Former Minister St Ange’s biography to debut in Bali on September 30 |23 September 2023

On September 30, 2023, a captivating biography recounting the remarkable journey of Alain St Ange, the former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, is set to be unveiled during a tourism summit in Bali.

Titled ‘Alain St Ange: A Life in Tourism’, this biography not only sheds light on Mr St Ange's extensive and successful career in the tourism industry, but also offers a glimpse into his personal life and the family that played a pivotal role in shaping him.

Mr St Ange is a globally recognised tourism personality, who is well respected both within Seychelles and throughout the international tourism community.

While initially planning to release his autobiography titled ‘Alain St Ange – My Journey’, those who have had the privilege of working alongside him decided to pay tribute to his lifelong dedication to the tourism sector by publishing this comprehensive biography.

Pascal Viroleau, the author of this biography and the former head of Tourism of Reunion Island, and chief executive of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands, reflects on his close collaboration with Mr St Ange throughout the latter's various roles within Seychelles' tourism sector.

Mr Viroleau expresses his unique perspective on Mr St Ange's journey, highlighting their shared experiences, including the formation of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and Mr St Ange’s bid for the secretary-general position at the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

The biography delves into the life of Mr St Ange, starting from his humble beginnings as a young boy on La Digue island, his rise through the ranks of the tourism industry through hard work and an unwavering passion for Seychelles, to his influential roles in public service. It explores his profound love for history, as well as his family's integral role in his life.

‘Alain St Ange: A Life in Tourism’ also delves into Mr St Ange’s educational journey at the Seychelles College. It provides an in-depth look at his extensive career in the tourism sector, which began with his work at Cabanes Des Anges Hotel on La Digue and extended to managing hotels and restaurants in different parts of the world.

“This work became inspired by the desire to document and preserve his life in tourism for future generations,” Mr Viroleau stated in the preface, with a firm belief that the biography will not only celebrate Mr St Ange’s achievements, but also serve as a source of inspiration to others.

The book provides insights into the challenges he faced, his dedication to preserving Seychelles' heritage, and his unwavering commitment to the tourism industry.

Dr Nico Barito, special envoy of Seychelles for ASEAN, contributes a heartfelt foreword to the book, recounting his longstanding association with Mr St Ange and their collaborative efforts in revitalising Seychelles' tourism industry.

Additionally, Mr St Ange's post-resignation career is also explored in the biography, where he continues to be a sought-after figure in the global tourism arena. His recent appointments as an international technical consultant for the Republic of Ghana's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, as well as his roles in various tourism organisations around the world, demonstrate his ongoing dedication to the industry.

Furthermore, the biography highlights Mr St Ange’s commitment to raising the visibility of Seychelles on the global stage, quoting his belief that “Visibility is everything in the tourism industry, it guarantees success”.

It recognises his pivotal role in elevating Seychelles' ranking in the World Economic Forum's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index, solidifying the country's position as a top tourist destination.

Additionally, the book republishes a collection of articles penned by tourism experts and the press about Mr St Ange, providing a comprehensive perspective on his impact on the industry. The biography culminates with a reflection on his UNWTO campaign for the position of secretary-general of the organisation.

Mr St Ange's journey in ‘A Life in Tourism’ offers readers an opportunity to explore the life and legacy of the tourism visionary who is still sought-after across the world.

Laura Pillay