Seychelles wants closer regional collaboration on tourism

By Philip Mwakio in Victoria, Seychelles

African governments have been urged to forge closer working relations on tourism in bid to proactively market the region as a popular tourist destination.

Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange said Africa’s tourism attractions are unrivalled the world over, adding that closer collaboration will transform economies of the region. St Ange was speaking during the official opening of this year’s fourth edition of the Carnaval International De Victoria at the City Stade Popiller on Friday evening.

Seychelles President James Michel graced the event attended by his cabinet, foreign diplomats and international cultural troupes graced the event. “What a better gathering here for this Carnival with participants whose firm belief is the consolidation of world of tourism,’’ St Ange said.

“We are cognisant of the fact that all our respective tourism offices spend a fortune annually attending tourism trade fairs across the globe searching for visibility that ensures our relevance as tourist destination.”

Yesterday, carnival enthusiasts thronged to the tiny Indian Ocean island nation of Seychelles streets to catch a glimpse of the various international cultural troupes parading.

Kenya’s Maasai dancers are in attendance for the second year running after having featured in the third edition, which was held last year. Ms Lydia Dentewo, a Kenyan hotelier visiting Seychelles said players in the Kenyan hospitality industry can learn much from Seychellois tourism.

Managing Director of Nakuru based Pega Tours who specialise in local and regional tour operations and Peter Gatere challenged Kenyan authorities to come up with a similar venture. “I’m sure our diversity coupled with unique rare and abundant attractions if well packaged, could restore the dwindling fortunes that have bedeviled the industry for a while,” he said.