STB produces first Seychelles eco-tourism review
The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has prepared a comprehensive review of Seychelles’ eco-tourism sites for use by visitors and residents alike.
Entitled A Review of the Eco-Tourism Sites, Activities and Attractions in Seychelles, it forms part of the country’s eco-tourism strategy for the 21st century, which was launched in 2003.
Prepared by the STB’s Policy and Research Unit, the guide aims to give baseline information and an inventory of the country’s nature-based products, sites and activities, as well as a brief analysis of their environmental, social and economic impact.
Talking about the review, the STB’s environmental coordinator Betty Seraphine said eco-tourism is becoming increasingly important, not only to Seychelles but worldwide.
“It was necessary for the STB to create this review as eco-tourism is at the heart of its tourism policy, with the focus on the country’s environment, flora and fauna as well as cultural heritage,” she said.
The review mirrors the STB’s role of marketing Seychelles as the best small island eco-tourism destination in the world. It gives information on 20 eco-tourism attractions and sites of interest on Mahe, eight on Praslin, seven on La Digue and nine on other islands. All of them have ongoing conservation activities or are of biodiversity importance.
The document also lists 11 designated sites and special reserves, as well as nine nature-based events and activities held by various organisations. And it includes 31 national monuments on Mahe, two on Praslin, five on La Digue and four on other islands.
The review also shows there is potential for Seychelles to further develop its eco-tourism products and designate more sites for future eco-tourism development.