Praslin tourism partners primed for Heritage Route |11 September 2010

The workshop was organised by the Seychelles Heritage Foundation (SHF), together with the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Seychelles Tourism Academy and main partner KHI Raffles Praslin, which has funded the project.

Those taking part came from various sectors of Praslin’s tourism trade, including hoteliers, taxi drivers, travel agents and tour guides, the aim being to ensure that they are all well acquainted with the Heritage Route.

They are now equipped with detailed information about the 20 sites that make up the route, as well as being conversant with the booklet.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, SHF chief executive Patrick Nanty said the training is important for the project to be successful and for the people who will be involved to benefit from it.

“This project can only be successful if you, as the direct users, are well versed in its contents, if you know a bit more about the various sites on the route than just what is in the booklet and you feel responsible for its upkeep and future growth,” he said.

Delegates also learned about “cultural tourism” and its significance to the development and sustainability of our country’s tourism industry. 

STB general manager for tourism development Peter Moncherry, who spoke at the opening of the workshop, stressed the importance of the project to Seychelles’ tourism and the growing importance of cultural tourism.

“The habits of visitors are changing and, more and more, they are looking for experiences – in particular, cultural experiences of the destination,” he said.

“This is where such workshops are invaluable in providing training to those on the front line who have direct contact with tourists and who are charged with ensuring that they fully understand and enjoy experiencing all the treasures with which Praslin has been blessed.”

The Heritage Route project has involved research on various historical sites on Praslin, and soon 20 signposts will be installed. 

Another aspect of the project is the publication of 20,000 booklets to give visitors information on the sites. These will soon be on sale on Praslin.