About the SHTA

Owner of Sandprints Hospitality Consultancy. Over 20 years’ experience in the Tourism Industry, in Hotels and DMCs, in the field of Sales, Marketing, Contracting, Business Development and business start-up. 10 years’ experience in Destination Management Companies. Over 10 years’ experience in the Hotel industry, with 2 international chains. Part of the setup and pre-opening of 1 DMC. Branding, pre-opening and opening of 1 Marriott Franchise property. Reopening setup for 2 small properties. Implementation of multiple Property Management Systems. Pre-opening and opening of 1 medium size property - setup of PMS, website, and CRM.

After living abroad for 18 years, Edwin sailed back to his native Seychelles to turn a lifelong passion for sailing into a full-time profession. Over his 40+ year career in hospitality and retail, he founded Seyscapes Yacht Charter, Seyscapes Luxury Accommodation and is also GM for Eden Island Luxury Accommodation.

Seychellois hospitality professional with over 40 years of local and extensive international resort experience in the USA & Caribbean at international brands and private developments. Currently a hospitality owner and operator and consultant.

Swiss Hotel School graduate with over 15 years of experience running and working in small hotels, now expanding into providing hospitality supplies to the industry.

André Butler-Payette serves as General Manager of 7°South, a leading Destination Management Company in Seychelles. Bringing industry experience in the global travel trade and destination marketing, he is dedicated to driving sustainable tourism growth, advocating for local industry excellence, and strengthening the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association network.

Vanessa Albest-Fabien is an accomplished hospitality leader and Hotel Manager at Canopy Seychelles. With first-class academic achievements and international Hilton experience across Seychelles, the UAE, and Ethiopia, she is recognised for operational excellence, people-focused leadership, talent development, and creating exceptional guest and team experiences.

Mervyn Richard Esparon is a Seychellois tourism entrepreneur and the Founder and Managing Director of Summer Rain Tours and Uncharted Yachting. His work brings together destination management, luxury travel, transport logistics and marine services, grounded in local knowledge and a hands-on approach to business. Through Summer Rain Tours, established in 2017, he has developed personalised travel experiences spanning accommodation, private transfers, excursions and island discovery. At Uncharted Yachting, he extends that service philosophy to visiting yachts, captains, owners and guests, connecting shore-based expertise with the needs of the maritime sector. His wider industry involvement includes contributing to Superyacht Africa and regional discussions on charter development and collaboration. He brings an operator’s perspective to the opportunities and challenges facing Seychelles tourism, with a focus on dependable service, stronger partnerships and developing new experiences that complement the destination’s character. For Mervyn, tourism is both a business and a long-term commitment to the islands he calls home.