From Forbes praise to Instagram debate: What the seaweed discussion says about Seychelles’ eco-tourism identity |13 June 2026

While some travellers expect beaches to resemble postcard images year-round, others see changing natural conditions – including seaweed – as part of the experience of visiting a destination where nature remains largely untouched

Just days after Seychelles was highlighted by Forbes as the world’s top eco-tourism destination according to a U.S. News ranking, a social media post by a foreign travel influencer sparked debate among Seychellois online, raising questions about visitor expectations and the realities of nature-based tourism.

The discussion began when an Instagram influencer shared videos and photos of seaweed washed up on beaches on Praslin. She described it as a “big problem” and suggested that tourists are not always informed that some beaches experience seasonal seaweed accumulation.

The post attracted thousands of views and comments, prompting a strong response from Seychellois social media users. Many defended the islands’ natural environment, explaining that seaweed on beaches is a normal part of coastal ecosystems.

The debate comes at an interesting time for Seychelles. 

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