'Seychelles is a philosophy as well as a destination' - Minister Radegonde

• Minister Radegonde

In a speech that was masterful for its brevity and rich content, Tourism Minister Sylvestre Radegonde created an impactful presence for Seychelles at the recent Pacific Area Travel Writers Association Travel Awards at ITB Berlin, by calling Seychelles a philosophy as well as a destination.

He extolled: “Let me seize this moment to not only showcase Seychelles as a destination but also as a philosophy - a philosophy grounded in environmental stewardship, cultural reverence, and conscientious travel”.

He added: “Our odyssey toward excellence knows no bounds. As we celebrate our achievements, as one of the avant-garde of sustainability in our region, we are duty-bound to redouble our efforts, ensuring that Seychelles remains a paragon of sustainability, inclusivity, and hospitality.

“Through continued investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and community empowerment, we endeavour to enrich the visitor experience while simultaneously fostering opportunities for our people”.

The Minister, who was named ‘Tourism Minister for the Indian Ocean Region’, went on: “To speak of Seychelles is not merely to recount its breathtaking landscapes but also to affirm our steadfast dedication to sustainable tourism.

“In Seychelles, we recognise the intrinsic value of our environment and have proactively undertaken measures to safeguard it for generations to come.

“Whether through pioneering marine conservation endeavours or the promotion of eco-conscious practices within our hospitality sector, Seychelles stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism”.

• Anse Lazio beach, Praslin Island

In a nod to the Indian Ocean collective, he wrapped up: “By sharing our triumphs and insights with our fellow nations in the Indian Ocean region, we aspire to catalyse positive change and foster a collective commitment to nurturing our shared tourism ecosystem”.