President James Michel of the Seychelles visited several small tourism establishments in the Beau Vallon and Bel Ombre areas of north of Mahe this morning. The visit forms part of a series of visits the President is undertaking in different workplaces and districts.
The President said that the tourism sector will always stay an important part of the pillar in the economy, and his vision is for Seychellois to take ownership of their economy in the different sectors such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and others.
“The aim of my visit is to give encouragement to the Seychellois entrepreneurs who have decided to participate in the development of the tourism industry by doing business and building as well as running small guesthouses. I think this is very good and healthy for the economy; that we empower the Seychellois and they take this opportunity for them to be able to participate in the tourism industry and build their guesthouses, run them, and also give the industry the possibility to develop in this range of products that they will provide to their clients,” said President Michel in an interview with the local press.
There are presently 106 small establishments in the North of Mahe, and Mr. Michel has expressed his satisfaction at seeing that more Seychellois entrepreneurs are taking the initiative to work and develop their ability in the tourism sector. He said that the large amount of guesthouses that have been built or are still under construction shows that Seychellois are interested in doing business, in doing projects that are beneficial for them as well as the restaurants in that area, and in creating more employment and wealth for the country.
The President also highlighted that there are different facilities that the government has put in place for someone who wishes to start a small tourism establishment such as facilitating credit and access to land for lease or purchase, and eliminating bureaucracy that presently exists. He said that the creation of the new Department of Enterpreneurship Development and Business Innovation will support this facilitation.
“I was very impressed with what I saw, and I think all the operators I spoke to said they are very happy and their business is working well, and I would like to encourage other Seychellois who want to go in this line of business to take this opportunity that we have facilitated and see if they can participate in it and help to create wealth for themselves and for the country,” said President Michel.
President Michel noted that there is still room for improvement in the north of Mahe by making it look more interesting and attractive as it is the main area where tourists and Seychellois comes to spend their time. Improvements would include safer pedestrian access, street lights, pavement for pedestrian walkways, and planting of more flowers, among others.
The President was accompanied on the visit by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Alain St. Ange; the Secretary General of the Executive Office of the President, Mrs. Lise Bastienne; Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Anne Lafortune; Former Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Tourism Board, Mrs. Elsia Grandcourt; Tourism Product and Visitor Services Manager, Mr. Josh Cesar; and other officials.
