La Digue tourism   |27 January 2024

Striking a balance for sustainable growth

Tourism stakeholders on La Digue had the opportunity to engage with the department of Tourism yesterday morning, to voice their perspectives about the sustainable tourism development proposals for the island.

As part of the validation session, they were presented with the findings and recommendations of a recent study by Cutting-Edge Consultancy, as part of the Accommodation Establishment Strategic Development Plan.

Consultant, Ingrid Sinon-Tirant, proposed the lifting of the moratorium imposed on the development of accommodation establishments, a year and a half ago.

New developments should be built in the Anse Severe and Anse Reunion areas, and should be certified under the recently launched Sustainable Seychelles brand, she said. 

Currently, among the 1520 beds available on the island, 17.4 percent are situated in large hotels, 3.3 percent in medium-sized establishments, and 12.8 percent in small hotels. Additionally, 20.7 percent are in guest houses, and the majority, accounting for 45.9 percent, are in the form of self-catering accommodations.

The occupancy rates vary, with hotels experiencing a 70 percent occupancy, guesthouses at 56 percent, and self-caterings at 46 percent.

Small hotels with 8 to 24 rooms are the preferred development type for the next five years, aligning with the Tourism department’s high-value, low-impact tourism goal.  Small hotels offer various services and amenities from their premises, thereby minimising movement across the island.

Moreover, the proposal aims to increase the number of beds by 311 by 2028. This translates to approximately 30 beds annually, not accounting for projects which have been given the green light, but which are yet to be constructed.

Rather than simply focusing on accommodation establishments, operators should turn their sights towards innovative value-added services, principal secretary for tourism Sherin Francis highlighted.

Data collated by the department repeatedly indicates that visitors feel that entertainment is lacking in Seychelles, prompting a call for innovative experiences, such as gastronomy tourism, among others.

Echoing similar sentiments, Minister for Tourism and Foreign Affairs Sylvestre Radegonde noted the existing pressure on the island's resources, and the urgency of striking a balance. 

“We want the island to keep moving forward. We want tourists to keep coming to the island and for them to continue to spend.”

“However, we need to protect the island, we have to protect the industry,” stated Minister Radegonde, clarifying that the goal is not to close La Digue but to explore responsible development.

Since the enforcement of the moratorium, the department has received some 60 change of use applications from La Digue, he said, warning that over-concentration on accommodation will kill businesses and the charm of the island.

Operators pointed out that the government needs to clearly communicate information about the proposed project timelines and other measures proposed, and that it supports business owners in endeavours to add value to their establishments.

In addition to accommodation, the study also addresses the policy which provided for the gradual phase-out of buggies, instead proposing that operators be permitted to have and replace buggies, while the concerned ministry makes provisions for road improvements.

Minister Radegonde assured stakeholders that their recommendations will be included in the final report, to be presented to cabinet.

He also advised that the government would be lifting the moratorium after putting in place certain measures, marking a significant step towards shaping La Digue's tourism future in a balanced and sustainable manner.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the meeting.

Laura Pillay

Photos: Contributed