(Posted 04th November 2026)
Amb. Dr. Alain St. Ange is inviting families and collectors to share photographs that can help bring the early years of Seychelles tourism back into view.
During a recent working visit to London, Ambassador Dr. Alain St.Ange announced that he is preparing a history of Seychelles tourism. Titled “Seychelles Tourism History through the Eyes of Alain St.Ange”, the book will trace the industry from the era of the Messageries Maritime and B.I. ships through the people and places that shaped its growth across the islands.
Its scope will range from the first hotels and guesthouses to the young Seychellois sent to Turin for training as the International Airport opened, and the artists, craftspeople and Interflora florists whose work became part of the islands early visitor experience.
A British gallery in London has offered to host the book’s launch. St.Ange welcomed the proposal, noting London’s longstanding importance to Seychelles tourism.
To help document this history, St.Ange is asking collectors and the families of tourism pioneers to share archival photographs. Images of hotels and other properties, their owners and logos, and the people who worked in or helped shape the early industry are all welcome.
He is particularly hoping to find photographs of the Grand Anse Hotel on Praslin, owned by Mr and Mrs Paul Lanier; the Merry Crab Dance Hall and Hotel; and La Digue’s Odeon Dance Hall & Choppy Bungalows and Gregoire Dance Hall.
Other sought-after images include the Urban Geisel and his La Digue Lodge, the original Village du Pecheur of Louis D’Offay and Cecile Hodoul, and the Northolme Hotel at Glacis. St.Ange is also looking for photographs of British Heads of Tourism in Seychelles, including Eric Passmore and Paul Vine.
A name, date or short note about a photograph can help preserve the story behind it. Families and collectors with images to contribute are invited to come forward and help ensure that the people, places and memories behind Seychelles tourism are part of its recorded history.
