ISS launches its ‘Lospitalite’ Tourism Club   |13 February 2023

Samuel Leon, winner of the logo design competition, receiving his prizes from Mrs Vallantine and Mr Porter

The club is adopted by Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa

The International School Seychelles (ISS) has officially launched its tourism club as ‘Lospitalite Tourism Club’ in a ceremony held recently at the school.

The club has been adopted by the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa and the ceremony was held in the presence of ISS’ principal and head of secondary, Elodie Vallantine; the director general for product development and planning from the tourism department, Paul Lebon; the manager of Hilton Labriz Resort and Spa, Thomas Porter; the ISS’ head of travel and tourism, Angela Lucas Fanchette; as well as the school’s management and students.

The ceremony kicked off with a performance by the school’s choir, followed by the unveiling of ISS ‘lospitalite’ logo which was created by Samuel Leon from Year 8A. He was awarded a certificate presented by the Mrs Vallantine, as well as five points for his house and a voucher from Mr Porter.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lebon from the tourism department thanked the ISS for accepting to be part of the ‘Lospitalite’ programme after they were approached with the project last year.

He also thanked the Hilton group for adopting four schools which includes Anse Etoile primary, Takamaka primary, Perseverance secondary and International School Seychelles.

“A sincere thanks goes to you because even if today is the official launch I know that Hilton Labriz have been actively involved with the school already and that students have been able to get experience from you,” said Mr Lebon.

For her part, Mrs Vallantine thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and tourism for launching this initiative, and the Hilton management group for looking after their school and offering their students with the opportunity in hospitality.

“So many people have been involved in making today a success and I want to thank you all for making all this possible,” she said.

In an interview with Seychelles NATION, Mr Porter shared that although having four schools might seem like a lot to take under their wing, they have managed it quite well as hospitality is something that comes naturally to their staff and so education of students on the matter is not too much of a challenge.

“Each school that comes to visit us, we provide and teach them the hospitality, so it is not something that we are not used to. We do it every day. It is just that on these occasions we do it to the young children,” he said.

During the ceremony the club members were presented with goodie bags as a gift for their participation in the programme.

There was also a play in three different languages performed by the ISS secondary students as well as several songs.

Following the launch of the tourism club in February 2022, it should be noted that all 24 primary schools, all secondary schools and private schools have today been adopted.

Our selection of photos show some highlights of the ceremony.

Diane Larame

Photos by Louis Toussaint