The winning contestants of the National Tourism Professional Competition in a souvenir photograph with Minister De Comarmond

More than 90 professionals employed in various sectors of the economy have been recognised for the significant contribution they have made to the growth of the tourism industry.

The employees received their awards during the annual U-First Preliminary Awards, held at the International Conference Centre on Saturday September 27 in the evening.

Among the award winners, 50 individuals working in various segments of the society, such as banks, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, airline and district administrations, were rewarded for excellence in service.  Three of these employees will be awarded at the Grand Tourism Ball event to be held this weekend.

More than 30 others, the majority employed at Air Seychelles, Berjaya Hotels and Resorts, Coral Strand Hotel, Travel Seychelles Services (TSS) and La Digue Island Logue, were honoured for 25 years of service in the industry. The award winners received their certificates of recognition from the Minister for Tourism and Transport, Mrs Simone de Comarmond.

The winning contestants of the National Tourism Professional Competition, held in the categories of pastry cook, hot kitchen cook and bartender earlier this year, were also presented with their awards, comprising of trophies and cash prizes.

The first prize in the category of pastry cook went to Tyrie Philoe from Lemuria Resort on Praslin, while Pat Monthy from Banyan Tree Resort at Intendance received the top prize for hot kitchen cook. Mr Terence Cedras from the Amusement Centre clinched the winning prize in the bartender category. The winners were presented with their prizes by various sponsors.

Speaking at the opening of the presentation ceremony, Minister de Comarmond reminded the different partners involved about the challenges they have yet to overcome to further improve the U-First programme for the benefit of the country.

Elaborating on the programme's achievements over the past nine years, the minister said she was strongly confident that they would all continue to uphold the programme's noble principles.

In the coming months, she noted, the U-First programme would be further strengthened with the launching of an award scheme for the best performing U-First Clubs in schools.

For U-First to register greater success, she added, there was a need for businesses at all levels to create the appropriate atmosphere to boost their employees' morale and encourage them to excel and give good service.

Expressing her appreciation to the award winners, Minister de Comarmond assured them that the government will continue to provide all possible assistance and support for professional growth and a life-long commitment to learning, advancement and opportunity.

In a short presentation to conclude the ceremony, Mr John Stravens, the chairman of the U-First Committee, highlighted the importance of putting as much faith in the future of the tourism industry as in other sectors, putting strong emphasis on the need for more consultation among the different partners.

The evening ended with a cocktail reception for the award winners and other invitees.

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