(Posted 11th December 2025)
Courtesy of Outtatownadventures / Bea Broda
Dr. Alain St. Ange is the Former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine – Republic of Seychelles, as well as:
• International Tourism Icon
• Global Award-Winning Leader
• Advocate of Sustainable Development
Early Career & Leadership Beginnings
Alain’s formative years were rooted deeply in hospitality. Having studied Hotel Management in Germany and Tourism Management in France, he worked in hotels across Seychelles, the Channel Islands, and Australia — experiences that sharpened his understanding of people, culture, and service. This foundation later became the heartbeat of his leadership philosophy:
“Tourism succeeds only when people matter first.”
Transforming Seychelles Tourism
In 2009, Alain was appointed Director of Tourism Marketing for Seychelles — a turning point that launched the islands into a new era of global visibility. Within a year, he rose to become CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board (2010), where he introduced dynamic branding campaigns, strengthened airline partnerships, and championed sustainability-driven tourism. His efforts positioned Seychelles as a dream destination characterized by:
• Pristine nature
• High-value, low-impact tourism
• Strong community integration
• Warm Creole hospitality
LEADERSHIP & INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE
Ministerial Legacy
Alain’s exemplary leadership saw him appointed by President James Michel as:
• Minister of Tourism & Culture (2012)
Later re-appointed by President Danny Faure as:
• Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine (2016)
As Minister, he steered the country through unprecedented tourism growth, strengthened
Seychelles’ diplomatic presence, and reinforced the country’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
Under his leadership:
• Tourist arrivals increased significantly
• Global investments in hotels and resorts rose sharply
• Seychelles became a celebrated model for
sustainable island tourism
• Culture, aviation, ports, and marine sectors became harmonised for economic growth
Alain worked relentlessly — a champion for national pride and a beacon for tourism-driven prosperity.
GLOBAL ROLES, REGIONAL UNITY & MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Uniting the Indian Ocean: Vanilla Islands Organisation
In 2012, Alain was elected the first President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Organisation, representing: Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion,
Madagascar, Comoros & Mayotte
His leadership helped unify the region under a shared
tourism identity — a historic achievement that
strengthened island cooperation, marketing synergy, and air connectivity.
Founding President – African Tourism Board (2018)
He continued shaping the African tourism landscape as the Founding President of ATB, promoting:
• Tourism-driven economic revival
• Regional integration
• Investment mobility
• Pan-African branding
He also co-chaired Project Hope, a major African initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic.
International Appointments
Alain holds several influential global positions:
• Deputy Secretary-General – FORSEAA (Africa–ASEAN Economic Forum), Jakarta
• Vice President, International Relations – TMN (Travel Marketing Network), New York
• Co-Chair – SUNx Organisation, London
• Founding Vice President – ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners)
• Former consultant to PMAESA and CIOA for port and cruise development
His influence extends across continents, connecting Africa, Asia, Indian Ocean territories, and global tourism bodies.
HONOURS, AWARDS & GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Awards & Honours — A Legacy of Excellence
Alain St.Ange has received dozens of prestigious international awards. Most notably:
Distinguished Honours
• Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker — International Book of Achievers Award (TISA), Msg Advert Ltd at the British Parliament, House of Lords, London, UK
• Commandeur de l’Ordre National — Madagascar (Highest National Honour)
• Commandeur de l’Ordre de Moheli — Comoros
• Conseil Régional Medal & Ambassadeur Ile de la Réunion Certificate
• Key to the City — Detroit
• Honorary Citizen — Sioux City, Iowa
• Key to the City — Tuskegee, Alabama
• Mahatma Gandhi Honour Award (2014) — Indo–Seychelles Relations
• Global Achievers Award — NRI Welfare Society (2015)
• Plaque of Honour — House of Lords, UK (2015)
• African Diaspora Tourism Hall of Fame (2016)
• African Travel 100 Global Tourism Personalities (2019)
• Change Maker in Tourism Award — IIPT
• Tourism Heroes Award (2020)
• Lifetime Achievement Award — ITB Berlin (2023)
• PATWA Gold Award (2024)
• Doctorate Fellow Degree — CIHTMA, USA (2024)
• International Mind Health Ambassador — Oxford Union (2024)
These honours reflect not just achievement — but a
life of dedication to uplifting destinations, cultures, and people.
AUTHOR, THINKER & GLOBAL SPEAKER
Alain has authored and co-authored multiple books on Seychelles and continues to be a sought-after keynote speaker at world tourism forums. He is admired for his ability to speak “from the heart,” inspiring destinations and leaders to pursue sustainability, unity, and people-centred tourism.
CHARACTER & PHILOSOPHY
At the core of his leadership is a simple yet profound philosophy:
“Friends with all, enemies with none.”
This belief has shaped his diplomatic style, strengthened cross-border cooperation, and earned him respect across continents.
POLITICAL SERVICE
A committed public servant, Alain was:
• A directly elected Member of the Seychelles Legislature in 1979 and 2002
• A Presidential Candidate in the Seychelles 2020 and 2025 elections
His leadership continues to influence the nation and the wider global tourism community.
THE ENDURING LEGACY OF A TOURISM ICON
Alain St.Ange stands today as one of the most influential voices in global tourism — a man who not only transformed his nation’s visibility but also elevated the spirit of cooperation across island nations and continents.
A visionary, diplomat, mentor, author, and ambassador of sustainable tourism — his legacy continues to inspire generations.
