MINISTER ALAIN ST. ANGE RESIGNS
(Posted 28th December 2016)
The Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alain St. Ange, earlier in the week indicated to this correspondent that after long and careful consideration he was going to throw his hat in the ring for the 2017 elections for the post of Secretary General of the UNWTO.
Back in April, during the opening press conference for the Carnival International de Victoria, did Alain St. Ange answer with due caution, that his services were pledged to then President James Alix Michel and the country at large, to help propel tourism to the next level.
With 300.000 tourist arrivals now becoming a reality for 2016, has the tourism industry never looked better, since he first joined the Seychelles Tourism Board in various capacities in 2008 before being appointed Minister for Tourism and Culture in March 2012.
Alain St. Ange’s resignation has rocked the tourism industry not just in the Seychelles to the core but has also caused ripples across the world, where he was one of the most respected and articulate Tourism Ministers seen in recent years.
In his letter of resignation Minister Alain St.Ange wrote earlier today: ‘As part of the Government I have been able to serve my Country and the People of Seychelles in a way that made a positive difference to the lives of so many as I also did my part for the economy of our Country. During the time when I was part of the Government, I know that I worked tirelessly for our country’s tourism industry and the results today speak for themselves. The Ministry initiated a lot and, with the support of the private sector, we delivered for Seychelles. I take this opportunity to thank the Government and People of Seychelles for my time as Minister and I wish Seychelles continued success‘.
President Danny Rollen Faure has reportedly accepted the resignation, given the circumstances and Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne appears to be in line as Alain St. Ange’s replacement. Ambassador Loustau-Lalanne had previously served as Chairman of the Seychelles Tourism Board and also served on the Board of Air Seychelles.
Alain St. Ange will according to information received use his presence at FITUR in Madrid in January to launch his formal bid for election as Secretary General of UNWTO, an organization he has been supporting and making an impact for some years now.
Immediate feedback from top tourism officials including three Tourism Ministers from various countries around the world spoke immediately of Mr. Alain St. Ange as a dream candidate, whose vision for tourism and his articulate and concise presentation of facts in global fora has gained him many admirers and likely voters, come the UNWTO General Assembly in June next year.
St. Ange’s candidature was subsequently described by one Minister, choosing at this time to remain anonymous given existing African Union support for another candidate from Africa, as a much needed reshuffling of the cards between those running for world tourism’s top office.
What the departure of Alain St. Ange will mean for tourism in the Seychelles remains to be seen but recent parliamentary exchanges over the continuation of the Carnival International de Victoria have already raised the possibility of political gamesmanship which may well impact on an industry which under Alain St. Ange’s guidance became a proverbial marketing juggernaut around the world.
This correspondent wishes to express his thanks and appreciation to Alain St. Ange for his open door policy towards the media and never dodging a question even if at times speaking in parables.
Thank You, Asante Sana und Danke Schoen for the past eight years of close collaboration and the friendship which evolved of it.
Best of luck for the upcoming campaign for the UNWTO top job.
