(Posted 17th October 2026)
Raymond Michael De Speville Mason (20th May 1944 – 16 th
October 2026)
Seychelles is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures in tourism and
conservation, Raymond Michael De Speville Mason, fondly known as Mickey Mason,
who passed away at the age of 81. A proud Seychellois from Plaisance, Mickey was
a visionary entrepreneur whose contributions to the nation’s tourism industry and
environmental conservation have left an enduring legacy.
Together with his wife, Kathy Mason (née Michel) of Les Mamelles, he co-founded
Mason’s Travel and its associated group of companies, leaving an indelible mark on
the nation’s tourism landscape.
After completing his education at Seychelles College, Mickey pursued studies in
forestry in the UK. Upon returning to Seychelles, he served with dedication in the
Forestry Department of the Ministry of Agriculture. However, his entrepreneurial spirit
soon led him to join forces with Kathy to establish Mason’s Travel during the early
days of Seychelles’ burgeoning tourism industry.
What began as day trips to Cerf Island quickly evolved into a thriving destination
management company (DMC), initially named TFC Tours and later rebranded as
Mason’s Travel. The company expanded its services to include airport meet-and-
greet operations, bus excursions around Mahé, and marine excursions. Mickey’s
passion for innovation saw the introduction of the iconic excursion boat, Le Cerf,
which offered unforgettable day trips to Praslin and La Digue.
Under Mickey and Kathy’s leadership, Mason’s Travel grew to encompass not only
tour and travel services but also a portfolio of hospitality ventures, including Indian
Ocean Lodge on Praslin, Auberge Club at Bel Ombre, Carana Beach, and Denis
Island. The company further diversified with the establishment of Mason’s Air Travel,
offering airline GSA services and ticketing.
In later years, Mickey and Kathy made Denis Island their home, transforming it into a
model of sustainability and conservation. They cultivated a self-sufficient ecosystem,
producing fresh vegetables, fruits, and livestock, while overseeing the island’s resort
operations. The island is now 100% solar-powered for its electricity consumption,
with standby generators used only in emergencies. This shift has significantly
reduced the need for fossil fuel transportation to the island, aligning with Mickey’s
commitment to environmental stewardship.
In line with his passion for conservation, Denis Island became a sanctuary for some
of Seychelles’ rarest endemic birds under Mickey’s guardianship. Translocation
efforts helped species like the Seychelles fody, magpie robin, paradise flycatcher,
and Seychelles warbler improve their standings on the IUCN Globally Threatened
Birds list. Denis Island remains the only place in the world where a morning walk can
bring you across all four of these remarkable species.
The entire ATCNews team also extends sincere condolences to the late Mickey’s family and friends.
