Member meetings on three principal islands

SHTA meetings take place on three principal islands

SHTA hosted, as planned, four meetings in the later part of January. These were held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon, the Seychelles Tourism Academy, and two community centres - Baie Ste Anne on Praslin and La Passe on La Digue.

Collectively the meetings revealed a number of important issues, with members contributing potential solutions to perceived problems in the true spirit of SHTA, whereby we always seek to propose ways forward when identifying concerns.

The meetings - which are summarised below in terms of the discussion topics and recommendations for further action - will be followed up with an online survey, which will be sent to all members at the end of this week. This will take no more than 10 minutes to complete and will give members who were unable to attend consultation meetings in person to have their opinions incorporated into the SHTA's strategic plan for 2026 and 2027.

We hope very much that you will participate in this.

The summary of meetings follows. Comments made do not necessarily represent the position of the SHTA on any given topic.

1. Berjaya Beau Vallon — 21st January 2026

SHTA needs to adapt to the challenges of working closely with the new government. In order to do so the members need to be able to voice opinions on proposed (rather than already determined and enforced) policies, especially regarding any changes to tax structures. Concern over the spectre of new tourism taxes. Private and public sectors need to be able to share concerns, good practice and resources without bias.

Greater efficiency required with regards to key procedures such as GOPs and licensing. More than ever we need a government portal which delivers connectivity not only between private and public sectors but also across government agencies. Using technology to enhance efficiency will lead to optimum processing times, with all parties 'in the loop'. Any new portal needs to have effective interfaces between, say, Employment, Tourism and Immigration. All GOP applications should be digitalised.

Market trend data needs to be shared, perhaps through the 'new' STB. One comment indicated a need to target Scandinavian countries. Others indicated the need to shore up and strengthen our traditional market relationships. The lack of an all-year direct flight was once again bemoaned.

Networking opportunities within the private sector and, specifically the SHTA membership need to be consolidated and extended. To this end there is a need for a SHTA directory of skills and service provision, inclusive of AC, refrigeration, electrical, carpentry, plumbing etc. Similar to an UBER model this would enable members to contact service providers who, by being in a SHTA approved directory, have indicated their willingness to be first ports of call in the event of an urgent scenario such as a power breakdown. This would benefit smaller properties which do not have the maintenance resources of larger establishments. Help from larger properties to smaller ones would also be welcome.

Information re fraud, bad credit cards etc could be shared through WA groups or similar. Also discreet reporting of 'difficult guests' could assist fellow business owners.

Immigration issues were voiced, with poor/unfriendly attitudes noted by Immigration staff at the airport. Anecdotal evidence of rude and unwelcoming scenarios leading to hold ups for tourists already tired was provided. Once again the issue of ethnicity bias from Immigration staff was mentioned.

Insufficient diversification. All agreed that this ongoing problem needs urgent attention and innovative solutions. Guests frequently asking what to do, where to go and what to see (other than beaches and forest walks), especially during periods of inclement weather. The need for a register of quality, affordable and reliable performers was raised in greater detail at other meetings.

2. Seychelles Tourism Academy — 22nd January 2026

Ongoing concerns about the long and complicated employment process. Everything takes too long - for example ratification of contracts. Quota for tourism needs to be considered.

There is still a great deal of repetition of document submission - applicants should just send the pertinent application, with other basic data kept on file and utilised for all applications from the same property.

The last government didn't listen or take advantage of the expertise available in the private sector.

SHTA can assist and advise regarding the retraining of existing employees as well as school and post-school students. Mindset of Seychellois youth towards tourism today appears to be far worse than 30 years ago.

Education (statutory) is the key. School discipline has to be maintained. Productivity concepts need to be taught. Also money management.

Many people here desire an unrealistic lifestyle - something for nothing.

Stray dogs and ill-managed dogs. A tragedy waiting to happen. Easy to fix this problem with the political will and adequate funding. Solution is to construct kennels for all strays, which would be systematically and humanely captured and, once accommodated, sterilised. Initial capturing operation with systematic back up until strays off the streets and beaches. Within a notional reproductive timeframe there would be no new stray dogs. Those held in captivity would either be adopted by responsible owners or would remain in kennels until natural death. This solution does not factor in irresponsible owners. This would have to be dealt with through legislation.

3. Baie Ste Anne Community Centre, Praslin — 28th January 2026

GOP processing currently a little improved on Praslin, however problems still persist, for example a 5 month replacement permit issued instead of a 15 month period. Such errors (possible typo) should be corrected rapidly. This instance has taken 10 days so far and remains uncorrected.

A credit system is needed for GOP and related payments to government, with each property maintaining an account; basically a 'wallet' system which would mean that when a new payment is required the credit balance is used first prior to new funds being submitted. This would alleviate the problem of massive and unreasonable delays in Immigration refunding - which can take more than one year under the present system.

Poor communication from Employment. This would be mitigated through an automatic response system in a new portal.

A heavy/high handed attitude from the government has been the style in recent years. The default position is that their decisions are final, offering no real opportunities for the private sector (which pays for most government spending) to appeal. This problem is based in a long-standing governmental mindset/culture. However, as one member said; “The government is us”. Members who expressed these concerns are hopeful that the new administration will listen more and pontificate less.

When dealing with Immigration if you deal with junior staff this can be challenging. Emailing to more senior staff is preferable. Junior/inexperienced staff are more dogmatic and inflexible. This is a training issue for government agencies across the board.

A greater sense of accountability needs to be cultivated within government; 'no department should want to be seen as dysfunctional'.

Diversification? What can the government do? Some suggestions were forthcoming; wild life sanctuary, aquarium, cooking demonstrations, refurbishment and development of more cultural/historic sites, an updated directory of musicians and dancers from NACC, geo dome, studio trawl with a gallery destination.

Promotion of Seychelles; Culture should be present at trade fairs. Seychelles is no longer sustainable on a sea, sun and forest formula.

Government could subsidise entertainers through Culture. Possibly in order to promote identified art forms, specific dances and music etc. No subsidy for the guy with a programmed keyboard playing Europop. This would encourage traditional and authentic experiences for tourists. We need an events coordinator within government.

Somebody from Culture (perhaps the Reform Committee) should be on the STB.

Diversification strategies could be seasonal, for example with quick implementation in reaction to poor weather. This could be centrally initiated, involving the DMCs and promoted to all properties.

It was noted that handicrafts don't sell well through dedicated evening 'fairs'. Fine art is also a challenge to sell at such events.

Some performers (dancers in particular) over-charge and sometimes don't turn up. Might the solution be to use more students and young/emerging performers? There would be a problem with evening performances for, say, school students, but this could happen in the afternoon/lunchtime during periods of school holidays. Students from Performing Arts could comply with evening bookings.

A third international language should be introduced in the state curriculum; German, Mandarin, Spanish or similar.

Cargo service from Mahe to Praslin is a great concern. Government needs to work with the cargo shippers and increase the frequency of crossings. Limitations of the Mahe jetty could be problematic. Increased use of a second or 'shadow' crew for vessels suffering from staff shortages?

4. La Digue, La Passe Community Centre — 29th January 2026

Incoherent policies and regulations have led to the present day La Digue being akin to the Wild West. Returning clients who knew the 'old La Digue' are frequently disappointed by what they see today. First time clients are less bothered as they have nothing to compare it to.

Pre-election bribery was observed in terms of cash and kind (buggy licensing for example). Naturally SHTA has no way of verifying this observation.

Discrimination rife regarding planning and licensing. All depends on who you are and who you know. As above, naturally SHTA has no way of verifying this observation.

Recently there has been some over-development which has been detrimental to the reputation and authenticity of the island. Ox carts out. Buggies in. Atmosphere changed.

Cruise tourists bring their own food and drinks, so where is the benefit for La Digue and Seychelles, apart from DMC transport? However it was noted that one day cruise visits can act as a promotional experience for La Digue, with some clients deciding to return in the future for a longer stay.

Too much focus on Source d'argent as the 'go to' beach. Other beaches could divert the focus and provide a greater broadband in terms of experience; Anse Gaulette, Anse Coco, Anse Severe (for great snorkeling) were proposed.

Environmental levy remains too high. La Digue Island Lodge at SR100 pp per night is disproportionately costly when considered in relation to the accommodation charges at this hotel. This is just one example. Very unhappy guests. Source of conflict between clients and guests (who are asked to pay the hotel and therefore hold its staff accountable for the levy). Low room rate but then levy boosts costs, especially for families. Once again the question was raised; why do hoteliers have to collect this levy rather than collecting through an up-front platform like Travizory?

New person i/c of waste collection in LD. Island could be a test case for recycling. A PET processing plant could be installed for around US$1m. Crushed glass for construction. Shredded plastic for export.

Strong opinions were expressed regarding marketing; 'Overall marketing direction of Seychelles is non existent and we still pay our marketing tax. All we see is representation at stupid countries like Brazil. Why are we wasting so much money at trade fairs? Redirect money to targeted online advertising and flight subsidies. Much money and resources wasted on ineffective representation in emerging markets which are never going to emerge'. It was hoped that private sector presence on the new STB Board might bring about more 'common sense'.

We're losing our core traditional markets, Germans, French, Swiss etc. It will be fantastic to get flights back year round eg Condor, even if we have to subsidise them. Better than asking properties for seasonal rate reductions.

Public facilities needed at all popular beaches; toilets, showers. Could be built by government (perhaps through environmental levy funds - still unaccounted for) and then leased at a peppercorn rent. Franchise.

GOP process is getting worse. When will it transition to an online platform? Recently took 4 months for a chef application to be approved.

Summary of take aways and recommendations

Common concerns across all meetings were:

• continued delays and inconsistencies regarding GOP processing; need for efficient online portal paramount.
• lack of prior collaboration between government, SHTA and the wider private tourism sector in general.
• lack of professionalism across government agencies, eg at border control.
• lack of realistic diversification strategies and guidance.
• lack of a credit system for payments relating to the employment of expatriate workers.
• insufficient cargo crossings to Praslin and La Digue.

Recommendations:

• SHTA requested to oversee a directory of services and maintenance providers who commit to timely responses to client needs.
• SHTA requested to work with National Arts and Crafts Council to create a directory of quality, reliable performers.
• SHTA requested to consider forming a WA group within which members can alert each other to problem guests and attempted or realised fraudulent transactions etc. Such a platform could also be used for members to place a 'request for assistance' message.
• SHTA requested to work with Environment and Waste services to create new solutions for recycling, as well as developing, finally, a comprehensive and effective solution to the stray dog problem.
• SHTA requested to work with the government to revise the school and post-school tourism curricula content, working from P5 level to alert young Seychellois to the importance of tourism in Seychelles and the opportunities it holds for career development.
• SHTA requested to work with the government to address common concerns listed above.
• Additionally meetings expressed hope that national marketing will become more effective once the new STB is operational.

What next?

A rapid members' survey — another chance to make your voice heard.