Seychelles and South Africa have signed an accord which will serve to benefit the tourism industry of the two countries.

The memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday at La Plaine St André by Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange and South African Tourism Minister Marthinus Van Schalkwyk.

 

There to witness the signing were principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune and that for culture Benjamine Rose, chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Sherin Naiken and representatives from tourism South Africa.

 

Mr St Ange said Seychelles has for some time been seeking such a partnership with South Africa.

He said through this accord, new opportunities will be created whereby tourists can go to South Africa then come down to Seychelles.

 

Mr St Ange added that the partnership between Air Seychelles and South African Airways has also helped bring about new opportunities to market Seychelles in South Africa.

 

The second part of this accord will focus on training and exchanges between the tourism academies of the two countries.

“We will be able to use our unique selling points and together with that of South Africa we will promote Africa,” he said.Mr St Ange added that the two parties have agreed to work together internationally especially in trade fairs.

 

“We need to change our mindset regarding people coming to Seychelles from other parts of the world other than our main European tourism markets,” he said.

 

“We not only need to attract tourists coming from the region or the African continent, but we also need to welcome them in our country.

“People need to bear in mind that tourists are all those who make reservations to come to our shores and can spend their money in our country,” added Minister St Ange.

 

Minister Van Schalkwyk arrived here on Sunday night on a working visit aimed at strengthening the working relationship between South Africa and Seychelles in the field of tourism.

 

Minister Van Schalkwyk and his delegation which includes high officials from his ministry and South African tour operators were welcomed on arrival by Minister St Ange, CEO Naiken and her predecessor Elsia Grandcourt, who is moving to Europe shortly to take up a new position in the world of tourism.

 

While in Seychelles Minister Van Schalkwyk will meet Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam.

Together with his delegation, Minister Van Schalkwyk will today take part in a trade workshop organised for the South African tour operators to meet representatives of the Seychelles private sector trade alongside officials of the STB.

 

Forrás: www.nation.sc