The Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) has kept faith in Mr Louis D'Offay, who was re-elected to the position of chairman at the association's recent AGM.

Mr D'Offay, the owner of Praslin's L'Archipel Hotel, retains his position as the sounding board for the tourism industry's concerns in its dealings with government, a post he took at the 2003 annual general meeting.

The election, which was held at the Silhouette Lounge of the Coral Strand Hotel on Friday April 2, saw Plantation Club G.M. Francis Mondon and Masons' Alan Mason elected to the two vice chair positions.

Miss Lisa Laporte was voted honorary secretary and Mr Beatty Hoareau treasurer.

The remaining committee members are Mrs Daniella Payet-Alis, Mrs Sabrina Lapolla, Mr Maximillian Lenkh and Mr Amit Wasseberg.

Mr D'Offay and the other board members will hold their positions for terms of one year before they come up for election at next year's AGM.

During the meeting the chairman said that in 2003 the Executive Committee of the association had been actively involved in dialogue with the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, as well as with the MERP team, "to look at ways of redressing the situation."

He went on to say that he was pleased to report that through the dialogue with government, the association has been able to obtain certain concessions for the benefit of the industry.

"Nevertheless, we are still a long way from reversing the decline, which we are currently experiencing. We will continue to put pressure on government through ongoing dialogue to make the destination a value for money one," said Mr D'Offay.

The chairman asked all members of the association to renew their commitment to making Seychelles competitive when compared to other destinations.

Mr D'Offay spoke of the need to address the issue of high operating costs, airline policies, employment laws and the foreign exchange difficulties.

The SHTA umbrella group brings together representatives from large and small hotels, destination management companies (DMCs) and the travel trade in general.

LINKS