Seychelles' environment key to attracting Swedish visitors – new ambassador

H.E. Mr Göransson (left) presenting his credentials to President Rene

The newly accredited Swedish Ambassador to Seychelles has highlighted environmental protection as a key to attracting visitors from his Scandinavian home.

Speaking Tuesday March 16 after his accreditation meeting with President France Albert René, and  discussions with Vice-President James Michel, Ambassador Bo Göransson said that the Swedish people enjoy a similar feeling for the environment as people in Seychelles.

His Excellency Mr Göransson said that the two main topics discussed with the President were the environment and tourism and that the two were seen as mutually beneficial.

"I think that one of the competitive edges (in tourism) that Seychelles has is that you are really keen to preserve the environment. That way you bring in tourists and you can certainly attract more Swedish tourists," said the ambassador.

Acknowledging that Swedish visitors to Seychelles have fallen from 1300 to 1000 in recent years Ambassador Göransson put this down to a more general downturn in tourism.

He went on to note that over the last few years prominent Swedes, such as the Prime Minister and the Royal Family, had made unofficial visits to Seychelles.

Ambassador Göransson also pointed to the security of visitors to Seychelles as another similarity with Sweden and an important factor in drawing visitors to the country.

However, while commending the possibilities for, and benefits of, strengthened tourism ties, Ambassador Göransson said that it is an area not for government to government exchanges, but for private business to pursue.

The ambassador said that he hoped to make his next visit to Seychelles in the autumn of 2005.

Ambassador Göransson becomes the eighth Swedish Ambassador to be accredited to Seychelles since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979.

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