SNPA launches online payment platform |06 May 2021

Guests in a souvenir photograph (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

The Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) launched its online ticketing service in a ceremony on Monday held at the Eden Bleu Hotel.

This is the latest move in SNPA’s ongoing strategy to ensure a more efficient payment system is in place for maximization of revenue.

It was the chief executive of SNPA, Selby Remy, who launched the new payment platform, in the presence of the Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan; Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert; Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) Caroline Abel, as well as representatives from SNPA and Ministry of Finance, among other invitees.

The modern payment system allows visitors to purchase tickets online to visit the marine parks of Curieuse, Port Launay, Baie Ternay, Ste Anne and Ile Cocos.

Upon the completion of the purchase, the user will receive a confirmation email consisting of a copy of their ticket containing a QR code, which they will have to produce, either by print or on their phone, when entering any of the five parks.

SNPA is offering an alternative electronic ticket service for clients with no access to the online platform. These digital tickets can be purchased at three sales points – the SNPA office at Orion Mall on Mahé, SNPA office at Fond B’Offay on Praslin and at Veuve Reserve on La Digue.

The online payment system is expected to address past issues encountered by SNPA, by streamlining the purchase process working hours for marine operation staff and redirecting their efforts more towards the collection of revenue.

It further adds another layer of protection for both staff and visitors, Mr Remy also highlighted during his speech.

“What we want to achieve is more revenue for better service and as we move forward SNPA will continue to use technology to improve its efficiency,” said the CEO.

He also expressed his sincere thanks to the staff of SNPA who have worked hard to make the launch possible, extending his gratitude to all sponsors and partners that contributed to the development and setting up of this platform.

Isabelle Ravinia, information officer at SNPA, who was a great contributor to the development of the platform itself as well as the launch, stated that even though the platform has been launched much of the work still remains in terms of marketing to promote this service.

SNPA’s new initiative is an exemplary step that other organisations in Seychelles would benefit from as we move into the digital era.

Iza Amade