Living tourism pioneers recognised for valuable contributions to industry   |28 September 2021

Unveiling the plaque on which is inscribed the names of the honoured pioneers (Photo: Vanessa Lucas)

Seychelles launched its series of activities for the 2021 Tourism Festival on the occasion of World Tourism Day, yesterday, by recognising 10 pioneers for their contributions to the local tourism industry in a short ceremony held at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, La Misère.

The personalities recognised this year are Doris Calais, Mary and Albert Geers, Gemma Jessie, Jeanne Legge, Lars-Eric Linblad, Kathleen and Michael Mason, Joseph Monchouguy, Marcel Moulinie, Jenny Pomeroy, and Guy and Marie-France Savy.

Unveiling the names engraved on plaques displayed at the Seychelles Tourism Pioneer Park located at the entrance of the academy, Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, who was joined at the event by the honorees or their representatives, said that for the first time tourism personalities who are still alive are being celebrated, in addition to those who have left us.

“This is the first time we recognise people who are still alive. We believe that we need to give people the recognition while they are alive. It is good that they know that their contribution is appreciated,” the minister said.

In his opening remarks the minister paid tribute to all those who have played a significant part in the Seychelles tourism industry, observing a moment of silence for those who are no longer with us. 

“The event is an opportunity to remember and honour the ground breakers of the Seychelles tourism industry. Everyone in the industry plays a vital role. I am happy we are here today remembering all those who have worked hard to make the industry what it is today. We are honouring 10 pioneers but there are many more to follow. To those who are here, there has been a lot of passion in what you have done for the industry and we are grateful for that,” Minister Radegonde said.

Taking advantage of the location at which the ceremony was held where the nation’s future hospitality and tourism professionals are being groomed, the minister emphasised that the pioneers being honoured should be an example to the youth, reminding them that working in the tourism industry is tough, but that with commitment and hard work nothing is impossible.

“The people we recognise today have been in the industry for many years, and people who know them saw how they started out – really small, and how through hard work they have been able to make it to where they are today,” added Minister Radegonde.

Tourism is the business of each and every one of us, the minister said, highlighting the need for everyone to work together to elevate service standards in the destination.

Condemning recent incidents of theft and actions against tourists, he appealed to the general public to be conscious of their actions as they affect the image of the country.

2021 marks the sixth year since the tourism pioneers are being recognised, an initiative started by former Tourism Minister Alain St Ange.

Attending the event at STA were Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs Rose-Marie Hoareau, former ministers responsible for tourism ‒ Alain St Ange and Simone Marie-Anne de Comarmond ‒ principal secretary for tourism Sherin Francis and STA director Terrence Max.

Contributed