These two major announcements were made by Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) chief executive Alain St Ange on Saturday evening at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay during the Seychelles Ball, the highlight of activities to mark Tourism Week.

Faure addressing guests at the ball

The ball was attended by former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, ministers and senior government officials. Others included individuals from the private sector, members of the Seychelles Tourism and Hospitality Association and partners of the tourism industry.

Mr St Ange said Etihad airline will be offering four flights a week to Seychelles, while the Ethiopian airline will help link Seychelles to the UK and other countries especially in Europe.

He said the STB will work closely with the private sector to overcome challenges in the industry.

Speaking at the event, Mr Faure said the tourism industry remains an important revenue generator and offers a variety of employment and investment opportunities.

“Let us continue to put Seychelles first to maintain the industry’s dynamism to be a model to the world and in the process, winning for our small nation,” he said.

Mr St Ange also spoke of the re-launch of Miss Seychelles beauty pageant set for next year.

He said Miss Seychelles 2012 will accompany the STB representatives at international trade fairs and other official visits.

A poster for the pageant was also unveiled during the evening and those present had the chance to enjoy a video clip to be shown on the SBC progressively.

During the ceremony, 14-year-old Darryl Joubert of the Anse Boileau secondary school, winner of STB’s photography competition to celebrate 40 years of tourism in Seychelles launched earlier this year for children aged 12-16, received his prize of R10,000 sponsored by Jimmy Butt, Zambia’s tourism ambassador for Seychelles.

After that, guests at the ball enjoyed a variety of Creole and Asian dishes and then danced the night away.