Seychelles’ Ambassador-at-Large Alain St. Ange Honoured as Guest of Honour at Two Major International Events

Alain St. Ange, Seychelles’ Ambassador-at-Large and former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, to Represent Seychelles in Cairo on 13–14 June 2026

Alain St. Ange, Seychelles’ Ambassador-at-Large and former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, will represent Seychelles in Cairo on 13 and 14 June 2026 during two major international events organized by the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU).

Invited as a Guest of Honour, Mr. St. Ange will participate in the AFASU Hospitality Awards as well as the ceremony recognizing influential Arab media personalities working in the tourism sector. Both events will take place in the Egyptian capital and will bring together leading figures from tourism, hospitality, media, and development sectors.

In its official invitation, the Cairo-based Afro-Asian Union (AFASU) highlighted the former Seychellois minister’s exceptional leadership and international reputation in tourism and hospitality. The organization believes that his presence will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase Seychelles’ success in tourism development before an audience of policymakers, industry professionals, and Egyptian and Middle Eastern media representatives.

Ambassador St. Ange will depart Seychelles on 12 June to attend these events, which aim to strengthen ties between African and Asian countries through tourism, cultural, and economic cooperation.

On 14 June, he will also participate in the presentation of awards to several prominent Arab media figures specializing in tourism. On this occasion, he will be joined by Major General Dr. Khaled Fouda, Advisor to the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt for Development and Heritage and former Governor of South Sinai, as well as Dr. Hossam Darwish, President of the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU).

Major General Dr. Khaled Fouda also serves as the Honorary President of AFASU, an organization dedicated to strengthening relations between African and Asian nations through various cooperation and development initiatives.

This invitation once again reflects the international recognition enjoyed by Alain St. Ange, a prominent figure in global tourism and a long-standing ambassador for the Seychelles destination on the international stage.

Following His Recent Appointment as Seychelles’ Ambassador-at-Large, Alain St. Ange Speaks with Les Îles de l’Océan Indien Smartrezo

Following his recent appointment as Seychelles’ Ambassador-at-Large, Alain St. Ange granted an interview to Les Îles de l’Océan Indien Smartrezo. In this interview, he discusses the challenges of his new mission, his vision for sustainable tourism development, the preservation of Seychelles’ heritage, and his commitment to national unity and mentoring future generations. Discover his responses and the ambitions he holds for the future of Seychelles on the international stage.

1. What was your first reaction when you learned of your appointment as Seychelles’ Ambassador-at-Large?

Alain St. Ange:

I was deeply honored when the news was announced. I felt humbly recognized by the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, who believed that my work and experience could continue to serve the country through this important role. This appointment also reflects a positive evolution in Seychelles: the country is gradually moving away from purely political appointments and placing greater emphasis on competence and experience. It is about putting the right people in the right positions.

2. What will be your first actions to promote the archipelago internationally in this new role?

Alain St. Ange:

As Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of Seychelles, I will be attached to the government for specific missions according to the country’s needs. This may include accreditation in countries where Seychelles does not yet have official representation. I will also work alongside ministers who believe my experience can contribute to the objectives of their respective ministries.

3. How do you intend to strengthen sustainable tourism while maintaining Seychelles’ attractiveness to international travelers?

Alain St. Ange:

Tourism is the economic pillar of Seychelles. Every Seychellois understands this and contributes in their own way to protecting and strengthening this essential industry. Long before sustainable tourism became a global trend, Seychelles was already applying this philosophy through a policy we simply called “conservation.” We believe it is our duty to preserve the treasures we inherited and pass on an even better country to future generations. That is the true definition of sustainable tourism: developing our industry while preserving the authenticity and natural beauty that make Seychelles a unique paradise.

4. What concrete initiatives do you envision to protect the archipelago’s cultural heritage and natural environment?

Alain St. Ange:

Our culture and natural environment are central to our national identity. Our culture reflects the diversity that has characterized Seychelles since the earliest days of settlement. The different communities that settled on our islands brought their traditions, creating together the rich and unique culture we enjoy today.

As for the environment, we have always understood the exceptional value of our natural heritage. Our turquoise waters, pristine beaches, lush mountains, and impressive granite formations continue to attract visitors from around the world. We are proud of this heritage and determined to preserve it responsibly.

5. You have emphasized the importance of mentorship. What programs or structures will you establish to support the next generation of Seychellois leaders?

Alain St. Ange:

The decades I have devoted to tourism development have given me experience that is recognized internationally. Today, this experience places me in a privileged position to guide young Seychellois and encourage them to invest in an industry that remains the main driver of our economy. The President believes I can pass on the knowledge and lessons accumulated over more than fifty years in tourism to future generations.

6. You speak of unity and mobilizing local talent. How do you intend to overcome political divisions and bring people together around common projects?

Alain St. Ange:

It is an ideal that every patriotic Seychellois should share. Our country needs unity, and I hope the example set by President Patrick Herminie in appointing a political opponent as Ambassador-at-Large will help open a new path forward.

Although Seychelles remains politically divided, the time has come to demonstrate political maturity so the country can move ahead. Those who suffer most when the economy slows are often ordinary citizens. Today more than ever, Seychelles needs all available skills and experience to face global geopolitical uncertainties. A strong tourism industry never depends on one individual but on the collective commitment of an entire people. That is why we must come together and work collectively to ensure the success of our tourism sector.

7. What new strategic partnerships or media collaborations do you envision to increase Seychelles’ influence worldwide?

Alain St. Ange:

Like all tourism destinations, Seychelles must continuously work on its international visibility. Visibility does not come automatically. It requires a sustained effort from dedicated teams capable of identifying and promoting the news, initiatives, and strengths that distinguish our archipelago in a highly competitive global market and among increasingly demanding travelers.

8. For you, success is not limited to visitor numbers. What indicators do you use to measure tourism’s real impact on the lives of Seychellois people?

Alain St. Ange:

Seychelles has never adopted an approach based solely on visitor volume. We seek a balance among different types of travelers, whether they fly first class, business class, or economy class. This diversity helps generate the economic benefits we seek.

Tourism becomes truly attractive for investment when systems are predictable and stable. We need a balanced mix of visitors as well as airlines capable of supporting this strategy. Predictability creates confidence, and confidence attracts the capital necessary for sustainable tourism growth.

9. You have always relied on tourism storytelling to promote Seychelles. What new creative or digital approaches do you intend to explore?

Alain St. Ange:

Seychelles has prospered thanks to a dynamic tourism industry. When tourism performs well, the economy strengthens, jobs increase, local investors are encouraged, and the country enjoys greater stability.

Today, the real question is: “What comes next?” We cannot rely on past successes. Competition is stronger than ever and will continue to intensify in the years ahead. A hotel room left vacant can never be sold after the month has ended. We therefore need to examine how global commerce is evolving and how the tourism sector can adapt more quickly. Tourism should not be viewed as merely a government department but as a strategic economic infrastructure.

10. How would you like your work as Ambassador-at-Large to have a lasting influence on Seychelles’ image and development in the years ahead?

Alain St. Ange:

This responsibility is greater than myself. It is a call from the country for the country. Seychelles’ image on the international stage must remain a priority for every Seychellois. No one has the right to jeopardize the livelihoods of our people.

My message to all patriotic Seychellois is simple: believe in our country, love our people, and work together to ensure our collective success.

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Geschrieben von:

Joey Nicles