Experience Seychelles and discover an extraordinary natural sanctuary, home to the world’s most precious species, and the ultimate in hospitality
World-famous for the legendary beauty of its 115 islands, Seychelles is a country of contrasts and striking natural splendour, rolling from mist-clad granite peaks, through virgin forests, down to a sapphire ocean. The sight that greeted the first intrepid travellers to its shores as early as the 8th century A.D. is still by and large the one that greets visitors today. Reassuringly, in a world that is changing rapidly, the Seychelles Islands have remained wonderfully untouched.
The secret of Seychelles’ appeal as a holiday destination – and as an archipelago ranked among the most beautiful on the planet – lies in these contrasts between the towering, lushly-vegetated granite islands and the shimmering, silver-sanded coral isles, sand cays and atolls of its remoter Outer Isles. However, perhaps Seychelles’ greatest attribute of all is the amazing degree of diversity it displays across the broadest spectrum.
Melting pot
Since the earliest days of settlement in the mid-eighteenth century by a prophetic assortment of “15 whites, five Malabar Indians, seven Africans and a Negress”, Seychelles has remained a melting pot of humanity with intertwining ethnic strains from all four corners of the planet.
It has also, over many years given rise to a great diversity of cuisine, where the refined culinary arts of the old French kitchen have fused with the piquant flavours of the East through many varieties of curry as well as popular Chinese rice dishes. Everywhere Seychelles is deeply infused with this same miscellany. This is clearly evident in the culture, architecture, Seychellois Creole language (Kreol) and music and dance, all of which give proof of the many and considerable influences which have been brought to bear from different parts of the world.
Precious biodiversity
Since Seychelles first broke free from the giant landmass of Gondwana 150 million years ago, the islands have provided sanctuary to some of the most remarkable species of flora and fauna on the planet. Once again, its diversity is such that Seychelles boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai, home of the mysterious Coco-de-Mer, and Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll.
Safe inside their secure island worlds, the spectacular assortment of endemic and indigenous species is difficult to grasp. Nowhere else on Earth will you find the Jellyfish Tree, the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, the world’s smallest frog, heaviest land tortoise, the Indian Ocean’s only flightless bird as well as some of the most spectacular seabird colonies in the world boasting 13 species and 17 subspecies that occur here and only here, making the islands an Aladdin’s cave for naturalists, ornithologists and ecotourists.
Dizzying displays of the deep
Beneath the waves, it is much the same story where the exciting contrasts between the granite and coral reefs with their dizzying displays of reef fish, turtle, ray, shark and pelagics beckon to novice and experienced divers alike in places where as many as 800 different species have been spotted on a single dive.
Creation has blessed Seychelles with all of this and more. Against the backdrop of its unique island beauty, it is a place where harmony, tranquillity and nature at its very best will conspire to leave you with the memories of a lifetime.
An interview with Bernadette Willemin, Director General – Destination Marketing,
Tourism Seychelles
What are the main initiatives being led by the Seychelles Tourism Department to achieve a greater degree of standardisation and professionalism within Seychelles’ tourism industry?
Bernadette Willemin: One of the key successes in achieving a high degree of standardisation and professionalism in the Seychelles tourism industry is the establishment of its Lospitalite Programme. Now in its third year, this programme recognises excellence and has become a cornerstone in fostering a culture of high standards within the sector. The awards ceremony highlights Seychelles’ unwavering commitment to setting high benchmarks for service delivery, which in turn elevates the archipelago’s global reputation.
The Tourism Department of Seychelles is launching several initiatives aimed at enhancing standardisation and professionalism within the tourism industry. Recognising the need to remain competitive, the department has determined that establishing a Classification System is essential. This system is designed to showcase the diversity of products, enable establishments to market their offerings more effectively, and manage clients’ expectations.
The Classification Programme comprises a comprehensive set of criteria that evaluates physical attributes, service quality, universal accessibility, and sustainability. The programme categorises operators into two main groups: those eligible for the Star Grading System and those for the Seychelles Secrets Programme. The mandatory Star Grading System is required for all hotel establishments with more than 50 rooms and the Seychelles Secrets Programme targets licensed self-catering establishments, guesthouses, and small hotels with fewer than 16 rooms.
Can you elaborate on the Sustainable Seychelles programme and how it encourages tourism establishments in Seychelles to mainstream sustainability practices?
BW: In a resounding affirmation of its dedication to sustainability, the tourism department launched the Sustainable Seychelles Brand campaign on 25 October, 2023. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable practices across the tourism industry and beyond, emphasising unity and shared responsibility. The brand seeks to ensure Seychelles remains an environmentally conscious destination through cooperation and active engagement.
Supported by pillars such as Sensitisation and Awareness, Education and Training, and Service Monitoring and Awards, the campaign includes the Sustainable Seychelles Recognition and Certification, which was formerly known as the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL).
Having been operational for the past decade, the SSTL forms the basis of the new local brand, Sustainable Seychelles. This initiative aims to elevate sustainability in Seychelles by providing a clear roadmap for implementing and advancing sustainable practices in the travel and tourism sector as well as related industries. With a focus on collaboration and shared responsibility, the brand strives to maintain Seychelles as a consistently clean and environmentally conscientious travel destination.
Are there any upcoming events and programmes that you’re excited about?
BW: Absolutely! Here in Seychelles we’re especially looking forward to the following:
Festival of the Assumption
The Festival of the Assumption is celebrated in mid-August, with a special focus on La Digue in the Seychelles. This event is marked by a Mass, a procession, and a festival that draw many visitors from other islands.
Festival Kreol
The annual Festival Kreol on Mahé Island, held at the end of October, is a vibrant celebration of Creole culture in Seychelles. It encompasses various events like music, dance, art exhibitions, theatre performances, and more, offering insight into the Creole way of life and culture while promoting cultural preservation. It’s the largest cultural event in Seychelles and is open to visitors as well.
Seychelles Ocean Festival
The Seychelles Ocean Festival competition, known as SOF, is an annual event in Seychelles typically held in November. It focuses on marine conservation, underwater photography, and videography. Participants, both amateur and professional, capture the beauty of Seychelles’ marine environment and biodiversity. The competition raises awareness about ocean preservation and sustainability.
Further information
www.seychelles.com
