Presentation of the report « Land Use in Seychelles – Rethinking the Sustainability of Tourism »

The Department of Tourism, along with 25 students from the Swiss university ETH Zurich and the University of Seychelles, have collaborated on a study regarding the sustainability of tourism in Seychelles. The insights gleaned from this recent study are being disseminated to various stakeholders within the tourism sector and will serve as a foundation for the formulation of strategic measures.

Entitled « Land use in Seychelles – Rethinking the Sustainability of Tourism », the report delves into the impacts, challenges, and avenues for diversification within local tourism. Key areas explored include agrotourism, beach and cultural tourism, the societal implications of the sector, nature excursions, the interplay between hotels and farmers, and the Seychelles 2040 tourism assessment tool. The document is being presented to a spectrum of stakeholders, including the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA), Sustainability for Seychelles (S4S), the University of Seychelles, Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS), the Public Health Authority, as well as the Departments of Agriculture, Culture, and Environment.

Sherin Francis, Seychelles’ Principal Secretary for Tourism, underscores the timeliness of the research, noting its synergy with ongoing departmental efforts. « The report highlights several challenges that warrant our attention, such as beach management and the local perception of tourism vis-à-vis visitors », emphasizes Sherin Francis. Recommendations proposed include implementing efficient beach management practices, considering local sentiments towards tourism, and safeguarding the Creole identity of the Seychellois people. Furthermore, the research advocates for mitigating seasonal agricultural overproduction and enhancing resource efficiency to alleviate ecological strains.