MISSION LODGE GETS BOOST FROM 7 DEGREES SOUTH
(Posted 25th March 2014)
70 South, one of the Seychelles’ leading DMC’s over the weekend handed over benches from which visitors can enjoy the magnificent views over the valleys and the Indian Ocean as seen from one of Mahe’s most popular view points, Mission Lodge, aka Venn’s Town.
It is here that the well preserved ruins can be seen where the first school for children of slaves was established on the island in 1876, a site of significant historical and cultural importance for the Seychelles, a reason why the government has made an application to UNESCO to recognized Mission Lodge / Venn’s Town as the archipelago’s third World Heritage Site.
During last year’s celebration of the annual Festival Kreol did a special function take place at Mission Lodge where the regional government of Reunion launched a project to support the Seychelles in further preservation of the site and the introduction and launch of additional signage for visitors, to explain the history of the site and recognize the efforts of the powers that be in those days to integrate freed slaves and give their children an education.
Lindy Cadeau, the 7Degrees South Operation Manager said the donation is a golden opportunity for the Destination Management Company to play an active role in the redevelopment of Mission Lodge.
‘7Degrees South found it appropriate to use its Corporate Social Responsibility tax to fund such a cultural site because it is also a tourism historical site dear to every Seychellois. We believe the donation of weather proof benches will go a long way in providing comfort for visitors who stop over at Mission Lodge’ Lindy Cadeau said.
Alain St. Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture congratulated 7Degrees South Company for this donation, which he said is an important asset for Mission Lodge.
‘These benches will further enhance this historical site. The gesture by 7Degrees South is remarkable, and it highlights the enhancement of understanding in what we call public-private partnership’ Minister St. Ange said.
The 7Degrees South is the first Destination Management Company to contribute towards the Venn’s Town Slave Ruins of Mission Lodge redevelopment project.
Mr. Patrick Nanty, the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation announced that other companies have already pledged to develop the parking space at the Venn’s Town Slave Ruins of Mission Lodge Historical Project. Minister St. Ange said as he discussed with those present at the Venn’s Town Slave Ruins of Mission Lodge that private sector stakeholders needed to understand the need to work with the Ministry responsible for Tourism and Culture to help protect sites dear to the Seychellois as a People and to Seychelles as a country.
