Seychelles, the tourism case study that is still refered to everywhere

Anita Mendiratta of the CNN Task Group published an article on April 11, 2014, in CNN TASK: Travel & Tourism Leaders Close-Up, featuring a Minister of Tourism from Seychelles. At the ITB Tourism Trade Fair 2025 in Berlin, this case study resurfaced and was revisited, particularly as 'AI and sustainable tourism development' is now under close analysis.

In this CNN case study, Anita Mendiratta writes:

"The global tourism community takes great pride in the sector's ability to enhance the economic, social, environmental, and ideological well-being of nations, enriching the lives of both travelers and hosts. It unites people, policies, and practices, unlocking minds, ideas, and resources. It also provides countries with a competitive edge, often best realized through cooperation.

Travel and tourism drive trade, investment, understanding, and opportunity forward.

With nearly 266 million people directly employed in the travel and tourism sector worldwide—over 9% of all jobs globally—the responsibility to ensure that tourism 'works' is widely shared. Business leaders closely monitor key metrics to maintain profitability, while government officials navigate tourism development to ensure that growth is inclusive, sustainable, well-planned, and beneficial for all citizens, whether directly involved in tourism or not.

With so much at stake, where does oversight and optimization ultimately lie?

Through CNN TASK’s monthly ‘Compass’ articles, a deeper examination of tourism growth drivers takes place, highlighting leaders from both the public and private sectors across the travel experience chain. By showcasing examples from the global travel and tourism industry, new ways of thinking and working are explored.

The goal: to determine where the compass of tourism growth is pointing for destinations seeking meaningful and equitable economic advancement through tourism."

A Closer Look at the Invisible

In the tourism industry, the private sector—hotels, infrastructure, attractions, and services—often receives the most visibility and recognition for sector growth. However, the critical role of government in guiding and developing sustainable tourism is often overlooked. At the forefront of government-led tourism development is the Minister of Tourism (or Secretary of Tourism), who plays a pivotal role in shaping national tourism policies and strategies.

As economic, social, and environmental challenges continue to impact nations worldwide, the tourism economy has gained increasing recognition as a catalyst for recovery. Over the past decade, the significance of tourism has grown, leading to an elevated role and profile for Ministers of Tourism.

But what exactly is their mandate? How do they transform the promise of tourism into a long-term, sustainable reality?

While mandates may vary slightly by country, the Minister of Tourism's core responsibilities revolve around fostering responsible, sustainable, inclusive, and cooperative growth. Their role is crucial not only in benefiting local communities but also in enhancing national competitiveness to attract visitors, investment, and economic returns.

Destination in Focus: Seychelles

Punching Above Its Weight

A small island nation in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has gained a reputation for "punching above its weight" in the tourism sector. Its economy heavily relies on tourism, making its success essential for national prosperity.

At the helm of Seychelles’ tourism industry is Alain St. Ange, the Honourable Minister of Tourism. Defining his role, he states:

"Tourism remains the pillar of the Seychelles economy. As Minister responsible for Tourism, my mandate is to implement government policy while staying in close contact with industry players and our people. Our priority is to protect and consolidate the tourism sector for the long term.

To achieve this, we must integrate our people into the industry. The Seychelles government has encouraged national unity in reclaiming our tourism sector, resulting in more Seychellois benefiting from tourism than ever before.

Today, travelers seek deeper, culturally enriching experiences rather than just leisure. This shift requires us to present our unique cultural attributes to visitors, ensuring they leave with a fresh perspective on Seychelles. In turn, this approach necessitates greater engagement with our population, whose support is vital for tourism’s continued success.

Our industry must evolve to meet the expectations of a more discerning, informed generation of travelers. We are all being transformed by this shift, which will shape our interconnected future."

Community Engagement: The Key to Sustainable Tourism

For a destination to thrive, its entire population must support tourism, whether or not they work in the sector. Building awareness about the value of the tourism economy ensures holistic support from all segments of society.

Hon. Minister St. Ange elaborates:

"To build awareness in Seychelles, I must make tourism relevant to every citizen. Tourism is the backbone of our economy, and everyone must understand its significance.

The role of the Minister of Tourism is not confined to an office. When visitor numbers decline, when the length of stay shortens, or when tourism revenue drops, the responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders.

A Tourism Minister must actively engage with local businesses, guide development, and participate in international conferences to maintain Seychelles’ global visibility. Passion is a fundamental requirement for this role—it is not just a title."

Regional Cooperation: A Strategy for Growth

For many destinations, regional cooperation is essential for tourism growth and even survival. Strategic partnerships, cross-border initiatives, and collaborative marketing efforts help stimulate year-round visitor activity.

Reflecting on Seychelles’ commitment to regional collaboration, Hon. Minister St. Ange emphasizes:

"Unity is strength. Regional partnerships expand tourism opportunities for all. No island can thrive in isolation—such policies are outdated and unsustainable.

A transformative example is the Carnaval International de Victoria, co-hosted by Seychelles, La Réunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal. Instead of competing, we are collaboratively marketing our region to the world.

Additionally, initiatives like the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands partnership and the East3Route cross-border tourism project—spanning Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa, and now Seychelles—demonstrate the power of cooperation. These collaborations send a strong message about the benefits of working together in the global marketplace."

The Future of Tourism in a Changing World

The rapid evolution of technology, social media, and global connectivity has reshaped the tourism industry. Destinations must continually adapt to new consumer demands and market dynamics.

Hon. Minister St. Ange reflects on Seychelles' transformation:

"In the past, Seychelles relied solely on its sun, sea, and sand appeal. While we continue to offer the best in tropical paradise experiences, we have become a stronger destination by thinking and working smarter.

One nation, one destination, one leader, one vision."

Alain St. Ange: A Leader in Tourism

Today, Alain St. Ange is a sought-after tourism consultant and heads Saint Ange Tourism Consultancy, working across Africa and the ASEAN region. After years of successfully leading Seychelles' tourism sector, he is a recognized speaker on tourism, sustainable development, and air connectivity.

As a presidential candidate for the Seychelles 2025 elections, scheduled for September 27, he is advocating for a reset of the nation’s economy by revitalizing the tourism industry.

Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811

Location:

Spain