Seychelles finance minister pledges support to tourism sector

The minister of finance and senior officials from his ministry attended the general meeting of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association last week, not only – by his own words – to show support for the sector and commend it for a job well done in 2009, but also to pledge more assistance to the tourism industry during the current year.

Revenue experts present with the minister also used the opportunity to explain changes in the various tax regimes and how the hospitality sector can take advantage of the new measures.

The Seychelles ended the year 2009 just about at level par compared to 2007, but had suffered a downturn of fortunes in 2008, when the global financial and economic crisis hit home. In 2009, the revamped tourist board rolled out the country’s most aggressive marketing and sales campaign ever, and the results proved that a turnaround, even under most difficult circumstances, is possible when the public and private sectors work hand in hand and towards a common objective.

Tourism, together with fishing, is one of the two mainstays of the Seychellois economy and is crucial to create and maintain employment levels and earn foreign exchange for this Indian Ocean island nation of less than 90,000 citizens and residents.