(Posted 05th August 2024)
Alain St.Ange, the globally renowned tourism consultant and former Miniser of Tourism Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine coming from the Seychelles was invited to London to address a group of tourism professionals and a number of politicians on the subject of ‘sustainable tourism & on the importance of tourism as an industry for economic sector for the population at tourism destinations”.
Last Friday as he took to the stage after a number of interventions by the meeting
organisers for their regional offices and agents in the presence of a number of UK
politicians, Alain St.Ange spoke about sustainable tourism as the needed way
forward. He re-echoed a line he uses often “we have a duty to leave the world better than what it was when we embarked on economic development for our own benefit” he said as he was repeatedly asked to answer the points from the floor about the ‘tents popping up for the homeless in Hyde Park”.
Not wanting to be drawn into local UK politics, he said: – “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 UK cannot be displaying or encouraging sprawling tent cities over and above the numerous individuals camping by the roadside in between the shops in the city itself” he said.
Alain St,Ange navigated back to his ‘off the cuff’ address, his known style that
continues to get him speaking engagements at tourism and aviation events. He
moved to say that tourism as an industry must be geared to benefit the people as
investors and entrepreneurs consolidated their investments. He said that the UK has
navigated well but as was the case for the whole world, the time to revisit operating
strategies was now. “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 added.
St.Ange touched on two tourism groupings from two worlds apart who have stepped
forward to work to benefit their respective population and businesses, as he said that
he had been appointed ‘Lead Patron’ of the Jamaica based Countrystyle Community
Tourism Network (CCTN) Villages as Businesses and IIPT Caribbean, an organisation set to push small businesses forward in what he said was the base for sustainable development. He also addressed his home country Seychelles where the islands private sector trade, the Small Hotels & Establishments Association (SSHEA) recently designated him as the ‘Ambassador at Large’.
In Seychelles tourism accommodation establishments of under 25 keys as reserved for the Seychellois and this ensures that the islanders can play a part in their island’s
tourism industry.
“In both areas I am affiliated with I see sustainable development virtues where Small Establishments and businesses are run by locals. It must be remembered that at the very core of the Sustainability principle is the need for everyone in the community to be able to sustain themselves and their dependencies. Small hospitality entities owned and managed by residents offer numerous positive elements, including:
1.
Authentic Cultural Experience where guests receive a genuine experience of the local culture, traditions, and lifestyle, which is often more enriching than what larger, more commercial establishments can offer.
2.
Economic Benefits for Locals and these businesses will keep profits within the community, supporting local economies and providing jobs for residents.
3.
Personalized Service and it is widely accepted that smaller entities can offer more personalized and attentive service, tailoring experiences to individual guest needs and preferences etc” he continued.
Alain St.Ange, who is a tourism consultant with his ‘Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy’
went on to address that tourism remained the industry that can put money directly in
the pockets of its population. “Large or small businesses can work and must be
encouraged to work, but they would often need the State to guide through legislation for fair play and for removing operating obstacles” he went on to say.
A long question and answer session followed.
Alain St.Ange ended by saying that he was delighted to have just now secured
another invitation to address another event in Oxford in the UK 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, Alain St.Ange was hosted for a working dinned by Fred Finn, ‘The
World’s Most Travelled Man’ as recognised by the Guiness Book of World Records
who had just launched his ‘SONIC BOOM’ book.
This was also the opportunity for St.Ange to offer Fred Finn a Biography on his life in Tourism, as Finn offered Alain St.Ange a copy of his book. Fred Finn knows the Seychelles well and the two have in the past worked together.
