‘Princess in Paradise’ is the latest photo shoot to benefit from the unique beauty of the Seychelles

Seychelles was complimentary this week with the latest photo shoot posted on the online version for Wedding & Style Magazine published in Singapore.  “This project was initiated by the Seychelles Singapore office in June 2011 in collaboration with the Raffles Hotel of Praslin in the Seychelles” says Maria Morel from the Seychelles Tourism Board Singapore Office.

The article and pictures seen on http://lifestyle.xin.msn.com/en/magazine/style-weddings/feature-ar.aspx?cp-documentid=5428649 is entitled ‘Princess in Paradise’.  The review is about the Mediacorp starlet Rebecca Lim soaking in the sun, sea and tranquility in the tourist destination islands of the Seychelles whilst looking aisle-ready in a collection of evening and bridal gowns.

Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board said that this photo shoot managed to capture the extraordinary beauty of the Seychelles as they showcased the spectacular collection of evening and bridal gowns.  “Seychelles is one of these very few countries when you land you always say that the pictures you have seen before do not do justice to the beauty of these islands” Alain St.Ange says.

Seychelles continuously invites Press and those responsible for Photo Shoots to visit them.  Their Tourism Board is always fast to say that their country has nothing to hide.  “A beautiful country – we have, amazing beach scenes with turquoise blue seas as the back drop – we have, diversity in island settings we have, big granitic boulders shaped to every taste – we also have said Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Seychelles – ‘Small Country, Big Influence’ says Business Beijing Magazine

The Seychelles Ambassador accredited to China, H.E. Mr. Philippe Le Gall has been prominently featured in the latest issue of the highly popular and respected Beijing Magazine.

The four page article shows a photograph a portrait of Ambassador Le Gall holding the island’s unique ‘coco de mer’ nut.  The article says that Ambassador Le Gall of the Seychelles brings a unique point of view to Sino-African relations.  “Representing a small African country, but also a country active in the Small Island Developing States movement, Le Gall is also accredited to Japan, the Philippines, the Koreas, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia.  Much of his efforts is spent promoting tourism to the Seychelles, but the country’s political importance should not be underestimated” says Charles J. Dukes in his feature article in Beijing Business Magazine.

Ambassador Philippe Le Gall is not shy to say in his interview that “This year we opened a tourism office in our embassy, and a Seychellois tourism attaché has been appointed”.  The Beijing Business Magazine says that this shows clearly the commitment of the Seychelles Ambassador to China for the economy of his country.

Tourism remains the Pillar of the Seychelles Economy and Ambassador Le Gall is known to have been working tirelessly in the development of this key industry from China.  The CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Alain St.Ange congratulated Ambassador Philippe Le Gall when he was in China this week as part of the Presidential Delegation of the island’s President James Michel.

“The consolidation and the continued development of the Seychelles tourism industry is the responsibility of every Seychellois and above all that of the country’s representatives based overseas.  We cannot depend on that pillar of our economy and not see the importance to work to consolidate it.  No Seychellois should be shy to be seen to be defending his country’s tourism industry, and there is no better way to defend it than to be seen to be actively helping in its progress” said Alain St.Ange in China this week.

Seychelles to address IIPT Panel WTM 2011 in London on “Seychelles as a Model of Best Practice in Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change”

It is now confirmed that, Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board will speak as part of the IIPT Panel at the 2011 World Travel Market (WTM) on “Seychelles as a Model of Best Practice in Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change”.

IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore has announced that four prominent international experts will come together on a panel at World Travel Market to discuss the challenges of climate change to tourism and present leading models of best practice.  The panel will be moderated by the IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore himself.

Both the Seychelles and Caribbean region are heavily dependent on tourism – and both are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and impacts on human health.

Members of the panel will discuss how they have worked with stakeholders to address the impacts of climate change on the environment, economic development, tourism, and community livelihoods using holistic approaches to provide practical strategies and capacity building.  The session will also provide a perspective on the natural marriage of tourism and the various forms of solar energy as a response to climate change and in shaping sustainable tourism development.

The IIPT Panel: “Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change” is set to take place on 08 Nov 2011 from 14:00-15:00 at the known location of North Gallery Room 9.

The panel line-up is as follows:

Geoffrey Lipman FTS, Director, greenearth.travel and Advisor to Secretary-General UNWTO, and President ICTP (International Council of Tourism Partners)

Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board

Dr. Murray Simpson, Co-Director and CEO, CARIBSAVE Partnership, and Oxford University Centre for the Environment

Max Haberstroh, International Tourism Consultant

After all the presentations are made, and after Q & A – there will be two brief announcements by Geoffrey Lipman regarding International Council of Business Partners – and Timothy Mushibwe, Chairman, Zambia Tourism Board re UNWTO 20th General Assembly 2013 being co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Following is the seminar description as it appears on the 2011 WTM website:  http://www.wtmlondon.com/page.cfm/Action=Seminars/SeminarID=34  and will appear in the WTM catalog:

It is important to note that the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has stated that “Climate change is the pre-eminent geopolitical and economic issue of the 21st century.  It rewrites the global equation for development, peace and prosperity.”

This IIPT session at WTM 2011 will feature outstanding models of best practice in meeting the challenges of climate change – with a global perspective of best practices – the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean – and the Islands of the Caribbean. Both the Seychelles and the Caribbean region are heavily dependent on tourism – and both are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and impacts on human health.

Learn how they have worked with stakeholders to address the impacts surrounding climate change, the environment, economic development, tourism and community livelihoods using holistic approaches to provide practical strategies and capacity building.

The session will also provide a perspective on the natural marriage of tourism and the various forms of solar energy as a response to climate change and in shaping sustainable tourism development.  As well, key outcomes will be presented from the recent 5th IIPT African Conference on Tourism and Climate Change held in Lusaka, Zambia.

Seychelles Tourism Professionals address Beijing Tourism Group in China

Seychelles Tourism Professionals after the Chinese Market had the opportunity this week to address the Heads of the Beijing Tourism Group and showcase their own Destination Management Companies (DMC).  The meeting that took place in Beijing was led by Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board who was in China as part the Seychelles President’s Official Delegation on a working visit to China.

Alain St.Ange addressed the Beijing Tourism Group on the merits of pushing Seychelles as the new destination for Chinese Holiday makers.  The Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board explained the ideal combination options for a Seychelles holiday with an African Safari, or a shopping stop in the Middle East.  He explained the promotional campaign launched by Seychelles for the twin center approach with Africa that stated ‘From the Big five to the Best Five’.  Mr. St.Ange emphasized the proximity of Seychelles to the African mainland and said that after a safari where pictures of the Big Five of the African Wildlife, a beach holiday in the Seychelles with its Best Five natural attributes was a perfect combination.

Alain St.Ange also touched on the importance of tourism for the Seychelles and highlighted the Seychelles Brand of Tourism Concept launched by the President of the Republic, Mr. James Michel.  He differentiated the differences between Seychelles and other tourism destinations and explained the two destination possibilities in the one Seychelles stop with a stay on a granitic island one on the coral islands of the Seychelles.  The unique selling points of Seychelles were also tabled for the Heads of the Beijing Tourism Group, namely Big Game Fishing of Fly Fishing, Bird Watching or Island Hoping, Sailing or Diving, Casino or Golf etc.

Mr. Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board was accompanied at this meeting by Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam and Mr. Lee, Marketing Executives from the Seychelles Tourism office in China.  He then introduced Mr. Derek Savy from Elite Club Seychelles; Mrs. Vania Robert from 7 Degrees South Seychelles; Ms. Andrea Ma from Mason’s Travel China Office; and Philippe Yee-Chong-Tchi-Kan, a tourism professional from La Reunion who accompanied the Seychelles delegation to China.  Each of the representatives of the Destination Management Companies present then did a presentation of their respective companies as they made a bid to represent the Beijing Tourism Group in Seychelles.

A representative of Air Seychelles was also present and she took the opportunity of promoting the country’s National Airline to the Heads of BTG.

BTG is the largest travel and tour group in China with some 90 agents based only in Beijing.  “BTG operates right across China.  The partnership will open Seychelles as the new destination for China and the Chinese Holiday makers,” said Mr. St.Ange.

Seychelles looking forward to hosting the launch of ICTP on its 2011 WTM Stand

It is now confirmed through a Press Release issued on the 19th October from Brussels and Honolulu that the ICTP Tourism Organisation will be formally launched at the Seychelles Stand (AS550) on 08 November, 2011, 16.00h at WTM 2011 in London.

The Press Release duly signed by Juergen Thomas Steinmetz and Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Chairman and President of the ICTP states:

“ICTP will be at World Travel Market on behalf of its growing group of destination members who are committed to quality and green growth.

We will formally launch the coalition at the Seychelles stand (AS550) at 16.00h on 08 November. Come and enjoy the party and meet our founding members.

You will discover the unique characteristics of ICTP as a “grassroots grouping” designed to help quality destinations and their stakeholders learn how to share the green growth opportunities, as well as access the tools and funds that will be available for our common transformation.

You will also learn about our grass roots support for the excellent initiatives of UNWTO, WTTC and IATA to mainstream the sector in policymaking, as well as our own core advocacy, supporting the sustainable growth of aviation; Streamlined Travel and fair coherent taxation.

You will find out about our low cost / high focus support system that can help you better achieve your goals and those of your community, customers and employees in sustainably developing your travel & tourism heritage”.

Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and himself a founding member of the ICTP has said that he was honoured to have the launch of the ICTP on the Seychelles Stand at the 2011 WTM in London.

Seychelles, as a country remains dependent on its tourism industry.  Alain St.Ange said to the Press in China where he was on a working visit as part of a delegation headed by the Seychelles President, Mr. James Michel that he believed from day one on the need for such a body as the ICTP to run alongside the UN WTO (United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation).  “Countries depending on tourism as an industry must be able to meet and plan joint strategies together.  We must find a body that is focused on marketing and visibility drives as we consolidate our own individual industry” Alain St.Ange said.

“Working alongside Juergen Thomas Steinmetz and Professor Geoffrey Lipman, the founding Chairman and President of the ICTP has been so far enriching, and I look forward to the launch of the official launch of the ICTP so that the many ideas we all have can be developed for a stronger tourism industry for the organization’s registered members” Alain St.Ange told the Chinese media in Beijing.

Seychelles Small Hotel Chain to make its presence count at 2011 WTM in London

The Tourism World will meet from the 07th – 10th November, 2011 in London, UK, at the World Travel Market (WTM).  Le Relax Hotels, a small chain of hotels from the Seychelles, will this year be descending on London for its 3rd Participation at WTM.

Robert Toussaint, the Operations Manager of Le Relax Hotels said, as he issued communiqués announcing his participation at WTM 2011, that: “We trust with your support we will grew up as a partner and develop our relationship base on our existing products and our upcoming projects. Please allow us the opportunity to meet with you between the above mentioned dates at the Seychelles Stand, your presence and time will be very much appreciated”.

“WTM in UK, is among the main marketing events, where the world meets, giving us the perfect opportunity to showcase our final products for 2011/2012 Contracted Season to the world.  We are not asking much of your time.  What we need is the possibility to be known, and with you, all is possible. If it is your first interaction with us, the possibility will be extended for an educational visit in our beautiful islands and the only chain of hotels in Seychelles covering all three main islands” said Robert Toussaint.

The Le Relax Hotels Operations Manager has invited Tour Operators to learn more about their products by visiting them as this opportunity is not a dream.  “It is a reality and with you as our partners we can make it all happen by joining hands together to bring the extra to our guests next time they choose to visit the Seychelles Islands under one brand name “Le Relax” with the possibility to visit and stay on the three main islands Mahé, Praslin and La Digue as a island hopping package” Robert Toussaint said.

Contact details for the key Staffs for Le Relax Hotels and Resort:

LE RELAX HOTELS MANAGEMENT LTD.

PO BOX 215 – Mahé – SEYCHELLES

Tel : + 248 4380 700 – Fax : + 248 4344 560

Robert Toussaint (Operations Manager) – marketing@lerelaxhotel.com

MAHE:

Le Relax Hotel & Restaurant,

Anse Royale, Mahe, Seychelles.

Tel : +248 438 29 00, Fax : +248 437 19 00

Reservation – Romana Laporte (Reservation Officer) – helpdesk@lerelaxhotel.com

Roland Thomas (Operations Manager) – mm@lerelaxhotel.com

PRASLIN:

Le Relax Beach ResortGrand Anse, Praslin, Seychelles.

Tel : +248 429 46 46, Fax : +248 423 30 50

Natalie Mussard (Operations Manager) – beachresort@lerelaxhotel.com

LA DIGUE:

Le Relax Beach House

Anse Réunion, La Digue, Seychelles.

Tel : +248 423 44 33, Fax : +248 423 44 34

Dhruv Joshi (Operation in Charge) – beachhouse@lerelaxhotel.com

Le Relax Hotels in collaboration with Le Recif Car Hire in Mahé, and Privilege Rent-A-Car (Pty) Ltd in Praslin offers affordable rates, and attractive discounts for long term bookings.  For any more information please visit our website http://www.lerecifcarhire-seychelles.com or contact us on booking@lerecifcarhire-seychelles.com

Link for Le Relax High Resolution Photos:

FTP Server: ftp://41.223.216.49

Username: OTO PHOTOS

Password: oto

Seychelles Tourism Board & Beijing Tourism Group sign working agreement for the promotion of Seychelles

The Seychelles President, Mr. James Michel personally led a working visit to China which has now opened new doors for the tourism industry of the Indian Ocean Islands of the Seychelles.

The chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Alain St.Ange who  formed part of President James Michel’s delegation, has signed a working agreement with the vice general manager of the Beijing Tourism Group of China, Wang Shang Wen.

The signing ceremony took place at the Beijing Tourism Group’s Offices in the Beijing Tourism Tower at Jian Guomenwai Street in Beijing.  Addressing the Heads of the Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) Alain St.Ange thanked the vice general manager of the largest Chinese tourism organization for their welcome and for introducing BTC to the Seychelles Delegation.

“Yesterday I had the honour and the pleasure to meet Mr. Gao Fei, the Vice President of the Beijing Tourism Group (BTG), at a ceremony at the MAYA Island Hotel where our President, Mr. James Michel launched the Chinese version of his autobiography, Distant Horizons.  Today Seychelles is here to showcase itself to the Beijing Tourism Group, and to develop a working partnership between China’s largest travel and Tour Company and our paradise holiday destination.

Mr Vice General Manager, Seychelles is today saying that it desires working with the Beijing Tourism Group, and that we hope that by the end of the day’s meeting we have embarked on the road to consolidate our working partnership” said Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.                                                 

 Mr. Wang Shang Wen, the Vice General Manager of the BTG was accompanied at the signing ceremony by Mr. Chang Hongan, and Ms Karen Lai, Vice General Managers of the BTG-Accor Travel, Mr. He Guoliang, the General Manager of BTG-Outbound Tours, Mr. Quighua Ma, the Center Director of BTG M.I.C.E. of BTG Outbound Tours and Mr. Wang Hai, the Manager for BTG Electronic Commerce Dept. in BTG Outbound Tours and other Senior Officials.

Mr. Alain St.Ange from the Seychelles Tourism Board was accompanied by Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam and Mr. Lee, Marketing Executives from the Seychelles Tourism Office in China, Mr. Derek Savy from Elite Club Seychelles, Mrs. Vania Robert from 7 Degrees South Seychelles, Ms Andrea Ma from Mason’s Travel China Office and Philippe YEE-CHONG-TCHI-KAN, a tourism Professional from La Reunion who accompanied the Seychelles Delegation to China.

The Document Signed by Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles Tourism Board and Wang Shang Wen of the Beijing Tourism Group covers commercial cooperation and communication in the promotion of Seychelles as a tourism destination for Chinese holiday makers.

BTG is the largest travel and tour group in China with some 90 agents based only in Beijing. “BTG operates right across China.  The partnership will open Seychelles as the new destination for China and the Chinese Holiday makers,” said Mr. St.Ange.

It is now expected that a delegation from the Beijing Tourism Group will visit Seychelles in the near future on a fact finding mission as they develop their own holiday programs for the Chinese population.

Seychelles launches promotional brochure in Chinese Language

The Chinese version of the Seychelles Brochure

The Seychelles Tourism Board representatives and members of their China Office were happy to launch in Beijing their promotional full colour brochures printed in the Chinese language.

Mr. Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, and Board Director, Mr. Conrad Benoiton, who were in China as part of the Seychelles President James Michel’s delegation on a working visit to China, were joined by the Board’s Marketing Executives based in Beijing Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam and Mr. Lee to bring out the latest documentation for the promotion of Seychelles in yet another language.

The Seychelles Tourism Office in China is situated in the premises of the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing at Dongdaqioa Road and queries can be posted to Irjll.sey@gmail.com or Jean-luc.l@seychelles.com

The Seychelles Ambassador accredited to China, H.E. Mr. Philippe Le Gall has been instrumental with the setting up of the Seychelles Tourist Office in China.  “Seychelles is a small country dependent on its tourism industry, and the active part being played by Ambassador Le Gall and so many of our Diplomats are commendable.  The visit by the President of our Republic shows that opportunities Seychelles sees in China.  We now have our promotional brochures in the Chinese language and we have taken the decision to now move to get our main website:  www.seychelles.travel also translated in the Chinese language.  We are now actively looking for direct air access between China and Seychelles, we have now signed a working Agreement with the Beijing Tourism Group which opens the way for more tourists from China so we need to ensure we can provide all necessary information as and when needed in the language of choice for the Chinese Population and this is through our website and promotional brochures” said Alain St.Ange this morning in Beijing.

Alain St.Ange and Conrad Benoiton at the Beijing Seychelles Tourist Office with Mr Jean-Luc Lai-Lam & Mr Lee

 

Seychelles Tourism CEO meets Vice President of Beijing Tourism Group ahead of Major Discussions

 Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, met Gao Fei, the Vice President of the Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) ahead of a working afternoon between an eight person delegation from the BTG and a mix of private sector representatives and Tourism Board Officials from Seychelles.

The Beijing Tourism Group is the largest Travel & Tours Group in China with some 90 Agents only in Beijing.  The Senior Management of the Organisation will be meeting with Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board tomorrow to discuss the signature of a working agreement for the two Organisations to work together for the promotion of Seychelles in China.  “This will enable the Seychelles to welcome a larger group of visitors from China” said Alain St.Ange.

Gao Fei, the Vice President of the Beijing Tourism Group was attending a function that saw the Seychelles President James Michel address a large group of Chinese VIPs and Press.

The Korea Travel News making Seychelles more known

The Korea Travel News has this week joined forces with the Seychelles Tourism Board to make these tropical islands more known in Korea. The known and much respected Korea Travel News carried an interview made by Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board when he transited Seoul from the 19th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly.

The interview centered on the attractions of the Seychelles for would be Korean travelers. In the interview Alain St.Ange speaks about the unique beauty of the Seychelles, the diversity that exists with this group of mid ocean islands offering both hilly granitic islands and the low lying flat coral islands giving to visitors a two destination option in the one holiday.

The Head of the Seychelles Tourism also spoke about the niche market options citing big game fishing, diving, sailing, bush walks, island hoping, bird watching, casino as ideal holiday activities in what is considered the last paradise on earth. Alain St.Ange also highlights in this published interview the safety aspect of Seychelles as a crime free destination and one where Korean Visitors do not need visas nor inoculations for entry.

Seychelles is more known in Korea since the official visit by President James Michel to Korea just over a year ago. The Seychelles Tourism Board now has a fully fledged office in Seoul.