afrol News, 19 January - Sychelles has announced a new board that will take over marketing of the country's tourism, with members of the private sector taking the lead.

Announcing the new board today, chairman of Sychelles Tourim Board (STB) Alain St.Ange, said the Marketing Fund Committee was constituted following the re-organisation of the STB, where the private sector was given a controlling say in the running of the country’s tourism industry, which he said remain the pillar of the economy.

The new Seychelles Tourism Board, is now broken down to create two new independent committees within the STB, one responsible for the tourism academy, and the second one to oversee the marketing of Seychelles, he explained.

He said the reorganisation of the Seychelles Tourism Board, and the formation of the Marketing Fund Committee, as announced by Minister Danny Faure during the Budget speech in December, has shifted the responsibility for the Marketing of Seychelles, and for raising the necessary funds required for the board’s marketing budget to the new body.

"It is important to point out, that it is the first time in Seychelles that the government has handed over to the private sector an important committee previously deemed civil service domain. The STB Marketing Fund Committee, responsible for what is known as ‘Destination Marketing’ is made up of a very large majority of private sector representatives. These are Members of the Industry who remain committed to the consolidation of their industry, the industry they all depend on for their livelihood. The Committee is aware of the responsibility it has and intends to do all it can to deliver on it, for Seychelles," he said.

He also said since its formation, the new committee had immediately started analysing all marketing strategies in place, and all existing structures within the industry with the aim of proposing changes and growing the industry.

"We remain convinced that this important Government decision will not only be well received, but that, this decision will help bring the needed confidence with the overseas Tour Operators to help them continue to promote Seychelles as one of their main Tourism Destinations on offer to their potential clients," St. Ange said, adding that more than ever before citizens must realise that there is but one Seychelles, and we all must appreciate to work together for the success of the main pillar of the Seychelles economy.

Sychelles is reknowed for its Botanical Gardens, the Vallee de Mai, the L’Union Estate on La Digue, Marine Parks and other destinations which are still some of the tourist favourite places.

© afrol News

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