The Seychelles tourism industry will once again be present with a 40-members delegation at the upcoming ITB Berlin tourism trade fair to be held from March 8-12.

The delegation will be headed by the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne. A team from the Seychelles Tourism Board – chief executive Sherin Francis, director for Europe Bernadette Willemin, regional manager Edith Hunzinger and marketing executive Natacha Servina – will also be present at ITB Berlin.

A total of 28 companies from the private sector will be joining the fair namely – Air Seychelles, Alphonse Island Lodge, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Beachcomber, Berjaya Resorts Seychelles, Coco de Mer Hotel, Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel, Savoy Resort and Spa, Creole Travel Services, Denis Private Island, Dhevatara Beach Hotel, Eden Bleu Hotel, Hilton Seychelles, The H Resort, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Le Duc de Praslin, Val Mer Resort, Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, Le Relax Hotel, Maia Luxury Resort, Paradise Sun Hotel, Mason’s Travel, North Island, Pure Seychelles Hotels, Raffles Praslin Seychelles, the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association,7°South and VPM Yacht Charter.

ITB Berlin is set to have a total of 10,096 exhibitors from 187 countries. It is the world’s leading travel trade show, which presents a wonderful chance to discover the entire world within a few hours and to meet business partners, learn about new trends, concepts and cooperation options as well as deepen existing business relations.

Germany is one of Seychelles’ leading markets and according to the National Bureau of Statistics for the week ending on February 26, the overall visitors from Europe increased by 27% compared to the same period in 2016.

An increase of 40% was recorded from the German market, which placed Germany as the second leading market for Seychelles during that period, with a total of 6,234 visitors arriving to our shores.

“The Seychelles’ tourism industry started on an extremely positive note this year and this is being supported further by the enthusiasm of the travel trade partners whom are already eager to push the destination even more. This year’s ITB will be a very busy one, and remains very important given it sets the tone for the rest of the year,” said Mrs Francis .

“I thank the local trade partners who will be part of the delegation this year and wish them success for the fair.”

“The fight against drugs is a national priority and just like we mobilised regional and international help and support in the fight against piracy the same effort can be put in rallying for help and support from different countries and organisations   to help us combat the scourge,” Ambassador Claude  Morel, the Foreign Secretary responsible for the Department of Foreign Affairs has said.

Speaking to the press yesterday only a day after assuming his new responsibility following the resignation of Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter, Ambassador Morel added that there is no way we can win the fight against drugs alone stressing on the need for a broader and  reinforced cooperation with neighbouring countries, international partners and organisations because it is clear today that drug  traffickers are using the sea to conduct their business and this calls for reinforced maritime security measures.

“My aim is to see our work and effort in the area of diplomacy both at regional and international levels respond to some of the challenges we face nationally, that our actions as diplomats contribute to bringing solutions to some of the major problems we are facing such as fighting drug trafficking and abuse,” he said.

Illegal fishing is another issue which Ambassador Morel said can be better addressed with the help and support of other countries through broader cooperation agreements.

But Ambassador Morel stressed that before further broadening and exploring cooperation agreements with international partners we should explore, strengthen and consolidate cooperation with our neighbours in the region.

“There are indeed great potentials for development close to us,” Ambassador Morel said.

“There are also great possibilities to extend further our cooperation with our immediate neighbours so as to be able to explore the vast potentials that some of these countries of the region can offer both for us as well as the whole region,” he said, giving as example Madagascar which has a lot of potential for trade   which he considers “a sleeping giant” which is waking up to become the powerhouse of the Indian Ocean the same way South Africa has become the powerhouse of the region.

Ambassador Morel said diplomacy can be used to ease trade and commerce between Seychelles and this neighbouring giant and at very competitive tariffs  while at the same time ensuring that strict phytosanitary measures and regulations are adhered to.

He stressed that diplomacy could also be used to engage the help and support of regional and international  trade bodies and institutions when it comes to quality and standard of goods and products.

With regard to relations with another of our neighbour Mauritius, Ambassador Morel said the two countries enjoy a traditional and long lasting relation which can be revisited and extended to other sectors.

Following the recent signing of a fishing agreement between the two countries Ambassador Morel announced that in a few weeks another agreement in the field of education is expected to be signed and this will allow for the Ministry of Education to recruit teachers from Mauritius.

“This would be a great advantage for us in various aspects – better communication and interactions between teachers and pupils as we share the same language and culture,” Ambassador Morel stated.

Further to that Seychelles will also be benefiting from Mauritian expertise in its drug rehabilitation programmes as recently announced.

Cooperation with the island of Reunion up to now has focused mainly on health and tourism but Ambassador Morel said there are great potentials for it to be extended to other areas.

With the Comoros, the island has already expressed the great desire to learn from Seychelles’ experience in tourism and fisheries.

Ambassador Morel has a wealth of experience as a seasoned diplomat who has represented Seychelles and been responsible for several embassies and diplomatic missions in different countries for many years. In 2003 he received the support of the government, as representative of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) in Madagascar to help the country come out of a political stalemate and for one year he was posted there where he was involved with the Malagasy authorities at the highest level helping mediation efforts while liaising with and reporting to the IOC secretary general at that time, Jean Claude de L’Estrac.

“The experience gained during that period has also broadened my perspective and increased my conviction that the region has a lot of potential waiting to be tapped into,” Ambassador Morel added.

Ambassador Morel said he accepted the position of Foreign Secretary at the Department of Foreign Affairs with humility and confidence, joy and enthusiasm at a time when we are going through an exciting national and international dynamism.

He said he is ready to deliver as per the mandate which has been entrusted to him by President Danny Faure.

“Diplomacy is evolving and is not static and we need to readjust to adapt to new regional and international realities.

“I aim to lead the Department of Foreign Affairs with a high level of professionalism, integrity, ensuring that we always aim for excellence in all the work we do and that we remain focused on deriving the maximum benefits and outcomes for the betterment of our people and country,” Ambassador Morel said.

Ambassador Morel said he has committed himself and engaged the team he leads to work with professionalism, noting that in line with President Faure’s vision for good governance, transparency, accountability, mediocrity will not be tolerated and there will be zero tolerance of any suspicion of fraud or corruption.

Ambassador Morel said he is very much encouraged by the team he is leading and he is convinced he will work to ensure that Seychelles continues to get the respect it deserves, that its voice at international fora is listened to, well heard, respected and appreciated.

Asked to comment on Ambassador Marie-Louise Potter’s resignation following allegations that she could not see eye to eye with PS Michele Murray, Ambassador Morel had no comments on that and said the question should be addressed to Mrs Potter herself  as he himself has just assumed his responsibility . He said he has an excellent working relationship with PS Murray and is confident in the team under his responsibility.

He said among his first moves will be to conduct a review of the department’s operations and strategies both at the internal level locally and at the level of embassies and the network of consulates abroad.

“We need to further explore and strengthen our working collaborations and bring it to another level by deriving the most benefits from the potential of the large number of consuls in various parts of the world. They are the links and the bridge between Seychelles and those countries where they are based,” Ambassador Morel said.

With regard to encouraging more foreign investments, Ambassador Morel said over the years, through strong cooperation with strategic partners and multilateral organisations a solid base for these has already been laid and he plans to step up effort on the same base while exploring ways to further strengthen and broaden this cooperation.

As to the various developments taking place on the world stage, Ambassador Morel said the Department of Foreign Affairs is closely observing and following all that is happening more particularly the BREXIT situation whereby the United Kingdom has voted itself out of the European Union (EU), as well as the change of administration in the United States.

In its drive to keep Seychelles relevant on the Italian market, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) took part in the Magna Grecia Roadshow, held in southern Italy in the cities of Lecce, Matera, Cosenza and Salerno.

Seychelles was represented by regional manager Monette Rose. The Italian representative of the Seychelles European Reservations Eric Zanconato was also present. They shared their knowledge on the destination and updated the agents on the new products available in the Seychelles’ tourism industry.

The aim was to bring together offer and demand in the tourism field and the turn-out was very satisfying.  Among the partners of the event were Air Arabia, Allianz Global Assistance, American Express, Chinasia Tour Operator, Volonline, presenting also packages on Seychelles and many more.

Promotional material and manuals were distributed and presentations of the destination were delivered to the agents in small groups and a lot of interest was shown.

“This roadshow touched the Southern part of Italy whereby there is an interested clientele especially for honeymooners. Clients are very interested in the two-centre holidays such as Dubai/Seychelles or Abu Dhabi/Seychelles, Seychelles/South Africa  among others,” said Miss Rose.

“Now that in Seychelles we have more and more Italian-speaking staff and guides in the tourism sector this makes it easier for the non-speaking English visitors to visit our country,” she added.

Magna Grecia was the name given by the Romans to the coastal areas of Southern Italy in the present-day regions of Campania, Apulia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily that were extensively populated by the Greek settlers.

Today this part of the peninsula is very popular for summer holidays, beautiful countryside and ancient villages and it has a great potential also in the outbound tourism sector, especially for high spenders and honeymooners.

Source : Seychelles NATION

As promised by President Danny Faure in his State-of-the-Nation Address on February 14, the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne has revealed the list of projects not concerned by the moratorium imposed on the construction of large hotels.

The moratorium was announced by former president James Michel on June 29, 2015 for projects not yet approved as of this date. On February 14, President Faure extended the freeze up to 2020.

The list and location of projects previously approved and of which construction work may start are as follows: Anse Boudin Hotel (Anse Boudin, Praslin), Bayview Estate (Beau Vallon), KRG Resort and Spa (Anse Forbans), Police Bay Hotel (Police Bay), Epitome Family Resort (Anse Forbans), Beau Vallon Eco friendly Hotel (Beau Vallon), 5* Hotel Bel Ombre (Bel Ombre), Waterfront Development (Roche Caïman), Downtown Properties (Roche Caïman), Four Seasons (Platte Island), Sunset Beach Hotel (Glacis), Zilwa (Ste Anne Island), Grand Barbe (Grand Barbe, Silhouette), Sea View Resort and Spa (Sail Fish Estate, Baie Lazare), Anse à la Mouche (Anse à la Mouche, Anse Boileau/Baie Lazare), Takamaka Resort (Takamaka), le Privilége (Anse Lazio, Praslin).

Work on one other hotel, the Long Island Resort and SPA, is currently on hold due to a change of use which has to be approved by government.

If realised, the new projects will add nearly 2,500 rooms to Seychelles’ tourism capacity. Minister Loustau-Lalanne has commented that as tourism arrivals continually increase, “we have to be proactive, think now and plan for the future, as if we have more tourists than adequate infrastructure we will not be able to cater for them”. In this same vein, he has added that it is the duty of the tourism department to help the developers in the conception of their projects.

The Tourism Minister has said with Austrian Airlines coming in as from October and Air Seychelles introducing new flights to Dusseldorf and Durban, he feels that there is currently enough air connectivity in order to fly in the needed tourists.

He has however explained that as some of the hotel projects are still subject to environment assessment impact (EIA), it is not sure if they will follow their original plan as they can be reduced in character or in size, or even if they will be built at all.

“We want to make sure that we apply the regulations to the letter,” he said, adding that some projects, like the Police Bay Hotel, would not kick off before 2020.

Asked why this project could not be called off due to public outcry and the cultural value of the site as has been the case for Cap Ternay, the minister replied that it was too early to suggest what could happen. He however added that the plan has already been reduced in size and that negotiations with the owners are ongoing.

On the proposal made by the Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Pillay to build houses for Baie Lazare and Anse Boileau families on the plot bought by UAE Investment and destined for hotel building at Anse à La Mouche, Minister Loustau-Lalanne suggested that the two needs of hotel construction and housing can be combined.

“We must choose good areas for housing, where people will benefit, and not areas where construction costs will be higher. Maybe we can combine the two possibilities as people need housing too,” he proposed.

Called to explain why permission is granted to hotel projects before EIA is done, he replied that this is only a “permission in principle” before the assessment is done and planning permission is obtained with all the conditions that the government finds suitable to impose. From then, the projects must be completed within a three-year period, with the possibility of a further two-year extension.

The minister responsible for tourism has meanwhile confirmed that there is for the moment no new hotel project planned for the Beau Vallon water front. He has added that his ministry would rather like the ‘Bazar Labrin’ which is held every Wednesday in the area to continue, as he says activities have to be organised for tourists and Seychellois alike and many people earn their living from those activities. He has consequently stressed on the necessity to negotiate with the property owners.

For the same reasons, Mr Loustau-Lalanne has said the Anse Royale Beach Park must also be redeveloped.

Source : Seychelles NATION

Ambassador Vladimir Belous has said the passage of the Russian navy ship ‘Severomorsk’ is another proof of amicable relations between his country and Seychelles.

He has stressed that the friendship exists not only in the military sphere, but extends to every aspect of the two countries’ dialogue.

The anti-submarine destroyer spent five days in Port Victoria this week, as part of a fleet which included a rescue tugboat and a tanker. The Seychelles’ transit surely offered a good resting opportunity to the crew after they had taken part in the fight to retake the Syrian city of Aleppo from the Islamic State (Isis).

The ambassador of the Russian Federation was speaking during a reception on board the ship on Tuesday evening, where he toasted to the health of President Danny Faure and to the well-being and prosperity of the Seychellois people. The chief military advisor Colonel Clifford Roseline had the honour of returning the toast to President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people.

Dignitaries present included Vice-President Vincent Meriton, government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, other military officials and graduates from Russian universities among other guests.

Ambassador Belous remarked that Russia continues to play a key role in fostering the resolution of the Syrian conflict by sponsoring the talks between the government and opposition forces, while also contributing in humanitarian aid. He emphasised that in its approach in resolving the complex situation in Syria, Russia strictly adheres to the UN Charter and measures its every step on the global arena with the highest degree of responsibility and in perfect compliance with international law.

“We believe that only guided by these principles, as well as by mutual respect, joint assessment of global problems and collective decision-making can humanity pave the way from the failed unipolar global system towards a fairer and safer multipolar world. We strongly advocate for such truly democratic world,” he said.

Regarding the bilateral cooperation with Seychelles whose he said the contribution towards fighting maritime banditry can hardly be underestimated,  the ambassador added that Russian navy ships have been taking part in patrol missions in the Indian Ocean.  He also commended Seychelles for making every effort to create a peaceful and stable international environment conducive for sustainable social development. This shared approach, he concluded, provides solid reassurance that the relations between the two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength and to the benefit of our peoples.

On behalf of the Chief of the Seychelles People’s Defense Forces (SPDF) Brigadier Leopold Payet, Colonel Roseline remarked that it is always a pleasure to welcome “fellow comrades of the Russian Navy to our shores”.

He reminded that the relations between the two countries go a long way, permitting assistance, especially in training, for Seychellois who have now become senior officers and are contributing to the country’s development. The development he added is now helped by the presence of foreign navy ships, including Russian, which help in maintaining peace and security in the region.

He hoped that the Russian navy will maintain its presence so that the threat of piracy will not resurge. He also hoped that Seychelles and Russia will continue to maintain strong bonds, especially in the maritime sector.

Source : Seychelles NATION

President Danny Faure was received by his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, during his first working visit to Dubai.

Their discussions centered on trade and commerce between Dubai and Seychelles as well as the threat of piracy which resulted in the Indian Ocean becoming a high-risk zone.

Given that this illegal activity has been successfully reduced in the last three years, President Faure sought the support of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum in the facilitation of talks with the key operators of shipping lines serving the Indian Ocean.

The main objective would be to review high insurance premium charges which is a significant factor in the cost of sea freight. Any lowering of costs in sea freight would generate a reduction in the costs of imports, and consequently a lowering of the cost of living in Seychelles and in the region as well.

President Faure expressed gratitude for the formidable airline connectivity which has played an important role in the improved tourism arrival numbers and the consequential benefit for the economic and social development of the country.

 Source : Seychelles NATION

–Le Commission de la Jeuneese et de Sports de L’Ocean Indien (CJSOI) holds Ministerial Meeting.

On the 1^st of March 2017, the Indian Ocean Youth and Sports Commission held Ministerial meeting in Mauritius. The meeting was attended by the Seychelles Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Ms Idith Alexander, the newly appointed Minister for Youth and Sports in Mauritius Mr Jean Christophe Stephan, Minister for Youth and Sports Madagascar Mr Jean-Anicet Andramosarisoa who is also the Chairperson of the committee for ministers under the commission, , the Youth and Sports Minister for Comoros Mr Salim Mohamed Abderemani, Director for Sports in Mayotte who represented the Minister and the representatives from France (Director of Sports).

The main objective of the meeting was the revision of the CJSOI games charter. During the deliberations, several topics were raised for discussion such as the age limit for the games, the next hosts for the games, the frequency of the games; the CJSOI games are held every two years though during the ministerial meeting, they were also proposals that the games be held every four years but Seychelles minister for Youth, Sports and Culture stated that the four year period might be too lengthy in consideration with the youth whose talents have to be developed giving them the opportunity for international exposure. Finally the conclusion reached was that the games be held every three years.

There were heated debates about issues the Mayottes in Comoros need to sort out with the French authority.The decision will be taken during a later meeting after negotiation with French authority.

Also during the meeting was the discussion of Djibouti’s absence from several meetings. It was decided that if Djibouti is absent from the next ministerial meeting, Seychelles will most likely be hosting the next CJSOI games in 2018.

The next ministerial meet however will be held in Seychelles on the 26^th of September 2017 where the conversations will continue.

‘The successful UNMWTO secretary general will need to respect everyone and every country’

The following is an interview by the FIRST Magazine of the UK with Alain St Ange, the Seychelles candidate for Secretary General of the UNWTO.

Why did you decide to run to be the next WTO Secretary General? 

Tourism has been my life. It has been my only career since returning to Seychelles from my hotel and tourism studies. I have decided to run for the position of Secretary of the UNWTO because I believe the organisation needs the new SG to have qualities to continue in the footsteps of Mr Taleb Rifai. He will be remembered as having been the giant in his work that brought countries together and for being the catalyst for unity with other tourism and travel related organisations. I believe that I have the needed qualities to continue the work undertaken by Mr Taleb Rifai, and I am sure I could follow in the footsteps with success.

What makes you stand out from other candidates? 

I am from the Seychelles Islands of Africa and we have as my country’s official languages English and French apart from our Creole language. We have in Seychelles a culture referred to as the Melting Pot of Cultures that comes from a unique blend through generations as our ancestors came from France, the UK, the African Main Land, China and India.  Today the people of Seychelles stands with their head high as for us the colour of one’s skin, one’s religious beliefs, one’s political affiliation and one’s sexual preference plays no part in you being respected. The successful candidate for the position of Secretary General will need to respect everyone and every country over and above the understanding of tourism today and the challenges it is facing.

Why are you the right person to succeed Dr Taleb Rifai? 

Few can say they are the right person to replace Dr Taleb Rifai. His shoes will be big shoes to fill. But if I can say I am second-best after him I am doing so because I have worked closely with him in my capacity as the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture and finally as Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine. He was a good mentor who displayed the vision of tourism through all its facts. I learned from Dr Rifai because I believed in him. Following on his road spells out that the new Secretary General must be a friend to all and an enemy to no one, just like say say as our Seychelles tag line since our Independence from Great Britain. I am not complexed and remain myself in any circumstance and position. I am accessible at all times and understand the world of tourism. I am a Team Player and should be able to continue to lead the employees of Capable Personalities who make up the UNWTO Team.

What can other WTO member states, associate, affiliate members, and the UNWTO overall, expect from you as a leader? 

They can expect a friend who will be at their side. A friend who will work with the WTTC and PATA at the same time and with them by my side with ICAO and IMO. The work of Secretary General is not that of a solo trader but it is that of a leader who can surround himself with associates and affiliates.  The regions of the world of tourism can continue to benefit if I am successful in the May elections as I have worked always with the spirit of togetherness to create strength.

What will be the tenets of your administration? 

Alain St.Ange as Secretary General will see the continuation of the Taleb Rifai era. I would firstly like to try to invite him to have an Emeritus Status at the UNWTO and be the guiding councillor. This would ensure we have an eye from the past as we build the future. I will work with an open door policy for member States as I bring to each and every Member State the needed support to help them consolidate their tourism industry and to help them to grow it.

What plans and actions are you looking to implement once elected?

I will be presenting my Statement of Intent in Madrid. I owe to everyone to know what to expect under a St.Ange Secretary General in the one go. Briefly the plans are firstly to grow the Membership by inviting Countries who are not Members to join the tourism family. Secondly I will work with Governments to protect their safety label as this is today the most sought after Unique selling Point of any tourism destination. Thirdly I will work with the Press Bodies and Personalities to help defend tourism and its destinations and to work with Governments through other bodies like UNEP and UNESCO to protect what our world has been blessed with. Point four is to work with IATA and Member States to ensure that air travel does not become over cumbersome with over security. Point five to continue the work started on the question of Visas. Six to work with IMO, ICAO, Airline companies and Cruise Ship companies through WTTC and PATA to consolidate travel and holidays in all its aspects etc.

What changes would you propose from the current status of global tourism? 

What needs to be changed is the assault on the world’s security and its safety label as this impacts directly and indirectly on the economic survival of Member States. Global tourism is today severely impacted by the scare of insecurity. A forum needs to be called urgently on what was first tabled in Madrid a year ago. We also need as the UNWTO to follow up on the question of assisting Member States when they have been ‘Black Listed’ following a problem . The UNWTO must get the mandate to work with tourism source markets to clear a country and readmit them as a welcoming holiday destination when the problem they encountered has been satisfactorily dealt with. And thirdly to work with Tourism Trade Fair Organisations.

Source : Seychelles NATION

Two forensic experts from Cellmark Forensic Services in the United Kingdom are in the country to assist the Seychelles Police in setting up a state-of-the-art DNA forensic laboratory.

The two engineers – Christopher Ford, operations development manager and Darran Bowden, project engineer of Cellmarks Forensic Services – on Friday met the Minister for Home Affairs, Mitcy Larue; Commissioner of Police, Reginald Elizabeth and Superintendent Jemmy Bouzin of the forensic department of the Seychelles Police Force, to present to them what their company has to offer in terms of services and equipment.

The meeting with the minister at her Independence House office  in Victoria was to showcase the government’s total commitment to the project.

The experts’ work started back in June 2015 when they were sponsored by Interpol to come over and see how a DNA forensic lab could be set up in Seychelles. And during that period between then and now the Seychelles Police was trying to secure funding for the project. This has materialised through a grant from India.

The experts have been here on a nine-day visit and during that time they have been looking at the fine details of exactly how the laboratory needs to be like. They have also met contractors, sharing some knowledge with them on how to build it because there are certain standards that should be met with regard to DNA forensic laboratories.

“It is very important for the Seychelles Police to have a forensic DNA laboratory. Firstly our crime scene samples are being outsourced internationally and this creates a lot of difficulty and challenges to the force. And to have a full-fledged DNA forensic lab in Seychelles will bring great benefits for Seychelles such as getting a DNA result much quicker. And the difficulty in bringing in experts to check the evidence after the samples have been analysed outside the country will be solved,” said Commissioner Elizabeth.

He said firstly the police have determined the cost of the equipment and how and where they could secure funding. And this has come through from a grant accorded to the force by the government of India. As for the laboratory’s location,  Mr Elizabeth said a site with an existing building on it has already been identified. And together with local contractors and the two engineers from Cellmark Forensic Services, the site has been approved and the design of the lab has been proposed. The Seychelles Police now has to arrange for the building’s design to be drawn based on the engineers’ proposals.

The next step, Mr Elizabeth said, is to train personnel to work there and this will be done at Cellmark Forensic Services in the UK. When back in Seychelles they will be supervised and mentored by personnel from Cellmark Forensic Services so they can achieve the necessary standard and qualification.

“This is in line with our strategy to provide quality and timely analysis of evidence. We also want to provide a quality of service that is internationally-recognised and hence the issues of ISO standards,” said Mr Bouzin.

The experts said the two main accreditation Seychelles expects from heir company are ISO 17025 which is a forensic laboratory testing standard and the ISO 9001 which is a quality standard to show the necessary procedures are in place and everything needed is fitted.

Cellmark Forensic Services  employs about 550 people and has two main sites within the UK – one in Abingdon and one in Chorley. They have been operating for thirty years and been doing forensic laboratory service within the UK for not only the police but the military. They have also operated outside the UK in countries like Afghanistan, the United States, Myanmar and the United Arab Emirates.

Source : Seychelles NATION

Lazans Servis Tenny Dife ek Sovtaz (SFRSA) in lans son Plan Stratezik pour sa de prosen lannen.

Plan Stratezik SFRSA pour lannen 2017 a 2019 ti lanse dan en seremoni kot batiman Espace Vandredi apremidi.

Pandan seremoni, bann partner dan lalit kont dife ti resevwar en kopi sa plan. Bann ki ti prezan ti enkli reprezantan Minister Zafer Entern, Lapolis, Divizyon Risk ek Zestyon Dezas (DRDM), Sosyete Lakrwa Rouz Sesel, Ladministrasyon Sekirite Maritim (SMSA) ek Lotorite Por.

Komisyonner Lapolis Reginald Elizabeth ek son Konseye Spesyal Sheryl Vangadasamy ti osi prezan.

Nouvo Plan Stratezik SFRSA i kouver bann menm set gran lobzektif ki son predeseser. Sa i: Reaksyon ek lentervansyon; devlopman kapasite ek kalite resours imen; lasante ek sekirite bann zofisye; ledikasyon ek sansibilizasyon piblik; ranforsman kapasite sa lenstitisyon; lekipman ek teknolozi; e lenfrastriktir ek fasilite.

Sef Serfis Tenny Dife Andre Morel in dir ki zot in deza realiz bokou keksoz dans sa bann gran lobzektif pandan sa de dernyen lannen. Sa i par egzanp konstriksyon de nouvo stasyon – enn lo La Digue e lot lo Praslin – e lakizisyon kat nouvo masin, enkli en kanmiyon delo avek en kapasite 10 000 lit. Sa i permet annan ase delo ler pe tenny dife, san bezwen al rod delo pli lwen.

Pour sa de prosen lannen, i annan plan pour amelyor lenfrastriktir ek fasilite ki a osi permet anmenn servis plis ver lakominote.

Apard proze pour konstrir en sant lantrennman, sa pou osi atraver konstriksyon kat nouvo stasyon : Anse Royale, Anse Boileau, Persévérance ek Beau Vallon.

Parmi lezot proze, SFRSA i anvizaze osi kontinyen avek bann swivan: Anvoy son bann zofizye formen aletranze; anmenn nouvo masin; sansibiliz dimoun plis lo danze dife avek bann rankont dan lekol, kominote e atraver medya; rekrit kantite ek kalite staf ki bezwen; fer plis legzersis avek partisipasyon bann partner; devlop Teknolozi Lenformasyon (IT); e agrandi servis sirveyans lo lans oubyen ‘life guard’ e anmenn li lo Praslin, La Digue osi ki lezot lans lo Mahé.

Me Msye Morel in dir ki pour SFRSA realiz tou sa, i pou bezwen apir lo zepol son bann zofisye e osi gouvernman.

«Donk mon kont lo zot sipor. Nou’n deza akonpli bokou. Me i reste bokou pour fer. Sa nouvo plan stratezik a permet nou kontinyen kot nou’n kite e akonpli sa ki reste pour fer. Si nou kapab zwenn bann target ki dan sa plan, nou pou kapab annan en servis tenny dife pli efikas,» Sef Servis Tenny Dife in dir.

Source : Seychelles NATION

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has thanked the French press for their valued support given to the destination over the years, which has contributed towards the increase of arrival figures from this European market.

The director for Europe Bernadette Willemin echoed these words of thanks to representatives of the French press during a press conference held at the Hotel Hilton Opera in Paris on March 2.

Mrs Willemin said arrival figures from France virtually doubled over the last 10 years alone and reached a new record year in 2016 with 43,300 visitors, remaining the top producing market for the Seychelles.

She was joined at the press conference by STB’s marketing executive Valerie Payet, the general manager of Hilton Northolme and Double Tree Allamanda Resort & Spa, Gregory Thierion, Devi Pentamah the Paris-based cluster sales manager for Hilton Seychelles Hotels and Resort.

Mrs Willemin gave a presentation on Seychelles, giving an overview of the islands’ tourism products and emphasizing on the natural beauty of our country.

Seychelles was perfectly-described as the place where natural purity and authenticity is perfectly cocooned from the pernicious influences of commercialism. The place where tranquility and simplicity can be found and innocence rediscovered.

The opportunity was timely to bring the warmth of the islands to the audience contrasting the freezing cold weather outside.

Mrs Willemin spoke about the warmth which our visitors can expect to enjoy anytime in Seychelles, land of perpetual summer.

She also talked about the different activities inland and out at sea underlining also the Creole culture and Seychellois hospitality, a population who is great majority christians and blessed to be living in a place still considered to be one of the safest in the world.

Bernadette Willemin concluded by explaining the wide range of accommodation choices from the homely comforts of rustic beachside bungalows to the pampered privacy and luxury of five-star resorts, remote islands thus setting the scene for our Hilton partners to take the floor.

Devi Pentamah then took over and transported the journalists to the third biggest island of the archipelago, Silhouette, where Hilton has its biggest property. The exotic, forgotten world of Silhouette represents Seychelles at its pristine best.

The pure unspoiled nature of the island offers unfathomed beauty, representing the true essence of Seychelles.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort is located along a 2two kilometer stretch of powder-soft beach and combines the optimum in “fly & flop” relaxation including a first class spa, fine dining and beautiful beaches with exciting activities together with the usual water sports.

This unique holiday experience provides guests with the chance to be at one with nature and to enjoy the very best that Seychelles’ unique environment has to offer.

Mr Thierion proudly introduced the two smallest Hilton resorts in the world – Hilton Seychelles Northome Resort & Spa and the Double Tree Allamanda Resort & Spa, both found on the island of Mahé.

Located on the northern coast of Mahé, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is a secluded hideaway along Beau Vallon Bay, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by white-sandy beaches, tropical gardens and crystal waters and it is a true escape. It has 55 luxurious villas nestled along small beach coves and on the hillside, the Hilltop Restaurant with its panoramic view, Ocean View Bar, Les Cocotiers Restaurant for fine dining under the stars, the Eforea Spa for relaxing treatments, the infinity pool and much more.

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa retains its old world Seychellois friendliness and charm, enhanced by its excellent service and casual elegance. Your Creole getaway awaits at this hidden treasure – also an inspiration to James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

Mr Thierion then moved to the modern four-star DoubleTree Allamanda Resort & Spa by Hilton located in the South of Mahé, at Anse Forbans. The 30-room property boasts a romantic and superb private beach surrounded by untouched lush tropical foliage, all offering the guests panoramic view of the Ocean.

The members of the press left with “le soleil plein la tête” after one-to-one meetings and interviews with the hotelier and STB.

The Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) has donated a cheque for R50,000 to Anse Etoile primary school in support of the solar schools programme.

The donation will be used to provide the school with a 5KW solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, which will enable the school to produce electricity from solar energy and thus allowing it to save on its monthly utility bill.

The handover of the cheque took place yesterday afternoon at the MCB Seychelles head office at Caravelle House in the presence of the bank’s managing director (MD) Bernard Jackson, the chairperson of the school council Ian Charlette, energy consultant Elke Talma, representatives from MCB and from Anse Etoile primary school.

Handing over the cheque to Mr Charlette, the bank’s MD stated that MCB is gifting the cheque as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“MCB Seychelles has been actively active serving the community through generous donation, along with CSR projects.  The bank’s generous gesture will make the Anse Etoile school the first state school on Mahé Island to benefit from the solar schools programme. Helping the school will allow it to save energy and on utility bills,” he said.

Mr Charlette thanked MCB Seychelles for the wonderful donation, which will benefit the school.

“The Anse Etoile primary school has had a very successful academic year in 2016. We need to keep going strong and strive for success.  We thank MCB Seychelles for this generous donation, for making our dream come true,” he said.

The Seychelles Eco-Schools programme was established 20 years ago. All state schools in Seychelles are registered for the programme. The programme is coordinated by the Environmental Education Unit within the Ministry of Education.

The solar school programme supports the Seychelles Sustainable Development Strategy (SSDS) 2010-2020 in promoting energy efficiency across all sectors, including the use of alternative source of power and renewable energy. The objective is to help schools reduce their electricity bill, by promoting the use of renewable power together with energy efficient measures in all schools.

For such project to become a reality, the school still needs R100,000 to be able to start their solar PV project.  The initiative began with the La Digue school in 2015, and extended to the state schools of Praslin Island in 2016.

Source : Seychelles NATION

The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne visited another 10 tourism properties on Mahe last week.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne is conducting a series of door-to-door visits to tourism properties in the country, to meet the management teams and staff, and to get an idea of the various products that the Seychelles’ tourism industry has to offer to the world.

During his visits, Minister Loustau-Lalanne discusses the main challenges that these establishments face as well as their success stories.

Last Friday, he visited small and large hotels in the districts of St Louis, Bel Air and Port Glaud.

His first stop was at JAL self-catering, only a few minutes away from the capital of Victoria. This property is managed by Winsley Coopoosamy and Jacqueline Leon. It is made up of two apartments, each consisting of three bedrooms.

Located in a quiet area at St Louis, JAL self-catering has been in operation since October 2016.

Hilltop Boutique Hotel, up the Serret road at St Louis was the next property visited by Minister Loustau-Lalanne, who was being accompanied by the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune.

Located next to the famous Marie-Antoinette restaurant, Hilltop Boutique Hotel is made up of seven spacious apartments and four studio rooms.

The hotel runs on a bed and breakfast basis and came into operation in April 2015. Irine Fonseka, who runs the hotel, and her team, ensure that clients do get a taste of our local Creole cuisine while in Seychelles.

Fresh juices, home-made jams, fruit cocktails and barbeque are all prepared using local ingredients and touch.

The seven-bedroom Hotel Bel Air, run by Roland Rassool was also on the list of hotels visited.

Mr Rassool showed Minister Loustau-Lalanne and Mrs Lafortune one of the rooms before discussing several issues raised by guests at his hotel.

These include the issue of public toilets and signage on beaches or districts, indicating the name of the place, with the aim of making these places more welcoming and visitor-friendly.

The visit continued to the mountainous side in the western side of Mahe. Sans Souci is just the perfect spot on Mahe to indulge in an abundance of tranquility, with only the sound of the swaying leaves and the singing birds, with an ideal backdrop of the sky-touching Morne Seychellois mountain and the cool air.

Four tourism get-aways are nestled in this beautiful green mountainous setting –Mountain Hotel formerly known as Mountain Rise hotel, the Station Retreat Hotel, Le Sans Souci and Copolia Lodge.

Constance Ephelia Resort, Gigi’s self-catering apartments and Villa de Jardin were also among the tourism establishments visited.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne has commended the owners of the establishments for the impressive products in our tourism industry. He has reaffirmed the ministry’s support in helping to alleviate challenges affecting these businesses.

Source : SeychellesNewsAgency                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• 3 nouvo lorganizasyon zenn i resevwar sertifika konman manm afilye SNYC

Ti le 7 Mars 1998 ki Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes (SNYC) ti lanse ofisyelman par Minis responsab pour Zafer Lazenes sa letan Madanm Sylvette Pool e yer pour mark son 19enm lanniverser, en seremoni spesyal ti’n ganny organize dan Sant Konferans Enternasyonal.

Minis responsab pour lazenes Manmzel Idith Alexander, son sekreter prensipal Msye Fabien Palmyre, sef egzekitif sa konsey Msye Alvin Laurence, son depite Manmzel Ghislaine Belmont, manm son bord, bann travayer lazenes ti asiste sa seremoni.

Osi prezan konman envite pour temwanny sa moman ti ansyen sef egzekitif  konsey Madanm Vicky Van Der Westhuizen, parmi lezot envite.

Pandan sa seremoni 3 nouvo lorganizasyon lazenes – SYAH Seychelles reprezante par son vis-chairperson Lisa Bastienne, UN Youth Seychelles reprezante par son chairperson Annarose Clarrise e Stand Up Step Up Seychelles  reprezante par son chairperson Trevor Louise ti resevwar zot sertifika ki fer zot lorganizasyon en manm afilye Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes.

Sete Msye Alvin Laurence ki ti prezant reprezantan sa 3 lorganizasyon zenn zot sertifika.

Msye Laurence ti dir ki sa i en gran lakonplisman pour sa 3 lorganizasyon akoz i formaliz zot langazman avek Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes e konman bann manm afilye sa bann lorganizasyon zot kapab zouir plizyer benefis ki sa konsey i ofer bann zenn ek zot mouvman.

Msye Laurence in osi fer resorti ki i annan ankor 3 lezot lorganizasyon zenn ki ekspekte resevwar zot sertifika konman manm afilye pandan mwan Mars e sa i pou bon pour zot akoz i ava permet zot pran par e osi vote pandan prosen miting zeneral anyel konsey mwan prosen.

I ti osi fer remarke ki Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes i sel lorganizasyon dan pei ki son bord i ganny elekte par bann zenn zot menm.

Lo konmansman seremoni Manmzel Belmont ti retras enpe lakonplisman konsey depi son kreasyon ziska ozordi, 19-an plitar.

I ti fer resorti ki atraver bann lannen ki’n pase Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes in pas atraver bokou sanzman pour fer li pli efikas e osi i’n devlop e entrodwir plizyer nouvo progranm pour angaz bann zenn e devlop zot. I ti eksprim remersiman a tou bann dimoun e sirtou bann zenn zot menm ki’n travay e ki ankor pe travay pour lepanouisman bann zenn.

Bann ki ti prezan ti ganny sans vwar en video ki retras devlopman konsey, son bann diferan progranm, afilyasyon avek bann mouvman enternasyonal e osi  lakonplisman bann zenn.

Ler i ti pran laparol, tyermenn bord Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes Msye Ziggy Adam ti dir ki 19-an legzistans konsey pa vedir ki avan sa ti napa travay ki ti pe ganny fer pour lepanouisman zenn me okontrer  bann diferan lorganizasyon, bann zenn zot menm, sekter prive  osi byen ki gouvernman in travay san ses pour fer bann zenn avanse e epanouir e i ti lo lapar bann zenn eksprim gratitid pour tou sa bann travay ki’n ganny fer.

Msye Adam ti a son tour retras enpe travay konsey. I ti fer resorti ki ti an Me 2015, 17-an apre son legzistans, ki apre son eleksyon nouvo bord konsey ki li i pe dirize, ti konman enn son bann proze deside pour rearanz fason ki konsey i ganny bann manm afilye.

“Nou ti vwar li zis ki bann regroupman zenn ki ti la e bann ki ti pe devlope  zot vin bann manm afilye avek konsey pour zot zouir bann benefis ki konsey i ofer,” Msye Adam ti dir.

I ti eksplike ki sa ti vin posib apre ki tou bann prosedir ek guidelines ki diriz sa konsey ti’n byen defini e etabli dan en fason kler.

“Ozordi tou zenn ek mouvman lazenes ki anvi vin en manm afilye Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes zot kapab ganny akse avek sa dokiman ki eksplik fason pour zot fer sa,” Msye Adam ti dir.

I ti osi azoute ki demars pe fer pour pibliy sa dokiman e anmenn li alaporte plis zenn.

Msye Adam in fer rapel tou bann zenn ki sa konsey i la pour zot tou, ki swa zot dan en lorganizasyon zenn ou non me i’n ankouraz tou zenn pour zwenn en mouvman lazenes ki zot kontan.

“I enportan ki bann zenn i zwenn en lorganizasyon oubyen mouvman lazenes akoz sa i permet zot pli byen devlop zot talan ek abilite,” Msye Adam ti eksplike.

I ti dir ki lo son kote Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes li i ankouraz otan lorganizasyon zenn pour vin manm e ofer plizyer servis ek benefis pour ki zenn dan sa bann mouvman pa perdi bann bon keksoz, lankadreman ki zot in gannyen, zot talan e osi bann bon valer ki pou permet zot byen entegre dan sosyete.

Source : Seyxchelles NATION

On Thursday March 2, Vijay International School Praslin (VISP) celebrated World Book Day. Students came to school dressed as their favourite book character or word and took part in several activities designed to promote reading and literacy throughout the day. There were shared reads, a fancy dress parade, spelling bee competitions, speeches from local writers and other exciting challenges planned throughout the day.

The day was also celebrated with a special whole-school assembly where the staff team performed ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and various prizes and certificates were awarded to those who had demonstrated excellent reading throughout the school.

Celebrations for World Book day continued into the evening as VISP hosted a ‘Books and Blankets’ evening, open to the local community. Children who attended were invited to choose reading rooms to visit, where staff and parent volunteers were on hand to read their favourite short stories and book excerpts to the children. This was held in the cosy ambience of lamplight and students were invited to bring along their own cushions and blankets. Face-painting, a build-a-bookmark station and food stalls were also available.

The day was a huge success and Vijay International School welcomes families and children to come and help us celebrate next year.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the event.

Source : Seychelles NATION

« Nos relations ressemblent à nulle d’autre », affirme le ministre Adam

Le ministre de la Santé et des Services sociaux Jean-Paul Adam a déclaré que les relations fraternelles et amicales entre les Seychelles et la Réunion ne ressemblent à nulle d’autre, tout en insistant qu’elles nous obligent tous pour l’avenir.

Le ministre Adam parlait lors de la cérémonie de lancement des 3èmes rencontres Seychelles-Réunion, lundi matin à l’Hôtel Avani ; rencontres placées sous le signe du développement durable et de l’agroalimentaire. Il s’adressait ainsi aux invités parmi lesquels comptaient l’Ambassadeur de France Lionel Majesté-Larrouy, conseillère régionale de la Réunion Nathalie Noël et le vice-président du Club Export Réunion François Mandroux, dont l’organisation est à l’origine des rencontres Seychelles-Réunion.

« Tout ce qui touche au raffermissement des relations privilégiées et fraternelles que nous avons en partage avec La Réunion ne laisse aucun Seychellois indifférent », a-t-il dit avant de continuer que « nous pouvons faire beaucoup de choses ensemble dans l’intérêt de nos populations respectives ».

Le rendez-vous entre les Seychelles et la Réunion a-t-il poursuivi, s’est déjà établi comme un événement incontournable dans le contexte d’une coopération de plus en plus dense qui existe entre deux peuples, mais aussi dans le contexte des enjeux des objectifs du développement durable.

L’ancien ministre des Affaires étrangères a affirmé que quand les Seychelles et La France ont paraphé aux Nations Unies le texte établissant ces objectifs au nom de toute l’humanité, les deux pays ont aussi voulu assurer qu’ils peuvent agir ensemble afin de transformer les opportunités de croissances pour le bien de leurs populations et aussi pour la protection de la planète. Constatant qu’en quelques années les échanges ont été multipliés de façon significative, il a souligné que c’est à travers de tels événements qu’ils peuvent concrètement situer les objectifs du développement durable.

« Des entretiens comme ceux d’aujourd’hui permettent de fédérer les efforts de nos deux îles en quête de solutions saines et durables », a-t-il dit.

Il a en même temps constaté que si dans le cadre de l’économie bleue – qu’il dit est un passage obligé de toute réflexion sur le développement durable dans un espace insulaire –, les Seychelles exportent déjà certains produits de pêche vers la Réunion, il est important à cet égard de se focaliser sur des produits qui se situent dans le contexte d’une gestion de ressources durables. Face à ce qu’il a appelé « la valse du prix du pétrole qui déstabilise nos économies plus facilement que celles des grands pays », le ministre a souligné que la sécurité énergétique des insulaires est l’un des plus grands défis du développement durable. D’où la nécessité urgente rajoute-t-il, de mettre en place des politiques et des technologies appropriées afin d’accélérer la mise en œuvre d’une stratégie ambitieuse sur les énergies renouvelables.

« Nous voulons par exemple nous assurer que tous les édifices publics puissent générer, en partie, leur énergie par des moyens renouvelables. Nous devons aussi penser à utiliser ce moment pour échanger sur les éléments d’une économie circulaire. Nous pouvons faire beaucoup plus en matière de recyclage, et associer ces activités à des opportunités économiques », a élaboré M. Adam.

Il a terminé en rappelant que les Seychelles et la Réunion ont une coopération étroite en matière de santé. Il a cependant conclu qu’il existe encore de multiples avenues de coopération à explorer.

Le président de la Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie des Seychelles Wilson Nancy a de son côté commenté que les atouts différents des deux îles peuvent justement être exploités par les relations établies entre son organisation et le Club Export Réunion.

Dans son flair d’homme d’affaire réussi, il a même prédit qu’une coopération comme telle peut aboutir à l’accès « aux gros marchés ».

Source : Seychelles NATION

Woman’s Day 2017 at ITB in Berlin was the occasion for the IIPT India to hold the 2nd Edition of the successful “Celebrating Her” Conference in the Palais Am Funkturm.

Following that conference many gathered on the Seychelles Stand at ITB to see Lela Krstevska formally present Alain St.Ange, the former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of the Seychelles with a letter of endorsement.

Lela Krstevska said in the presence on a group of women who had attended the “Celebrating Her” conference that one of the main reasons for her endorsement of Alain St.Ange is his immense experience and positive attitude, which she believes is really important in maintaining the high profile and respect that UNWTO has achieved in recent years, not only in the tourism industry but across a broader spectrum. Guided by his extraordinary dedication, enthusiasm and his vision, he will pitch UNWTO to a new position that will help to unify the industry.

“The tourism industry provides rewarding and important employment opportunities for women in developed and developing countries. This helps to provide women with economic independence and empowerment and strengths their position in society. As a woman myself I am convinced that Mr St.Ange will help the gentler sex and will drive initiatives that improve the position of women even further. I would be more than happy to assist him with this” said Lela Krstevska of Macedonia.

On her letter of endorsement Lela Krstevska of Macedonia writes:- Alain St.Ange has a rich portfolio in business that provides him with the utmost credibility for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

One of the main reasons for my endorsement of his Candidature is his immense experience and positive attitude, which I believe is really important in maintaining the high profile and respect that UNWTO has achieved in recent years, not only in the tourism industry but across a broader spectrum. Guided by his extraordinary dedication, enthusiasm and his vision, he will pitch UNWTO to a new position that will help to unify the industry.

The tourism industry provides rewarding and important employment opportunities for women in developed and developing countries. This helps to provide women with economic independence and empowerment and strengths their position in society. As a woman myself I am convinced that Mr St.Ange will help the gentler sex and will drive initiatives that improve the position of women even further. I would be more than happy to assist him with this.

Mr St.Ange’s extensive experience in tourism and hospitality and in the private sector are a  great foundation for building a successful plan that identifies tourism development issues and opportunities, whilst at the same time forming long-term sustainable strategies

His political career in Seychelles have provided him with the knowledge and understanding that is crucial for the position and his passion for the industry and for people have earned him the trust of  value of the tourism industry.

Mr St.Ange achieved outstanding results for the tourism sector in the Seychelles in spite of the general downturn in the global economy. Thanks to his hard work and open-mindednes he already demonstrated the capability and capacity of establishing cooperation in Seychelles between local stakeholders and representatives of tourism associations. This is one aspect that I believe is absolutely essential, since he stands for the idea of giving a chance to the member states to establish close collaboration with UNWTO through opening representative offices of UNWTO in their regions.

Mr St.Ange’s policies and commitment make him the ideal candidate that will provide a really meaningful contribution for substantial growth and development of the industry and will help to prioritize the implementation of important issues in the sector. He is also fearless about facing the challenges and constraints of the current political situations. He understands the real important of some of the most important issues such as safety and security, climate change, sustainable development and respects the rights of everybody being able to travel – that are important for us, are also in accordance with his convictions.

On a personal note I wish Alain all the very best and the support of my country and my region. He is a very special man and it is a pleasure to know him”.

Alain St.Ange who was at ITB in Berlin to push the Seychelles Candidacy for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations world Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) thanked the Government of the Republic of Macedonia for the letter of endorsement.  “Macedonia is part of the Balkan States which are recognised as an important tourism region. This endorsement from that part of the world means a lot as we see support coming in from tourism regions from far and wide. The coming elections of the UNWTO is one where the Community of Nations from the four corners of the World will sit together to choose their new Secretary General and Seychelles is one of the six candidates vying for the position alongside Brazil, Columbia, Georgia, Korea and Zimbabwe” said St.Ange