-Year 2015 was a successful one for the Seychelles- tourism industry,”says Minister St.Ange on the popular News Extra TV programme
aTP- Arab tourism portal- The year 2015 was a successful one for the tourism industry of Seychelles as the private sector and government have been able to work together and achieved a higher number of visitor arrivals to our shores than ever before.
The 19% increase in arrivals, totaling to 276,233 visitors is indeed a great feat for our tourism industry, compared to last year which was at 234,928.
On the NEWS EXTRA TV Program on SBC (Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation) Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St.Ange commended the work done by the Seychelles Tourism Board for being the leading body which markets Seychelles.
Minister St.Ange also saluted the work of the private sector and each and every Seychellois individual who has in one way or another supported this industry.
He made these statements during the interview he gave on the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s popular News Extra programme today.
Minister St.Ange was speaking to the programme’s host, well-known and respected journalist Michael Payet.
He spoke on other key elements which have helped the industry to achieve such great feat. Among those are the direct flights from our source markets which he added are a plus to our tourism industry.
Minister St.Ange also talked about the new investments made in the industry, in hotels or other tourism establishments and new innovative approaches by destination management companies in the country.
One main challenge which remains is the increase in yield generated from the tourism industry, which he added can be increased but for this to happen there is a need to be more innovative in the services and products that are being offered to our visitors.
Minister St.Ange said the Ministry of Tourism and Culture will continue to work with the private sector so as to find new avenues to explore in this industry, with the aim at catering the needs of the tourists.
There is today a great need for us to find new ways to ensure that visitors to our country to spend their money, and that we have products to offer, he added.
Minister St.Ange stressed on the importance of having ”Made in Seychelles’ arts and crafts products because there are things that visitors look for.
In this line, he added that the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship Development & Business Innovation will work to find ways of encouraging this.
"Each citizen has a key role to play in keeping our tourism industry in good shape. We need to keep in mind that it is the pillar of our economy and Seychelles needs its tourism industry. We need to protect this Seychelles Brand that we promote and believe in," he added.
Minister St.Ange said he is satisfied with work done last year, adding that the ministry, and the Seychelles Tourism Board will continue to remain connected with the private sector so as to better our tourism industry and alleviate the challenges that are affecting the Seychelles Brand.
Speaking on the budget increase for tourism marketing, Minister St.Ange said the Seychelles Tourism Board will work on its action plan to consolidate its traditional and emerging markets as well as concentrate on markets such as Russia and the Americas as well as those in the region and in Africa.
