Chez Batista celebrates 25th anniversary |03 August 2013

Jean-Batiste Horter, Seychelles’ home-grown hotelier and today a well-known tourism personality, this week celebrated the 25th anniversary of his small hotel – Chez Batista – situated right on the beach at Takamaka.  

"This Seychellois hotelier and restaurateur, who is affectionately known as Batista, has built a successful business through hard work and real tenacity," said Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange as he addressed a gathering of friends, family and business personalities to mark the event.
Also present was Finance, Trade and Investment Minister Pierre Laporte.

"You are an example for our younger generation to follow. Many of your work colleagues from the Reef Hotel days when you were but a kitchen cleaner are here today to celebrate with you. We all remember Batista as the serious and trustworthy employee. This has been your trademark and the reason behind your success," Minister St Ange said.

Batista is the tourism ‘rags to riches’ personality, and his success should inspire the new generation looking at joining the industry that remains the pillar of the country’s economy. He started his business grilling fresh fish with salads and rice in banana leaves on Takamaka beach itself.  Batista then went on to create perhaps the country’s most popular restaurant that is today patronized by numerous visitors and locals alike. His special Sunday lunch has now become an iconic outing enjoyed by so many.

Besides his renowned restaurant, Batista also has an island-styled guesthouse attached to the restaurant which now has a newly added master villa on the rocks by the beach. He is helped by wife Judith, and together they ensure the continued success of Chez Batista with their delicious buffet spreads of some of the best Creole dishes cooked to perfection.

Sunday July 28 was also the day that Batista turned 60 as he toasted his quarter of a century in the tourism industry and this was reason enough for a lunch get-together animated by Joseph Sinon and his band.

Addressing his friends and family, Batista said he had to work hard to be where he is today and that work has never scared him. He encouraged every young Seychellois to believe in themselves and to work to achieve what they have set out for themselves.