PRESIDENT MICHEL’S STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS HIGHLIGHTS TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL ECONOMY
(Posted 27th February 2014)
When President James Alix Michel delivered his 10th State of the Nation address yesterday, the Seychellois’ eyes and ears were tuned to TV screens and radios to hear what the balance sheet for 2013 would look like and what outlook for 2014 there was for the nation.
Tourism’s contributions to the national economy was a key topic for the president and the country’s highest foreign exchange reserves ever, some 425 million US Dollars, was largely accomplished by the revenues and earnings of the tourism industry, which again proved to be the back bone of the economy.
The President highlighted that the Seychelles welcomed more than 230,000 visitors in 2013, an increase of 11% over 2012 and that at the same time, the country continued to attract investment, both local and foreign, in the tourism sector.
The number of guesthouses and hotels, according to President Michel, increased from 417 to 438, and room capacity increased from 4,200 to 4,500. Over 60% of these establishments are now owned or managed entirely by Seychellois, a significant turnaround from the time President Michel first took office. Two large hotels are currently under construction at Beau Vallon and Bel Ombre and when open they will increase the archipelago’s room capacity by 300 rooms, and create in the region of 600 new jobs. The number of restaurants has also grown with 80% owned and managed entirely by Seychellois. The numbers of car hires, boat charters and diving centres have also increased.
The national airline, Air Seychelles, not only made a profit last year, but it also overtook many airlines to become the first 4-star airline in the region, and was counted amongst the best airlines in the word.
President Michel also created a stir when he announced the launch of a new national symbol by June this year which he described as ‘A powerful symbol with the aim of removing certain rancour, which may still linger in our nation, and of consolidating national unity. You all know the importance that I attach to national unity and to harmony within our people’.
It is clear that the launch of ‘Brand Seychelles’ a few years ago had a major impact on the way how the country is now marketed abroad and how successful the changes brought about by President Michel’s administration have been, empowering Seychellois to claim their rightful places without impeding or making more difficult foreign investments into resorts and hotels. The full text of the State of the Nation Address can be accessed via www.statehouse.gov.sc/news.php?news_id=2402 or www.statehouse.gov.sc/speeches/php
