Mr John Stravens, the newly appointed Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) called on Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture at his offices at the National Cultural Center in Victoria to update the Minister on the composition of theTourism Industry’s new Executive Committee and to set in motion a working program which will include the already agreed monthly meeting between the Association’s representatives and the Minister.
Minister St.Ange welcomed Mr Stravens and congratulated him on his nomination. “The Ministry of Tourism and Culture values the support of the private sector and the Ministry remains conscious that its ongoing successes in the continued growth in visitor arrival numbers is the result of unity in the industry, and because of the spirit of togetherness in marketing approaches. Today it is the private sector who controls the Marketing Committee of the Tourism Board. This approach of involvement of the private sector at the level of decisions will be maintained because the Government believes in public / private sector initiatives. We want to assure you, Mr Stravens and your Committee of our total cooperation as we work together for the benefit of the Seychelles Tourism Industry” Minister St.Ange said.
On his part Mr Stravens, the Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association took the opportunity of the meeting to thank the Minister for his open door policy which has been appreciated by the industry and by staff working in the industry. “Today we have brought out a list of what we see as challenges we see as the industry. We are willing to continue to develop a strong working partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and with the Tourism Board and we shall also steer our industry to work even closer together and help Seychelles consolidate its tourism industry” Mr Starvens said.
A second meeting between Minister St.Ange and Mr Stravens is being planned in the coming weeks where industry challenges tabled by the Industry’s association will be discussed.
For more information on the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Industry Association visit: www.shta.sc
