(Posted 14th October 2026)
The Seychellois Society of Hoteliers & Tourism Professionals (SSHTP) is a new non-
profit, non-political home for everyone who makes Seychelles tourism work. On the
8th of October 2026 Mike Valentin, Roland Georges, Alain St.Ange, John Stravens,
Peter Moncherry, Melton Ernesta, Michel Marie, Derek Barbe, Herdson Philo,
Christian Albest and Walter Confait met at the Seychelles Tourism Academy to
finalise details and targets of the working group.
Missing at this last meeting was Paul Derjacques who was not in the country but
remains a founding member of the Society working for the pillar of the economy
of the Seychelles.
The Seychellois Society of Hoteliers & Tourism Professionals (SSHTP) include
hoteliers, hospitality and tourism professionals, educators, tour operators,
entrepreneurs, and both rising and retired talent who are determined to work to
connect people, share experience, grow local talent and raise the bar for Seychelles
hospitality.
It was confirmed at the Society’s last meeting that the guiding goals of the Society is
to build on five pillars – Connect, Develop, Mentor, Advise and Promote – working
alongside, not in place of, existing tourism bodies. The Society is now moving to
work on a Tourism Mentorship Program for young Seychellois, a Leadership
Program, an annual Tourism Professionals Forum, a Knowledge &
Heritage Project and Excellence Awards – plus masterclasses, career talks and
plenty of networking.
The Society founding members are moving to rally hoteliers, hospitality and tourism
professionals, educators, tour operators, entrepreneurs, and both rising and retired
talent as either a member, mentor, sponsor or collaborator believing that when
joining together Seychelles tourism can shape a stronger, proudly Seychellois future
for the island’s tourism industry.
Mike Valentin who returned from years of working in the USA has assumed the
Chairmanship of the Society.
