He said the government-private sector partnership has created the synergy necessary for tourism growth, adding that the time has now come for Seychellois to take ownership of tourism development.

Mr St Ange noted that while visitor arrivals is set to continue growing, there is a need for visitors to spend more. 
To achieve this, an array of facilities has to be  set up.

He said Seychellois have to take advantage of government’s decision to allocate most of the reclaimed islands and the Victoria waterfront to local entrepreneurs for tourism and other developments.

Mr St Ange had several proposals which he said deserve consideration. One is to build a tropical aquarium, preferably on the Victoria waterfront. 

He noted that this would allow the many tourists who are not divers and do not snorkel to admire our marine life. 
“On a cloudy or rainy day, such an attraction will be particularly welcome,” Mr St Ange said.

He said that in Seychelles, known for many unique birds, there is also a need for an aviary.

He noted that often the only place where our Black Parrot can be photographed at close quarters is at the Casela Bird Park in Mauritius. 

An aviary in Victoria could have a section for our many unique or endemic birds, while other colourful ones from worldwide can also be admired nearby.

Mr St Ange also stressed that we can benefit more from a World Heritage site, such as Aldabra and its unique ecosystem.

He noted that presently it costs thousands of dollars to get to Aldabra. One has to fly to Assumption, three hours away, and then take a boat ride to the atoll.

Even that is now hazardous, given the pirate activity.

“But if we cannot get to Aldabra, why not bring Aldabra to us?” he asked.

“On one of the reclaimed islands, such as Romainville, we can have the tortoises ambling around, with the flamingoes, flightless rail and land crabs.”

Mr St Ange also said there is a need for transit hotels for visitors wishing to holiday on such islands as North, Fregate, Denis and Bird.

Such projects could be undertaken by Seychellois or could be carried out by Seychellois in partnership with a foreign partner.