MINISTER ST. ANGE CONTINUES HIS ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR
(Posted 24th August 2016)
The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange said earlier this week that domestic tourism is on the rise across the country and there is a need to encourage more tourism establishments to promote it.
Minister St.Ange said this after visiting tourism establishments in the eastern and southern parts of the main island Mahe last weekend and a property at on the north side of Mahe at Glacis a few days earlier.
The Minister was accompanied on his visits by the Principal secretary for Tourism Ms. Anne Lafortune and together they visited two well established self-catering establishments ? Green Palm self-catering apartments and Julie Villa, as well as the private residences of Julienne Madeleine at Pointe Larue, Nella Suzanne of Baie Lazare and the property of Maxime and Sandra Thomas of Glacis. The owners of two of these private residences are seeking to rent rooms on their properties to local residents, hence moving into domestic tourism segment.
Minister St.Ange said he was impressed with the two tourism establishments he visited, adding that they are assets to the Seychelles tourism industry. He also said the two establishments are properly maintained and are of high standards.
Green Palm self-catering apartments located at Green Estate is owned and managed by Theresa Vandagne.The establishment consists of six chalets of one bedroom each, ideal for couples and two apartments of two bedrooms. The green walls of the establishment adjust themselves well in the beautiful garden filled with green palms and other neatly-cut trees.
Julie Villa at Pointe Au Sel was the next stop on the Minister’s tour. The newly-opened purpose-built holiday home of four bedrooms, belongs to Barry Laporte and his wife Julie and is located only a few minutes away from the main road and not far from the beach.
Minister St.Ange and Mrs Lafortune commended Mrs. Vandagne and the Laporte family for having good products for our tourism industry. ‘Both these home grown tourism establishments are well managed and are offering a distinct Creole touch and welcome. Their positive outlook and with the sincerity with which they entered the tourism industry of Seychelles makes them ideal partners of the Tourism Board‘ said Minister St.Ange before adding that these door-to-door visits in the tourism industry help him and his team to remain connected with those working in the front line of this sector, known to be the pillar of the island’s economy.
Minister St.Ange then added that it is important to meet those working in the industry and to know of their successes, challenges and to also learn more on the products that we are offering in our tourism sector. On the question of Domestic Tourism the Minister said that this is a point that needs encouraging. ‘Seychellois and residents of Mahe should be encouraged to spend breaks on Praslin and La Digue as well as the other islands and the same with those from the islands to also enjoy the facility and diversity of Mahe. We do not need to wait for national events to enjoy our country but can spend time appreciating our country, visit family and friends right through the year. This is Domestic Tourism and a niche market we need to embrace‘ said Minister St.Ange as he visited two property owners who have expressed the wish to open their homes to Seychellois wanting a holiday break in their own country.
Added details on Destination Seychelles are available via www.seychelles.travel where links to budget accommodation are easily accessed.
