africa Ron Esparon, Second Princess in the Miss Seychelles … Another World 2016 pageant Samiya Albert, who was replacing crown winner Christine Barbier (who is currently doing a photoshoot overseas), among other invitees.
The Ball is aimed at bringing tourism trade partners together under one roof in a social and relaxed atmosphere where they can interact and strengthen working relationships with their public sector partners as well as establishing new contacts.
Minister St Ange addressing guests at the Tourism BallAddressing everyone present Minister St Ange said: “Today we celebrate a milestone for Seychelles. We are all present today because Seychelles is noticed around the world, and for such accomplishment we need to thank the hotels, airline for promoting Seychelles as a tourist destination,” he said.
He noted soon Seychelles airport will welcome two new airlines – Qatar Airways and Turkish Airline.
“Seychelles will soon welcome two new airlines, which will bring more tourists to to our paradise islands. Seychelles is now connected to the big wide world, with tourism remaining the pillar of its economy. We want to see Seychelles tourism bloom and to do that we will work with Air Seychelles along with the other airlines,” he added.
Mr Esparon added that in general the tourism industry in Seychelles is an accomplishment.
“In Seychelles we have a lot of potential in the tourism industry and those are the factors why Qatar Airways is coming back to Seychelles to develop the country’s economy. We will start our operation on December 12, 2016,” he said.
During the event two paintings – by Nigel Henri and George Camille – went under the hammer, with the CEO of Air Seychelles buying one. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) to purchase IT equipment.
This was followed by the Seychelles Tourism Raffle Draw, along with the launch of the ‘Golden Raffles’ whereby two people will stand a chance to win a 10-day all-inclusive holiday in Seychelles. The lottery tickets can be bought at the Seychelles International Airport and a portion of the revenue will be distributed among charity, community development and eco-tourism projects.
Also during the evening Second Princess Samiya Albert along with Mrs Francis unveiled the poster advertising Miss Seychelles … Another World pageant 2017.
