Africa needs better representation in travel listings

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Written by Alain St.Ange

Mauritius’ Lux Belle Mare took the African honours in the latest listings of global bests when it captured third place in the list of the 25 best global all inclusive resorts. The Tamassa Resort in Bel Ombre, Mauritius, came in 5th place of this prestigious list. The Rixos Sharm el Sheikh Resort took 8th place while the Sierra Sharm el Sheikh Resort ended up on place 21.

This however is where the presence of African resorts ended, a reminder that quality is today measured on global terms and only extraordinary efforts will lead to success when it comes to make an impact on global rankings. In the list for the global best family resorts, released at the same time, only two Egyptian resorts made it into the top 25, the Movenpick Resort Taba in 23rd place and Serenity Fun City in 24th place.

The Moroccan Riad Kheirredine Hotel from Marrakesh notably came global second in the top 25 listings of the best luxury hotels and La Maison Arabe from Marrakesh took the 10th position on this prestigious list.

The Constance Prince Maurice of Mauritius claimed 17th position, the Baraza Resort and Spa from Zanzibar took 23rd place, closely followed by another hotel from Mauritius, The Oberoi. Among the global best 25 hotels was it again the Constance Prince Maurice, accomplishing a double after already making an appearance in the list of best luxury hotels.

Mauritius, Egypt, Morocco and Zanzibar – too few listings no doubt and the challenge has been handed to the rest of the African countries playing big fiddles in the tourism markets, to do better when for the next round of votes.

About the author

Avatar of Alain St.Ange

Alain St.Ange

Alain St Ange has been working in the tourism business since 2009. He was appointed as the Director of Marketing for Seychelles by President and Minister of Tourism James Michel.

He was appointed as the Director of Marketing for Seychelles by President and Minister of Tourism James Michel. After one year of

After one year of service, he was promoted to the position of CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

In 2012 the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands regional Organization was formed and St Ange was appointed as the first president of the organization.

In a 2012 cabinet re-shuffle, St Ange was appointed as Minister of Tourism and Culture which he resigned on 28 December 2016 in order to pursue a candidacy as Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation.

At the UNWTO General Assembly in Chengdu in China, a person who was being sought after for the “Speakers Circuit” for tourism and sustainable development was Alain St.Ange.

St.Ange is the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine who left office in December last year to run for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO. When his candidature or document of endorsement was withdrawn by his country just a day before the elections in Madrid, Alain St.Ange showed his greatness as a speaker when he addressed the UNWTO gathering with grace, passion, and style.

His moving speech was recorded as the one on the best marking speeches at this UN international body.

African countries often remember his Uganda address for the East Africa Tourism Platform when he was a guest of honor.

As former Tourism Minister, St.Ange was a regular and popular speaker and was often seen addressing forums and conferences on behalf of his country. His ability to speak ‘off the cuff’ was always seen as a rare ability. He often said he speaks from the heart.

In Seychelles he is remembered for a marking address at the official opening of the island’s Carnaval International de Victoria when he reiterated the words of John Lennon famous song… ” you may say I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one. One day you will all join us and the world will be better as one”. The world press contingent gathered in Seychelles on the day ran with the words by St.Ange which made headlines everywhere.

St.Ange delivered the keynote address for the “Tourism & Business Conference in Canada”

Seychelles is a good example for sustainable tourism. This is therefore not surprising to see Alain St.Ange being sought after as a speaker on the international circuit.

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