New U-First theme

Amidst the glamour and splendour of  Saturday October 4 Grand Tourism Ball the U-First committee took the opportunity to launch the U-First theme for the coming year, "Responsible Tourism."

This week the head of the U-First Unit of the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Mr John Stravens, explained that the theme had been chosen with the emphasis on the word responsible.

Mr Stravens said that, as far as tourism is concerned, this means living well today but taking whatever action is necessary to ensure the industry's viability tomorrow.

He said that "We want the industry to develop, but to develop in a responsible manner so that it can sustain us and serve the future generations."

Mr Stravens suggested that there are three distinct groups that have a role to play in shaping the future of tourism in Seychelles. These are Government, the tourist industry, and the rest of society.

He said that government has a responsibility to regulate, control and coordinate the industry, therefore must generate appropriate policies and called for all ministries to work together for the good of tourism.

Addressing the private sector he said that there is a need for greater innovation on the products on offer, whatever style or size of the establishment. He also stressed the need for increased professionalism and unity in the private sector

Mr Stravens said that the third party involved in the creation of a healthy tourist industry is Seychelles' society in general as all of us, everyday, are directly or indirectly affected by the industry. Equally our actions have an impact, both negative and positive, on tourists' perceptions of Seychelles.

This year the Seychelles Hotel and Tourism Association has taken a seat on the U-First committee and Mr Stravens said that he was looking forward to improved synergy between the two bodies.

He also confirmed that the U-First would continue to run its annual tourism professionals competitions and would this year be looking for greater dynamism and participation in all of the categories.

In addition to the launch of the new U-First theme, last Saturday's glittering soirée also heard the announcement of the winners of the U-First awards.

The Minister's Trophy, given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to tourism in Seychelles, was awarded posthumously to the late Mrs Therese Blanc-Payet. The award was collected on her behalf by Mr Jean Claude-Volcere, before those gathered at the Mahé Beach Hotel observed a minute's silence in her memory.

The rest of the individual awards were as follows;

First place Accommodation and Catering Services:

Francis Suzette, restaurant supervisor of the Acajou Hotel.

First place Airline and Airport Passenger Services:

Rudy Larue, Passenger Service Agent, Air Seychelles.

First place Tourism Guide and Representative:

Barbara Port-Louis, Representative, TSS

First place General Support Services

Aubrey Esther, Mini Club Assistant, Lemuria Resort

The establishment awards were:

Best five star: Banyan Tree

Best large hotel: La Digue Lodge

Best Medium Hotel: L'Archipel Hotel

Best Small Hotel: Le Duc de Praslin

Best Self Catering: Villa D'or

Best Dive Centre: Alphonse Dive Centre

Best Hire Craft: Mermaid

Best Car Hire: St Louis Cars

Best Destination Management Company: TSS

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