aTP- Arab tourism portal- The countdown to the sixth edition Carnaval International de Victoria has started and now there are only 66 days left before the big event set for April 22-24.
A ceremony was held last Thursday at the Gran Kaz Casino and Slots in Victoria to start the countdown to the carnival.
Present were the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange, principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune and that of culture Benjamine Rose, the chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Sherin Naiken and that of the Vanilla Islands Pascal Viroleau.
The deputy chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Nathalie Didon along with other members of the organisation as well as a number of partners were present at the ceremony.
Addressing invitees, Minister St.Ange said it is an important day to reflect on why we host such an event in Seychelles, and go out of our way to bring a large contingent of international press to our shores and to go even further to host so many people in our country.
“We are organising the carnival with clear missions – one is to spread the feeling of peace and harmony through culture because at the carnival in Seychelles, very much the meeting of the United Nations of Culture the colour of the skin, religious beliefs and political affiliations have now bearing, the second mission I am not shy to admit is to increase the visibility of Seychelles and our region because we need it if we are going to keep succeeding in the world of tourism and the third main objective is for the people of the country. This one is much harder as there are always some people who do not want you to do something for the people and they will always find negativity in it,” Minister St.Ange said.
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The Minister also thanked all those who help the Seychelles Tourism Board to deliver for the country.
"I salute Miss Naiken and her team because I know they put a lot of effort in their work. The events that we continue to organise for Seychelles are important as they provide enjoyment for our people as we also promote the economy of our country and put it on a firmer footing", said Minister St.Ange.
He also spoke about the letter he had just received from the African Diaspora World Tourism Awards and Travel Expo in Atlanta Georgia of the USA saying that they have decided that Seychelles will go in their wall of fame for organising an event which touches their people through culture.
“When we get such recognition from a country such as the United States, we need to be proud of ourselves,” the Minister added.
“Let us join together to ensure that the sixth edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria becomes a successful even that it deserves to be.”
Miss Naiken said Seychelles is proud to host the Carnaval International de Victoria, an event which has made its mark in the world.
The carnival is being constantly being mentioned as one of the events which bring together tourism boards, cultures and countries. Carnaval International de Victoria is not just about dancing and entertainment, it is countries celebrating their cultures, Miss Naiken added.
“Seychelles will continue to use it carnival to spread the message of peace and harmony between nations,” she said.
Miss Naiken echoed words of thanks to all those who have always been faithful partners to the Carnaval International de Victoria and has called on others to join in.
