SEYCHELLOIS SOCIETY OF HOTELIERS & TOURISM PROFESSIONALS IS FINALLY A REALITY

Rooted in Seychelles – Rising Together: Where Seychellois Talent Elevates Hospitality

14 October 2026

The Seychellois Society of Hoteliers & Tourism Professionals (SSHTP) has officially become a reality, marking an important step towards strengthening local talent, professional collaboration, leadership development and excellence across Seychelles’ tourism and hospitality industry.

Established as a nonprofit, non-political professional society, SSHTP aims to provide a common platform for the people whose knowledge, skills, experience and dedication sustain one of the most important pillars of the Seychellois economy. From hotel owners and hospitality managers to tourism educators, tour operators, entrepreneurs, emerging professionals and retired industry leaders, the Society seeks to bring together the full spectrum of talent that contributes to the success and international reputation of Seychelles as a tourism destination.

Under the guiding theme “Rooted in Seychelles – Rising Together: Where Seychellois Talent Elevates Hospitality,” the Society places Seychellois people at the heart of its vision for the future. Its ambition is to create stronger professional connections, encourage the sharing of knowledge, develop future leaders and ensure that local experience and expertise continue to play a central role in shaping the country's tourism industry.

Founding Members Unite Around a Shared Vision

On 8 October 2026, members of the SSHTP working group met at the Seychelles Tourism Academy to finalise key details, priorities and targets for the Society's development. The meeting brought together Mike Valentin, Roland Georges, Alain St.Ange, John Stravens, Peter Moncherry, Melton Ernesta, Michel Marie, Derek Barbe, Herdson Philo, Christian Albest and Walter Confait.

Paul Derjacques was unable to attend because he was outside the country. However, he remains a founding member of the Society and shares the commitment to supporting the continued development of Seychelles' tourism sector.

The meeting represented an important milestone in translating the founders' shared vision into a practical framework for action. The discussions focused on establishing a professional community that can bring together people from different generations and areas of expertise, enabling them to exchange ideas, identify common challenges and work collectively towards sustainable progress.

The founding members recognise that the strength of Seychelles tourism depends not only on its natural beauty, outstanding hotels and internationally recognised hospitality, but also on the quality, commitment and professionalism of the people who welcome visitors, manage businesses, train future employees and preserve the country's distinctive cultural identity.

Mike Valentin Assumes the Chairmanship

Mike Valentin, who returned from several years of working in the United States of America, has assumed the Chairmanship of the Seychellois Society of Hoteliers & Tourism Professionals.

His return brings international professional experience to a Society that seeks to strengthen collaboration within Seychelles while encouraging its members to learn from developments and best practices across the global hospitality and tourism landscape.

The Chairmanship comes at a significant time for the industry, as tourism destinations worldwide continue to focus on service excellence, workforce development, leadership, innovation and the need to create meaningful career opportunities for local people.

Through its activities, SSHTP intends to encourage professionals to contribute their experience, support younger colleagues and help build an industry in which Seychellois talent is recognised, developed and given opportunities to advance into leadership and decision-making positions.

The Society's approach is based on the belief that professional experience should be shared, opportunities should be created collaboratively, and the next generation should benefit from the knowledge of those who have already built successful careers in hospitality and tourism.

Five Pillars to Guide the Society's Work

During the latest working group meeting, the founders confirmed five guiding pillars that will shape the Society's programmes, partnerships and professional activities.

1. CONNECT

SSHTP will create opportunities for hoteliers, tourism professionals, educators, entrepreneurs and other industry stakeholders to build meaningful professional relationships. By encouraging dialogue across different sectors and generations, the Society aims to strengthen cooperation, promote the exchange of ideas and develop a more connected tourism community.

2. DEVELOP

The Society intends to support continuous professional development by creating opportunities for learning, skills enhancement and career advancement. Through training initiatives, masterclasses, career talks and leadership activities, SSHTP will encourage members to adapt to changing industry needs and pursue higher standards of professional performance.

3. MENTOR

Mentorship will be a central part of the Society's mission. Experienced professionals will be encouraged to guide young Seychellois entering hospitality and tourism, helping them understand career pathways, develop confidence, build professional networks and prepare for future responsibilities. The Society seeks to strengthen the connection between established industry leaders and emerging talent.

4. ADVISE

SSHTP will provide a platform through which experienced professionals can share practical knowledge, offer guidance and contribute informed perspectives on issues affecting hospitality and tourism. By drawing on the experience of its members, the Society hopes to support constructive discussions and provide professional insight that can contribute to the continued improvement of the industry.

5. PROMOTE

The Society will work to promote Seychellois talent, professional achievements, cultural heritage and the distinctive qualities that make the country's hospitality industry special. It will encourage recognition of local expertise and support initiatives that showcase the contribution of Seychellois professionals to the country's tourism success.

These five pillars reflect the Society's commitment to practical action, professional solidarity and the development of a tourism industry in which local people can thrive.

A Programme Designed to Invest in People

With its guiding principles established, SSHTP is now moving towards the development of programmes intended to deliver lasting value to its members and the wider tourism community.

Among the initiatives being developed are:

Tourism Mentorship Programme for Young Seychellois: A structured initiative designed to connect young and emerging professionals with experienced industry practitioners who can provide guidance, share knowledge and help them navigate career opportunities in hospitality and tourism.

Leadership Development Programme: An initiative intended to strengthen management capabilities, professional confidence, strategic thinking and leadership skills among current and aspiring tourism leaders.

Annual Tourism Professionals Forum: A proposed gathering that will bring together industry professionals, educators, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, share experiences and explore opportunities for the future of Seychelles tourism.

Knowledge and Heritage Project: An initiative aimed at capturing and sharing professional experiences, industry knowledge, local traditions and the heritage that contributes to the identity of Seychellois hospitality. By preserving knowledge and making it accessible to future generations, the Society hopes to strengthen the connection between the industry's past, present and future.

Excellence Awards: A proposed recognition initiative intended to celebrate outstanding contributions, professional achievements, mentorship, leadership and service excellence across the hospitality and tourism sector.

In addition to these programmes, the Society plans to explore masterclasses, career talks, professional networking activities and opportunities for experienced practitioners to share their knowledge with students, young professionals and established industry colleagues.

These initiatives are being developed with a long-term perspective. The objective is not simply to organise activities, but to create opportunities that strengthen professional standards, encourage collaboration and support the sustainable development of Seychellois talent.

Working Alongside Existing Tourism Organisations

The founding members have emphasised that SSHTP will operate alongside, rather than in place of, existing tourism bodies and organisations.

The Society is intended to complement the work already being undertaken across Seychelles' tourism ecosystem by providing an additional professional space dedicated to connecting people, sharing experience, supporting mentorship and promoting excellence.

Its role is to encourage constructive cooperation and strengthen the human and professional networks that underpin the industry. Through collaboration with relevant organisations, educational institutions, businesses and individual professionals, SSHTP hopes to help create an environment in which knowledge is shared and common goals can be pursued more effectively.

The Society recognises that the continued success of Seychelles tourism requires cooperation among different stakeholders, including the private sector, educational institutions, tourism professionals and other organisations working towards the country's development.

By concentrating on its five pillars, SSHTP aims to make a distinctive contribution while respecting the responsibilities and existing roles of other tourism institutions.

Bringing Together Every Generation of Tourism Talent

A defining feature of SSHTP is its intention to welcome professionals at different stages of their careers.

The Society recognises the value of retired professionals and industry veterans whose experience represents an important source of institutional memory and practical knowledge. It also recognises the ambition, creativity and fresh perspectives of younger generations who will shape the future of the industry.

By bringing these groups together, SSHTP seeks to encourage a culture in which experience is valued, new ideas are welcomed and professional development becomes a shared responsibility.

The Society also intends to create opportunities for educators, tour operators, entrepreneurs and other tourism professionals to participate in conversations that extend beyond individual businesses or areas of specialisation.

This inclusive approach reflects a simple principle: Seychelles tourism becomes stronger when the people who make it work have opportunities to learn from one another, contribute their expertise and develop a shared sense of purpose.

Strengthening the Seychellois Identity in Global Hospitality

Seychelles enjoys international recognition as a distinctive tourism destination, known for its natural environment, island culture and hospitality. Maintaining and strengthening that reputation requires continued investment in people, professional standards and the quality of the visitor experience.

SSHTP believes that Seychellois professionals have a vital role to play in this process. Their local knowledge, cultural understanding, personal experiences and professional skills are essential assets that can help distinguish Seychelles hospitality in an increasingly competitive international market.

The Society's vision is therefore not limited to professional networking. It is also about encouraging greater recognition of local expertise, supporting the development of future decision-makers and ensuring that Seychellois talent remains central to the country's tourism story.

By creating a platform for mentorship, leadership development, knowledge exchange and professional recognition, SSHTP aims to contribute to a future in which local professionals are better connected, better supported and better positioned to pursue opportunities across the industry.

The Society's work will also seek to reinforce the relationship between professional excellence and cultural identity, recognising that the character of Seychellois hospitality is shaped by the people, traditions and values that make the islands unique.

An Invitation to Join the Movement

With the Society now established, the founding members are preparing to engage hoteliers, hospitality and tourism professionals, educators, tour operators, entrepreneurs, emerging talent and retired practitioners who share the ambition of building a stronger professional community.

Interested individuals and organisations are being encouraged to consider how they can contribute as members, mentors, sponsors or collaborators.

Membership and participation are intended to create opportunities for people to share knowledge, establish professional connections, support emerging talent and contribute to initiatives that benefit the wider industry.

Mentors will have the opportunity to share their experience and guide the next generation. Sponsors and collaborators will be able to explore ways of supporting programmes that invest in professional development and local talent. Industry practitioners will have a platform through which they can contribute ideas, participate in discussions and help shape the Society's priorities.

The founding members believe that the success of SSHTP will depend on the willingness of the wider tourism community to participate, share responsibility and work towards common objectives.

The Society's establishment marks the beginning of this collective effort, with its future impact expected to grow through the commitment of the people who support its mission.

Rooted in Seychelles. Rising Together.

The creation of the Seychellois Society of Hoteliers & Tourism Professionals represents an opportunity to strengthen the human connections behind Seychelles tourism and to place professional development, mentorship and local talent at the centre of the industry's future.

Its five pillars—Connect, Develop, Mentor, Advise and Promote—provide a foundation for bringing people together, sharing experience, encouraging leadership and celebrating the contribution of Seychellois professionals.

As SSHTP moves from its founding discussions towards the development of its programmes, its message is clear: a stronger tourism industry begins with people who are connected, supported, recognised and equipped to succeed.

Rooted in Seychelles – Rising Together: Where Seychellois Talent Elevates Hospitality.

The Seychellois Society of Hoteliers & Tourism Professionals is ready to begin its work towards a more connected, knowledgeable and professionally empowered tourism community—one that honours the achievements of those who came before, creates opportunities for those working today and invests in the generations who will shape Seychelles hospitality tomorrow.

Category:

Press release 

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34 631 279 811 | +34 672 93 12 16