SP
Shamita Palit
Chairperson
About the SHTA
Who we are, how we are structured, and how we advocate for the hospitality and tourism industry in Seychelles.
Our history
Formed in 2002, from two associations
The SHTA was formed in 2002 through the merger of two existing tourism organisations, the Seychelles Hotel Association (SHA) and the Seychelles Hotel and Guesthouse Association (SHGA). SHA represented larger hotels and tourism businesses whilst SHGA represented smaller hotels, guesthouses and self-catering businesses.
The merger was carried out in recognition of the need to bring the industry together with one voice, uniting an increasingly diverse tourism sector. It also marked the beginning of greater inclusion and representation for marine tourism, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), airlines and restaurants. The broader membership of the SHTA allows us to represent the interests of the private sector as a whole rather than one single segment.
SHTA has experience in liaison with governments and international bodies such as the World Bank, ILO and IMF, and has, since its formation, been regularly consulted when the voice of the tourism sector needs to be heard.
SHTA has a long-standing reputation as a provider of excellent and relevant training courses for its members, and — in addition to publishing regular updates for its members — has regularly featured in the national press and on national television and radio.
In 2019 SHTA delivered a multi-platform national awareness campaign, We Are Tourism, which stressed the importance of the sector to the prosperity and livelihood of all citizens and residents. In 2021, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, SHTA delivered a second national campaign, Tourism – Wi!, which used multiple platforms to reassure the public about the reopening of our borders to tourists.
2002
One voice
SHA and SHGA merge to form the SHTA, uniting larger hotels with guesthouses and self-catering businesses.
2005
The STB
The Seychelles Tourism Board is established with a private-sector-dominated board — six of eleven members drawn from industry.
2019
We Are Tourism
A multi-platform national awareness campaign on the sector's importance to every citizen and resident.
2020
The airport reopens
August 2020 — one of the first reopenings in Africa, almost a year before Mauritius, after consultation between government, the Public Health Authority and the SHTA.
2021
Tourism – Wi!
A second national campaign across television, radio and print, reassuring the public as borders reopened to visitors.
2025
Reviving the STB
SHTA proposes the Seychelles Tourism Standing Committee in the Nation — government and the private sector working as one.
2026
Stronger together
A Memorandum of Understanding with SSHEA links the two associations, and four strategic pillars are agreed with the Ministry.
Our structure
Governed by a Board of 12
The SHTA is governed by a Board of 12, elected every two years by its members.
The Board
EA
Edwin Adrienne
Vice-Chairperson
RG
Roland Georges
Secretary
CA
Charlene Albert
Treasurer
GA
Guillaume Albert
Board Member
AB
Andre Butler-Payette
Board Member
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Board Member
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Board Member
6 of the 12 Board members are named above. The Association has yet to supply the remaining 6 names, together with photographs and a short biography for each — a red-line item agreed during content review. Nothing on this page is invented to fill the gap.
Additional members may be co-opted to the Board or a sub-committee in order to bring particular expertise to the Association's policy and decision-making process.
The Board is responsible for the strategic direction of the Association, which is actioned by all members, an Administrator (currently Neesha Palit) and a consultant (currently Martin Kennedy).
The SHTA receives no funding from government or any other outside agency, domestic or international, with the Association holding clear autonomy as a consequence.
Members pay an annual fee which is calculated on a weighted, sliding scale. In all membership sections due consideration is given to the size and nature of the business when calculating annual fees.
The Secretariat
- Neesha PalitAdministrator
- Martin KennedyConsultant
The SHTA receives no funding from government or any outside agency, and holds clear autonomy as a consequence.
Advocacy
One voice for the sector
Today the SHTA is the principal private sector organisation representing the interests of tourism in Seychelles. Since tourism is the country's largest economic sector, the SHTA is one of the nation's most influential business associations.
The SHTA aims to protect its members' interests generically and individually whilst promoting and supporting a sustainable, competitive and high-quality tourism sector in Seychelles.
SHTA's advocacy role focusses upon:
Contributing to the sustainability of tourism and ensuring that it remains a strong contributor to the national economy
Influencing tourism policy and legislation in the best interests of the sector and the economy
Supporting an internationally competitive, profitable and stable business environment
Advising and supporting infrastructure that is conducive to the above aims
Encouraging and sustaining sustainable tourism best practice through information and training programmes
Supporting businesses in acquiring the skill sets they require in order to function at maximum effect, whether through the domestic or expatriate labour markets
Listening to members' needs and concerns, responding to them, and conveying issues to the relevant authorities as appropriate
Our priorities 2026–27
Four pillars for the year ahead
The Strategic Plan for October 2026–October 2027 brings together four connected pillars, developed through consultation with members and informed by Board sub-committees and invited co-opted contributors.
Education & Training
Tourism studies from P4 through S3, progression to IGCSE and A-level study, and industry-linked training to build a realistic long-term pathway into tourism careers.
Business Sustainability
Structured risk planning, practical self-sufficiency, resilient utilities and supply chains, skills development and viable businesses in a changing global market.
Maritime
Clearer regulation, digital services, maritime training and accountable yachting operations, while preserving existing industry forums and distinguishing draft policy from law.
Small & Medium Hotels
Proposals on photovoltaic allowances, levies and turnover tax, work/study development, constructive dialogue and clearer classification for small and medium hotels.
The plan sets out SHTA objectives and recommendations, many requiring the participation of government and other partners. Co-opted contributors support the working groups separately from Board membership.
Read the Strategic PlanWhat drives us
Mission, vision & core values
Mission
To act as a major voice for the Seychelles tourism industry; to represent its actors and promote a conducive business environment, support members in achieving sustainable growth, and champion competitiveness and service excellence.
Vision
To contribute to a strong, sustainable, successful, competitive world-class Seychelles tourism industry, delivering excellent value for its clients and subsequently its businesses, its people and the country.
Core Values
Collaboration with government and other partners; integrity and accountability through ethical, empirical, transparent and responsible practice; and informed, forward-looking innovation.
What members say
Testimonials
“We have been members of the SHTA for many years. The SHTA has always heard our concerns and looked into ways to support us as a small establishment. We believe the SHTA has a role to play as the link between the tourism industry and government.”