ourism in Seychelles an overview as the end of the year approaches – Minister St.Ange speaks

Tourism in Seychelles an overview as the end of the year approaches – Minister St.Ange speaks by Aviation, Tourism and Conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands A final word from my friend Alain St. Ange, Minister for Tourism and Culture in the Seychelles, who reflects on 2013 as he looks ahead to the New Year 2014. Tourism in Seychelles an overview as the end of the year approaches - Minister St.Ange speaks As 2013 winds to a close, Seychelles as a whole has an opportunity to look back over yet another good year for tourism. At home, we continue to conduct a significant reorganization of how the tourism infrastructure works and by the time that the Tourism Board moves to its new offices in Victoria sometime during the first quarter of the year, we shall be looking at operations more focused on marketing and filling the knowledge gap about the islands as a tourism destination. This will be greatly aided by a revamped suite of collaterals: a new tourism website and corporate site; brand new destination video and supporting niche market videos and viral films and a refreshed collection of tourism brochures. Tourist numbers continue to rise and official tourism arrival statistics issued by the National Bureau of Statistics have stated that by the end of November 2013, 3964 tourists arrived in Seychelles, marking the figure at 206,886 visitors for the year up to November. These figures show a 12% increase from the 185,094 record of visitors in 2012. Our strategy of concentrating increased efforts in the emerging markets in response to the economic recession that continues to hang over our traditional European markets is paying off with China recording a respective 75% increase above 2012. Russia, Germany, and France have helped to increase the number of Seychelles’ visitor arrivals throughout the year with an increased figure of 40% in total. The Tourism Board moved to diversify, but at the same time maintained the visibility of the islands in our main traditional markets in Europe, especially in the markets where we have invested so much for so many years and the market that today knows us well and understands us. Furthermore, visitors from America have increased by 8% followed by a 41% increase of visitors from Oceania. Needless to say, the African market follows suit with an increase of 8% along with a 10% increase in South African visitors. Not only have the visitor numbers increased across the markets, but the Seychelles Tourism Board is preparing for a strengthened presence in such new emerging markets as India, Scandinavia and South Korea to name a few. We see this as a vindication of our policies and strategies aimed at diversifying the sources of our tourist arrivals which is paying handsome dividends. Air access to Seychelles continues to evolve and new airline partners such as Mihin Lanka are strengthening our ties with the east while the confirmed return of Air Austral starting the 23rd June 2014 will bring back, especially for our home grown smaller establishments, their market lost since the departure of non stop direct flights from La Reunion. We are, and will remain a mid ocean island destination and will have to continue to work closely with all our airline partners in order to offer the most appropriate routes at the most advantageous prices to our potential visitors. As the islands prepare for the 4th edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria in April 2014, Seychelles continues to refine its raft of international events that includes the Eco-Friendly Marathon, Miss Seychelles Beauty Pageant, LaFet La Digue, the Tourism Ball, the Festival Kreol, the FetAfrik, SUBIOS, the Seychelles Festival of the Sea, La Francophonie Celebrations and a French Day, the Commonwealth Celebrations and a British Day, the Seychelles-India Day, the end of year Christmas with the Stars musical show and now in January the Seychelles-China Day as well as a proposed Praslin Day from 2014 to create added attractions for tourists to enjoy. We have moved from just selling ourselves as only a sun, sea and sand holiday destination even though we probably have the best in this category of holiday options, but many many destinations are also pitching these same selling points. We moved, when we launched the Seychelles Brand of Tourism to make our unique culture, and in so doing our people, the base of our unique selling points. Our culture has our own DNA and our people is Seychelles and they have Seychelles at heart. Seychelles tourism continues to enjoy fruitful relationships and partnerships with other western Indian Ocean nations such as La Reunion, not only in co-hosting the carnival but also looking at longer term prospects for regional tourism such as the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and the East3Route tourism initiative with partners, Swaziland, Mozambique and Kwazulu Natal of South Africa. Together with the private sector we have worked as a team and we have delivered for Seychelles. We now need to further consolidate on our achievements. One major challenge we all still have to work together to overcome is the yield received by the country from tourism, the industry that remains the pillar of the Seychelles economy. Though the hotel charges remains very much a private sector controlled environment and that those who are reinvesting in their properties and who are upgrading their properties will be able to justify rate increases, the country needs to move to encourage new activities and facilities that can help generate more income for the country. Such facilities can include a bird park, an aquarium, and underwater restaurant, floating restaurants and more. Hotels are charging what they feel they can based on the competition they face, not in Seychelles only, but also in competing destinations. This is why we need to be innovative as a country in order to increase our tourism yield. The Tourism Board under the direction of Sherin Renaud and ably assisted by Nathalie Didon have received the big lines to follow from the annual November Marketing Meeting where the private sector tourism trade joins the Government to analyse our performance and discuss together the future. The Tourism Board has now also welcomed Rosemarie Hoareau, the Private Sector nominated Director of Marketing, whose responsibility it is for continuously liaising with the industry on plans, actions and on the way forward. One such move will be the appointment of a Senior Marketing Executive to help the small Seychellois Hotel Owners with their marketing and sales actions to ensure they are better able to face the increased competition of the tourism world. The Tourism Board will continue to make noise in the four corners of the world to ensure Seychelles remains visible and relevant as a tourism destination. Seychelles needs to ensure that what we say we are in our marketing and sales initiatives we deliver 365 days of the years for all our visitors. Everyone must take their responsibility to ensure we remain the dream holiday destination. Anne Lafortune, the PS for Tourism is now finalising details to absorb within the Ministry all policy and administrative departments previously attached to the Tourism Board. These will also include the inspectorates for standards and licensing. Last but not least are the achievements of the Seychelles Tourism Academy, which is currently in the process of being redeveloped with plans to re-open early in 2014. The Seychelles Tourism Academy still holds regional and international partners, especially Shannon College in Ireland, but in a bid to ensure a competent and professional tourism workforce for Seychelles there have also been recent signed agreements with Shanghai and Hebei Province to ensure that it continues to provide high standards of training for students wishing to work in Seychelles’ tourism industry. As we now ready ourselves to meet the challenges of 2014, we must not rest on our laurels but continue to ensure that our tourism products are of the highest standard and also affordable. Today’s international tourism arena is highly competitive and we must do all in our power to make sure that the attributes we are marketing match their descriptions in our brochures and films; that our environment remains clean and appealing; that our Creole charm lives up to its name and that the prices we charge do not turn people away because these are the pillars upon which our tourism industry is built and our future prosperity depends. "We managed the tourism industry with passion. The style of leadership we believe in showed depth, uniqueness and an island style for Seychelles" Minister St.Ange said in reply to a question by a foreign press on the state of Seychelles tourism.

Read More

Former President Rene joins Seychellois in mourning Mandela

Former President Rene joins Seychellois in mourning Mandela

10.12.2013

Following the death of President Nelson Mandela, and on the occasion of the state memorial service being held in his honour in Soweto today, Former President France Albert Rene has joined the people of Seychelles in expressing heartfelt condolences in a message addressed to President Jacob Zuma and the people of South Africa.

President Rene recalled the historic moment where he had the honour to attend his inauguration in 1994, as the first democratically elected leader of a free South Africa.

When forming his own party- the Seychelles People’s United Party (SPUP), with the aim of achieving independence, and more investment in the development of the Seychellois people, President Rene and the SPUP sought inspiration from the struggle led by President Nelson Mandela with great dignity and determination.  Additionally, the SPUP and the African National Congress (ANC) proudly stood side by side in the efforts of our continent to achieve long lasting freedom and equality.

President Rene remarked “Seychelles continues to prioritise people centered development, and our People's Party (the current name of our SPUP) continues to see the message of President Nelson Mandela as an expression of our shared objective of a society based on equality and social harmony.”

President Rene noted that the fight led by President Mandela for a free South Africa was also a fight for the African continent, and the fight for a freer and fairer world.  Seychelles is proud to have contributed to this fight in its own way.

To conclude, Former President Rene stated “Even now, after President Mandela has left us, we are proud to continue to participate in the journey of freedom which he mapped for us.”

Read More

Message by Mr. James Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Message by Mr. James Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

03.12.2013

On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, allow me on behalf of the government and people of Seychelles, to renew our unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people in their continued struggle to exercise their inalienable rights and realize their legitimate aspirations for a sovereign, contiguous and democratic Palestine living side by side with a secure State of Israel.

In strong support of a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, we call on all concerned parties to intensify efforts in working towards credible and meaningful dialogue to reach a comprehensive peace settlement.

This is absolutely essential if a just and lasting peace is to be established in the region. Unilateral actions and use of force on the ground will only undermine all efforts to reach the peace and reconciliation which generations of Israelis and Palestinians have been longing.

On this day we call on the leaders of both Palestine and Israel to show commitment, political will and courage while working to meet the legitimate aspirations of their peoples.

We therefore commend all the positive steps taken during the year to resume negotiations and improve the situation on the ground but much more still remains to be done to meet the different obligations under the various resolutions of the United Nations and other existing agreements. We express our hope that the negotiations will lead to meaningful agreement.

In meeting our common goal for a more tolerant, prosperous and sustainable future for all, we call on the international community to spare no effort in facilitating a viable political process that will make the ultimate goals of statehood for Palestinians and security for the State of Israel a reality.

Read More

Esbern Snare hands over suspected pirates to the Seychelles

Esbern Snare hands over suspected pirates to the Seychelles

02.12.2013

The kingdom of Denmark has reached an agreement with the Republic of Seychelles that the nine suspected pirates who had been detained on ‘Esbern Snare’ since 10 November 2013 can be transferred to the Seychelles for prosecution. The transfer was completed on Saturday afternoon. The suspected pirates were detained by the naval vessel ‘Esbern Snare’ after the attack on a Chinese merchant vessel and the Danish-flagged vessel Torm Kansas. Defense Minister of the Kingsom of Denmark, Nicolai Wammen welcomes the agreement and the prosecution of the detained pirates who attacked the Danish ship earlier this month.

Defense Minister Nicolai Wammen states "With the transfer of the nine suspected pirates to Seychelles , we have once again shown that the Danish and the international efforts in the Horn of Africa work and make a significant difference. I am pleased and grateful that the Seychelles will assume such a great responsibility for combating piracy in the region. It is the third time that the Seychelles has agreed to accept pirates detained by Denmark. We have a very good partnership with the Seychelles, which also serves as the base for our Challenger aircraft when it like our naval vessels is part of NATO's counter-piracy operation Ocean Shield."

Minister for Home Affairs and Transport of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Joel Morgan reiterated the close ties and cooperation which exist between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Republic of Seychelles. Minister Morgan stated “the international community should be aware of the gains made in the fight against piracy but should not loose sight of the veritable threat that Somali piracy still poses. Minister Morgan also called upon “regional states to also take their share of the burden of prosecutions and incarceration of Somali pirates which is paramount in ensuring stability and enduring security in the Western Indian Ocean maritime space.”

The Danish public prosecutor had previously estimated that the suspected pirates could not be put on trial in Denmark.

Read More

Déclaration du Ministre des Affaires étrangères, M. Jean-Paul Adam, sur la situation en République Centrafricaine

Déclaration du Ministre des Affaires étrangères, M. Jean-Paul Adam, sur la situation en République Centrafricaine 02.12.2013 Le gouvernement de la République des Seychelles suit avec beaucoup d’attention l’évolution de la situation en République Centrafricaine. Le gouvernement des Seychelles demeure préoccupé par la détérioration progressive de la situation qui y prévaut. Le rapport présenté récemment au Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies par le Secrétaire général adjoint, Jan Eliasson, décrit une situation sécuritaire très précaire, caractérisée par un effondrement total de la loi et  l'ordre public, et des atteintes graves au droit international humanitaire. Dans la foulée du renversement du gouvernement en mars 2013 par l’alliance des rebelles Séléka, le rapport dépeint les attaques et de terribles représailles entre les communautés qui ont pourtant longtemps vécu en paix. Il met en garde la communauté internationale contre la forte probabilité d'une guerre civile en République Centrafricaine qui pourrait menacer la sécurité et la stabilité régionales. Le rapport indique que la quasi-totalité de la population - 4,6 millions de personnes - "endure une souffrance au-delà de l'imagination", et un tiers de la population se trouve «dans le besoin urgent de nourriture, de protection, de soins de santé, d’eau, d’assainissement et de logement." Les exactions ainsi que les horribles violations continuelles contre la population civile perpétrées par les éléments de la Séléka et les groupes d’autodéfense "anti-Balaka", représentent aux yeux du gouvernement des Seychelles et de l'ensemble de la communauté internationale, des actes abominables que nous condamnons avec la dernière énergie. Les auteurs et les commanditaires de ces actes horribles doivent être tenus comptables de leurs actes et traduits en justice. La communauté internationale ne peut tout simplement rester indifférente et laisser l'histoire se répéter en laissant le sang couler impunément par son inaction. Elle ne peut se détourner de la situation et permettre une autre tragédie se produire encore, après que nous ayons déjà collectivement juré «plus jamais ça !» Le gouvernement des Seychelles appelle donc la communauté internationale à explorer la gamme complète des options à sa disposition pour empêcher la République Centrafricaine de sombrer dans des affrontements intercommunautaires et confessionnels. La condition essentielle de la démocratie est la paix et la sécurité. Une réponse cohérente, claire, prévisible et multidimensionnelle s’avère donc nécessaire pour enrayer la situation sécuritaire très volatile qui prévaut actuellement en RCA  et qui menace l'existence même de son peuple. Le gouvernement des Seychelles a la ferme conviction que le principe de la responsabilité de protéger devrait être ici invoqué. Nous devons aller au-delà du seul soutien moral. Aucun effort et aucune ressource ne devraient être épargnés pour permettre à la MISCA (la Mission internationale de soutien à la Centrafrique) de s'acquitter efficacement de son mandat et, éventuellement, la transformer en une opération de maintien de la paix des Nations Unies, à déployer dans le pays. Le gouvernement des Seychelles salue les efforts et les démarches entrepris à cet égard par le Commissaire à la Paix et à la Sécurité de l’Union Africaine, la Représentante spéciale de la Présidente de la Commission sur la situation en RCA ainsi que les dirigeants de la Communauté économique des Etats de l’Afrique centrale (CEEAC) pour ramener la paix dans ce pays ravagé par des années de conflits et y accompagner une transition politique paisible et démocratique, gage de paix et de sécurité. Le peuple Centrafricain aspire et mérite la paix et la démocratie. La politique étrangère des Seychelles est ancrée dans les principes sacro-saints de la liberté, la démocratie, les droits humains et la primauté du droit. Et nous continuerons à apporter inlassablement notre soutien sans faille aux efforts régionaux, africains et internationaux pour construire la paix.

Read More

Another long banner for The Seychelles Tourism Board from Maryvonne Pool.

Another long banner for The Seychelles Tourism Board from Maryvonne Pool.

Read More

Maryvonne Pool sponsors yearly events

Maryvonne Pool sponsors yearly events for Seychelles Tourism Board events with large banners for year 2013/14.

Read More

Minister for Foreign Affairs holds discussion with Cuban counterpart

Minister for Foreign Affairs holds discussion with Cuban counterpart 28.11.2013 Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam met with, His Excellency Bruno Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba at Maison Queau de Quincy yesterday. H.E. M.r Parilla was in Seychelles on a an official visit as part of his tour of African countries. The Cuban Foreign Minister’s visit to Seychelles is testament to an enduring partnership and friendly relations exemplified by 35 years of Seychellois-Cuban bilateral relations. Minister Adam stated that we share a “unique opportunity to explore potential avenues to further enhance our bilateral ties and that these ties continue to be strengthened by the many instances of positive collaboration in the areas of health, education, sports, culture and environment.” In addition, Minister Adam noted that Cuba and Seychelles had forged exemplary leadership on the subjects of climate change and sustainable development.  He further noted that the Blue Economy offered an opportunity for all island states to reinforce their development potential in the context of the Post 2015 development agenda.  The two ministers also exchanged views on United Nations reform so as to promote joint efforts in the establishment of a new international order promoting long-term-peace and common prosperity for all. H.E. Mr. Parrilla, indicated that Cuba is sympathetic towards a Seychelles bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and wished Seychelles well in its discussions to reach consensus within the African Union. Also present at the discussions was Minister for Health, Mitcy Larue, who stressed the importance of Cuba’s investment in our local health industry, which has enabled the Seychelles to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The Cuban medical professionals in Seychelles have traditionally been instrumental in ensuring the well-being of the Seychellois people.

Read More

Secretary of State holds talks with Japanese Foreign Ministry

Secretary of State holds talks with Japanese Foreign Ministry

23.11.2013

Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Hirotaka Ishihara met with Ambassador Barry Faure, Secretary of State, of the Republic of Seychelles, who is on a working visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Vice-Minister Ishihara expressed appreciation for the participation of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, James Alix MICHEL, to the 5^th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) which was held in June 2013. The Vice-Minister also expressed his desire in enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields such as tourism, aviation and energy. he also expressed his desire to deepen cooperation on issues facing the international community, including anti piracy measures.

Secretary of State, Ambassador Faure expressed his appreciation for the assistance extended by the Government of Japan to Africa, including Seychelles through the TICAD process and for the implementation of the TICAD V assistance package. Furthermore, Ambassador Faure mentioned that the Republic of Seychelles intends to strengthen its existing relationship with Japan in fields such as; renewable energy?fisheries and sports exchanges.

Read More

Seychelles and Indonesia share a vision to develop Blue economy concept and to create opportunities for SMEs across borders

Seychelles and Indonesia share a vision to develop Blue economy concept and to create opportunities for SMEs across borders

24.11.2013

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, has had wide-ranging discussions with his counterpart, H.E Mr. Marty Negatalawa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia over the week-end, where the ministers have highlighted the potential partnership to be developed between the two countries as leaders in the ‘Blue Economy’, and also to create innovative public private partnerships by empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the two countries.

Minister Adam followed his participation in the 6^th Global Forum on Transparency and Tax Information Exchange in Jakarta, Indonesia, with an official visit to the host country.

“As two archipelagic nations, we know that our future development depends as much on our ability to develop the ocean as the land.  Indonesia has been a key leader of the ‘Blue Economy’ principle not only since the Rio +20 conference, but also as a leading partner in the development of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)” Minister Adam stated after the meeting.

The Ministers agreed that real progress towards sustainable development required enhanced awareness in the international community on the role of oceans as a catalyst for development, and also changes in the framework by which developing nations may access support for oceanic development.

Minister Negatalawa welcomed the initiative of Seychelles to jointly organize with the UAE government a special high level meeting on the Blue Economy to be held in Abu Dhabi in January 2014 and expressed the support of Indonesia to further the progress towards sustainable development through empowerment of coastal communities and oceanic nations.

The Ministers agreed to share experiences in terms of conservation, and also in relation to potential opportunities in the tourism sector.

The two ministers also expanded discussions recently tabled at the Perth Indian Ocean Rim ministerial meeting where it was proposed to enhance the abilities of SMEs to access potential markets across borders.  They agreed that Seychelles and Indonesia are ideally placed to develop a bilateral partnership that can further enhance a regional project.  It was noted that the high value tourism sector in Seychelles required many inputs, many of which were available from Indonesian SMEs, and which could also be sourced through partnerships with Seychellois SMEs.  It was agreed to share training opportunities, to develop the capacity of SMEs in both countries, and link them up with the tourism sectors.

“There is no reason why SMEs in our respective countries cannot widen their horizons- and our two governments are aiming to facilitate this.  SMEs have been the key drivers of both Indonesia’s unprecedented recent growth, and Seychelles’ successful economic reforms- we have a great platform to build on”, Minister Adam noted.

During the meeting, the ministers also shared the experiences of their respective countries in the fight against piracy.  As South East Asia had been blighted by this problem in the past, there is significant experience in the Indonesian Coastguard and maritime security services in tackling this scourge, while the establishment of the Regional Anti-Piracy Prosecution and Intelligence Centre (RAPPIC) in Seychelles to better target the financiers of piracy and enhance intelligence sharing has been recognized as an innovation to further enhance international coordination on this matter.  The two countries have agreed to further share experiences both bilaterally and through regional mechanisms.

Finally, Minister Adam also thanked his counterpart for Indonesia’s faithful participation in the Seychelles international Carnival every year, facilitated through Seychelles’ Consul General in Jakarta, Mr. Nico Barrito.

“The exchanges between our two countries linked to the Carnival are an example of bringing tow cultural meting pots together, and create more awareness of the importance of tourism as both a means of preserving and promoting unique and distinct cultures” Minister Adam remarked.

The Minister was accompanied in the discussions by Mr. Rupert Simeon, the CEO of the Seychelles Investment Board, and Mr. Nico Barrito, Seychelles Honorary Consul General in Jakarta.

Read More

Seychelles defends its record at OECD Jakarta World Forum

Seychelles defends its record at OECD Jakarta World Forum

21.11.2013

The Seychelles has emphasised its commitment to good practices and transparency in relation to tax information exchange while also championing the concerns of smaller jurisdictions in the review process and expressing its regret at some of the findings of the review undertaken on Seychelles' jurisdiction.

The statements were made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, who led the delegation attending the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD)’s Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes this week in Jakarta, Indonesia. The delegation also included representatives from the Ministry of Finance Trade and Investment (MFTI), Seychelles Investment Board (SIB), Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA) and the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC).

Minister Adam noted that Seychelles had benchmarked itself against similar jurisdictions, and stood by its record on cooperation with the OECD as well as in ensuring best practices in terms of exchanges of information for tax purposes.

"Seychelles will never hide from its obligations,” said Mr Adam. “We believe in placing our commitments in the sunlight for all to draw their own conclusions. In the same way that we do not believe that financial transactions should be carried out in the shadows, neither should our reviews be subject of secrecy or shame.”

Seychelles’ Phase 2 report, which covered the three-year period under review between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2012, was on the agenda for adoption along with those of 49 other countries.  Although the conclusion of the report is that Seychelles met the standard for 8 essential elements out of 10, there are two elements where Seychelles has been rated non-compliant. The elements assessed were availability of information, access to information and exchange of information for tax purposes.

The two areas of concern relate to the issue of bearer shares and availability of record keeping of IBCs and their agents, and in response to these issues, Seychelles has illustrated that it has cooperated fully with the OECD and has also taken action to address these concerns.

However, these actions can only be formally recognised through a supplementary review and thus the Global Forum will maintain the overall rating of non-compliant relating to Seychelles until re-assessment can take place.

Whilst Seychelles acknowledges and supports the work of the OECD, particularly OECD’s work in promoting transparency and accountability, Minister Adam, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment, formally objected to the rating of non-compliant based on Seychelles' track record. He highlighted that Seychelles has consistently worked in cooperation with the OECD to implement best practices with the resources at its disposal.

The Minister emphasised that in a number of areas in relation to financial governance, Seychelles has actually led the way in enhancing regional cooperation relating to tackling financial crimes and money laundering.  Seychelles have been one of the frontline states in pursing the financial flows linked to piracy and has successfully intercepted a significant amount of illicit financial flows into its jurisdiction, and has also worked with partners to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Minister Adam also pointed out to the Global Forum that the report and the ratings do not reflect the current situation on the ground, as Seychelles has already made considerable improvements since the end of the reporting period, which was mid-2012. Nonetheless, Seychelles is already well-positioned to address all the recommendations in the report.

The Minister also briefed the forum on measures that Seychelles is adopting as part of the way forward.  The amendments to the International Business Companies (IBCs) Act to eliminate bearer shares and to strengthen the framework for the keeping of records and strengthening the sanctions for non-compliance, have been gazetted on 15th November and will be presented to the National Assembly on 26^th November.

Seychelles has also requested for a supplementary review to be considered by the PRG within a limited period and have already engaged with the OECD secretariat to review the overall rating.

A number of delegations similarly raised concerns, particularly of smaller states, with regards to the manner in which the process of review is undertaken, where the framework for interaction is based on experience in sharing information which is not equal among states.  So for example, while Seychelles has cooperated in every instance with requests for information, the total number of requests processed is still seen as small in relation to the exponential growth of its financial services sector.

Seychelles has called for more support to smaller states, and also stressed the importance of capacity building based in the realities of individual states:

"We should not champion a process that requires the minimum. We must rather aim to adopt governance frameworks based on good practices and incremental improvements reflecting the capacity of individual states."

The OECD secretariat has welcomed the initiatives taken by Seychelles and has also agreed to provide technical assistance to Seychelles to address any remaining gaps, as well as conducting a review of Seychelles’ rating within the next year.

Editor's notes:

1) The Global Forum brings together 121 countries cooperating for tax purposes, supported by the secretariat of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

2) At the 6th meeting of the Global Forum, 50 countries were being peer reviewed on 10 sectors, and were rated as being compliant, largely compliant, partially compliant or non-compliant.  It should be noted that this review process is separate from the OECD process of rating jurisdictions as being on the 'black list' or 'the white list'.

3) At the 6th forum 4 states have been rated overall as non compliant and these are: British Virgin Islands, Luxembourg, Cyprus and Seychelles. In relation to this rating, Seychelles contested its review findings and has already requested a supplementary report to address the updates in its governance framework that have been made.

Read More

SEYCHELLES ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND COMMITMENT GET ROYAL APPROVAL

16 November, 2013 08:00 by Aviation, Tourism and Conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands SEYCHELLES ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND COMMITMENT GET ROYAL APPROVAL (Posted 16th November 2013) The extraordinary environmental protection work of the Seychelles, and the fact that this tiny Indian Ocean island nation has devoted over 50 percent of its territory to territorial and marine protected areas has found favour at the highest level of the Commonwealth, of which the Seychelles are a member. None other than HRH The Prince of Wales has recognized this massive commitment to a greener world when he publicly commended the Seychelles for their groundbreaking policies, laws and regulations to protect the environment. Prince Charles is of course known as an ardent advocate for a greener world and his endorsement will go a long way for the Seychelles to gain greater recognition and perhaps a greater influence in the world as climate change and rising sea levels continue to be one of the greatest threats to mankind ever known. President James Alix Michel responded to the commendation by saying: ‘We must strengthen our efforts to establish protected areas which contribute towards carbon reduction, and Seychelles is proud to have designated 50% of its land territory as protected- the largest proportion in the world. We have committed to declare 30% of our Exclusive Economic Zone as protected ocean areas, which form part of our Convention on Biological Diversity targets. We discussed [with HRH The Prince of Wales] how we can work together to stop the further deterioration of our ecosystem and slow down climate change as we are both passionate about these global concerns’. The President spoke to Prince Charles about the blue economy concept which Seychelles is advocating and the way it can be developed through policies and programmes, as well as the HRH’s own charitable organizations. President Michel then added: ‘We discussed how we can work together to stop the further deterioration of our ecosystem and slow down climate change as we are both passionate about these global concerns’. The President also discussed the ‘Debt for Adaptation’ swaps that has been endorsed by this Commonwealth meeting. It is a practical tool that Seychelles has proposed towards addressing both the debt burden of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as well as their need to urgently mobilize support for climate change adaptation. In this regard President James Alix Michel added: ‘We discussed the ways to enhance sustainable fisheries by creating marine-protected areas and leveraging financing to mitigate the loss of income from reduced fishing over a period of time, but raising the value of fishing in the long term, so that fisheries becomes more viable’. Piracy in the western Indian Ocean was also a topic of discussion, where the role that Seychelles has played in fighting the maritime threat was elaborated, in particular the success of Seychelles’ anti-piracy operations. In closing President Michel said: ‘Your Royal Highness, it has been a great pleasure to meet with you today, and we would like to welcome you to the shores of our beautiful Seychelles. I look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation with the UK’. Prince Charles firstborn son and second in the line to the throne, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, spent his honeymoon in the Seychelles on North Island and was able to experience firsthand what results the protection of the environment has yielded for the Seychelles islands and will no doubt also be a valuable ally in the Seychelles ongoing struggle to have the developed and threshold nations of this world reverse their alarming trends of increasing carbon outputs which are today seen as the major contributor to the warming of the earth and the melting of arctic and other icefields. A rise, as was projected by recent UN reports on climate change, of between 26 and over 80 centimetres of ocean levels by the end of the century will be a threat for the very survival of small island countries, foremost to be named the Maldives and some Pacific Ocean nations but also the Seychelles where UNESCO’s World Heritage Site at Aldabra could end up under water. Watch this space for future news from the Seychelles Islands, on all matters regarding tourism and conservation.

Read More

Minor landing mishap for WB 301 this morning – no injuries or damage

Minor landing mishap for WB 301 this morning – no injuries or damage

by Aviation, Tourism and Conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands

RWANDAIR FLIGHT WB 301 FROM DUBAI DEVIATES FROM RUNWAY ON LANDING

(Posted 16th November 2013)

Rwanda’s national airline RwandAir this morning suffered a slight landing problem with flight WB 301 when coming in from Dubai. Sudden gusts of cross winds after touching down combined with heavy rain pushed the plane, a Boeing B737-800NG slightly off the runway into the grass on the side of the tarmac.

Passengers and crew were normally disembarked via staircase as was the baggage offloaded normally too. The plane was then towed into the hangar to be inspected for any material damage to the gear where it is understood it has been given a clean bill of health and is being prepared for the next scheduled flight. With rumours flying around and speculation rife, the airline has issued the following authoritative statement, showing that there is nothing more to it than a slight deviation from the runway, without any damage to the plane or injury to any passengers or crew. RCAA is reportedly looking into this minor incident.

Start quote:

For Immediate Release

RwandAir the national carrier would like to officially inform the public that aircraft WB 301 from Dubai run off the run way at 10:26 am local time. Weather at the time was severe with heavy winds and rain.

All passengers and crew were normally disembarked and the aircraft has since been pulled to the hangar for checkup and is being prepared for the next flight. Airport operations have since resumed normally.

We experienced slight disruption in our morning operations but as of now situation is back to normal.

End quote

Read More

More powercuts for Tanzanians

More powercuts for Tanzanians by Aviation, Tourism and Conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands TANESCO USHERS IN 10 DAYS OF ROLLING DARKNESS FOR TANZANIANS (Posted 17th November 2013) ‘We light up your life’, the slogan by Tanzania’s national power company TANESCO, sounds like some outright mockery towards their clients, as they just announced yet another 10 day period of regular power disruptions across the entire country. All the main power producers in the region, starting from UMEME to Kenya Power, and with the exception of possibly the Rwandan utility company, have a dark track record when it comes to providing regular, reliable, stable and affordable power to industry, businesses and domestic users, and the social media landscapes are full of invectives aimed towards them for their constant failures, outages and poor response times to problems reported. Uganda’s UMEME is notorious to often provide FB pictures of well cooked meals on their Facebook page, wishing people ‘enjoy yourlunch’, mocking those who are without power at home to cook or do regularly peacock around over their ‘accomplishments’ like profits when most Ugandans perceive them rather as bloodsucking pests over outrageous tariffs. Similar complaints are regularly raised from Kenyans over the services of Kenya Power, clearly an indicator that monopolies of this sort do not work in the least for the benefit of consumers but only for the companies themselves, vis a vis profits extracted almost perforce and not answerable to the public at large. TANESCO has now announced that at least until the 26th of November there will again be extensive power rationing and rolling blackouts as one of the main plants will have to go off line in order to allow for major maintenance. From information received by a source in Dar es Salaam it also appears that TANESCO was informed about the planned shutdown already two months ago but opted to keep this information to themselves until the last minute, again a hallmark of how monopoly companies carry out their public relations functions. The source, a senior stakeholder in the tourism industry, also expressed concern that the ensuing dark periods at night may result in increased cases of break ins and crime in general, sounding a warning in particular to visitors not to venture out from their hotels after dark, especially when the lights are off. Watch this space, if you have power that is.

Read More

Emirates places record breaking aircraft order worth 99 billion US Dollars

Emirates places record breaking aircraft order worth 99 billion US Dollars by Aviation, Tourism and Conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands

EMIRATES PLACES LARGEST AIRCRAFT ORDER IN AVIATION HISTORY

(Posted 18th November 2013)

Emirates, the award winning national airline of Dubai, has on opening day of the Dubai Air Show placed the largest order ever made by a single airline, on a single occasion throughout aviation history. At list prices, it is assumed though that they will get a sizeable rebate from both Boeing and Airbus, the deals are worth some 99 billion US Dollars and for that money they will get 150 of the upgraded Boeing B777X, with 50 options thrown into the bargain, and an additional 50 Airbus A380 aircraft, which will make them the undisputed longhaul kings in the skies across the world.

The agreements were signed at the Dubai Air Show by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, with Jim McNerney, Boeing Chairman, President and CEO, and Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ President and CEO. The signing was witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Emirates’ Boeing 777X order is the single largest aircraft order by value in the history of U.S. commercial aviation, and the additional A380 order cements Emirates, already the largest operator of this aircraft type, as the principal customer for the A380 worldwide.

These latest orders bring Emirates’ total firm order book to 385 aircraft (excluding options or purchase rights), comprising 214 Boeing 777s, 101 Airbus A380s, and 70 A350s, at a total estimated value of US$ 166 billion.

‘Air transport is a key enabler of world trade, and we see that demand for aviation services will continue to grow globally. What we’re announcing today is a continuation of our commitment and vision to connect the world through our efficient hub in the Middle East. Emirates’ aircraft orders today, with deliveries of the 777X scheduled to start in 2020, will take us to 2025 and beyond – replacing aircraft due for retirement and providing the foundation for future growth’ said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum.

Boeing’s Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney in his response said: ‘We are honoured by Emirates’ commitment to the newly launched 777X and the significant long term boost this provides to U.S. exports and jobs. Emirates has been an integral part of the 777 success story for many years and today operates the largest fleet of 777s anywhere in the world. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Emirates and continuing to support Dubai’s expansion into a global aviation hub’.

Not outdone though was Airbus which sold another 50 of the world’s largest passenger aircraft and the Airbus CEO Farbrice Bregier was quoted on the occasion of the signing of the order: ‘By strategically placing the A380 at the centre of its business, Emirates is maximizing its leading position with each day of operations. Emirates has understood from the start the A380’s advantages in terms of efficiency, economics and passenger comfort. It has been a true crowd-puller and contributor to the rapid development of Emirates and its Dubai hub. We value our partnership with Emirates airline and are pleased to see this getting stronger each day with their A380s flying’.

Emirates flies double daily to Nairobi, double daily to Dar es Salaam and daily to Entebbe, offering East Africans traveling on the airline easy connections in Dubai to the rest of the world, often accompanied by stopover packages for shopping or to simply enjoy the vast number of tallest, largest and most spectacular of just about anything which has ever been built.

Only recently was the new Dubai World Central airport commencing passenger operations and when complete it will have 6 runways and will be able to process at least 150 million passengers a year with further scope for expansion, making Dubai the undisputed hub of aviation in this day and age. Visit www.emirates.com for more information on schedules, promotional fares and even employment opportunities, as with these orders now in the pipeline the airline will undoubtedly have to redouble their efforts to recruit ground personnel, technical and engineering staff, cabin and cockpit crews. Watch this space for breaking and regular news from the wide world of aviation.

Read More

Uganda Community Tourism news updates for November

Uganda Community Tourism news updates for November by Aviation, Tourism and Conservation news - DAILY from Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands

For those of my readers interested in more than my 'usual stuff' here is an update from the Uganda Community Tourism Association, in short UCOTA, with their regular newsletter for the month of November. Find out more about what is going on at the grass root levels of Uganda's community based tourism and enjoy the read.

Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Dear Reader, Welcome to our November e-newsletter which covers last month's activities and other news as well as upcoming events. UCOTA and Pearls of Uganda had a slightly busy month of October with a number of activities taking place. Some of these activities will be highlighted in this issue and as a way of making this issue more informative and interesting; from this month we will be featuring one of our Community member groups. You will also find other tourism industry news and a lot more. Thank you for your continuous readership and your support by sharing this article with others as you help us make a difference by keeping others informed about tourism. Enjoy! On 3rd November, the long awaited rare solar eclipse swept across the globe - captivating millions of people and plunging parts of Africa, Europe and America into darkness. In East Africa, it happened between 5 and 6.30 pm. The spectacle, described by NASA as a 'rare hybrid eclipse', saw the sun either totally or partially blocked by the moon depending on one’s location. At Owiny Primary School, one understood what a Hybrid Eclipse is given that the best complete solar eclipse lasted for about 15 seconds. Read more UCOTA News UCOTA participated in the just concluded Big Birding Day 2013 which was held on 19th October and the festival on 26th October at Kitante Primary school which was the climax of the celebrations and on this day Elgon area was announced as the winner with 275 Bird species recorded. This big Birding Day was the best in Uganda with the highest number of species, teams, sites and participants recorded. UCOTA Community of the Month Boomu Women’s Group (BWG): A Haven with Tranquility BWG camp is a haven that offers a great refreshing sensation after a long voyage and especially when one comes from the hassle and buzz of city life. It is just one of the best locations to get rejuvenated after a long drive from Kampala before entering the Murchison Falls National Park or before heading back to the city if you are looking for a weekend gate away. The setting is that of a typical African homestead giving you the feel you are in Africa. Whether you are a resident or non-resident, your heart quietly stamps that you are home. The simple bandas made in shape of traditional African huts add on to your experience while the quietness, coolness and the fact you have to bow down while you go in makes it even more exciting. BWG camp is home to a good number of trees which give the camp a good cooling effect when the sun is hot and also provide home to hundreds of weaver birds that go around their business without giving a thought to your presence or your constant stare to their beauty. The morning bird chirping which is like a song that makes sweet music to the ears welcomes the new day and this cannot be compared to alarm clock that seats on the nightstand by our beds back in the city that jerks one awake that no one ever seem to get used to. Boomu Women Group was formed in 1999, in the village of Kihaguzi, with the aim of fighting poverty in the area by creating economic and social development. So far they have done this by raising the incomes through touristic activities which includes; accommodation, village tours, cooking demo, weaving demo and crafts shop all this available at Boomu Women’s Camp. Income received has helped improve lives of many families, run a community nursery school, farming to help ease the access of food to the locals and sell surplus to generate more income and meet payments for agricultural experts to train community as well as keep and further develop the camp. Read more about Boomu Here Uganda Tourism Industry News: More than the eclipse at Pakwach: Other spots to explore include Fort Emin Pasha, the Albert Nile, a rock climbing challenge at Wang Nyamulia (a rock that has a voluptuous figure like that of a woman), the hot springs, the Western arm of the rift valley, the cultural dances at the cultural booths, Rwot Omach Gwar Wii tombs, Leb Kampala (the spot where the White Nile kisses the Albert Nile), Jukia rolling hills and the remnants of the Packwach pier. Read more A peek into Uganda’s tourist attractions: Uganda is a tourist destination arising out of variety of its game stock and scenic beauty. It is a country with substantial natural resources for tourism with variety of landscape and ecosystems, climate and culture. Read more WORK ON MULTI LANE HIGHWAY TO JINJA TO START IN 2015: For now, it is clear that UNRA has been actively working on some major new highway projects, and while a decade late, compared to what has been happening in Kenya where in particular in and around Nairobi major highways have been complete or are at the final stage of completion, it is nevertheless encouraging to see that the Pearl of Africa is finally playing some serious catch up. Read more From the pulpit to the plunder: Baguma’s other life came to light when wildlife officials, together with the army, bust a racket behind the armed killing of elephants in Kibale National Park. Read more UGANDA IMPOUNDS OVER 2 TONS OF IVORY AS TWO CHINESE ARRESTED IN KAMPALA: Last weekend did security operatives working hand in hand with enforcement officers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority arrest two Chinese and two Guineans in Kampala, with a haul of over 1.9 tons of blood ivory ready to be shipped out of the country, after earlier in the week confiscating 116 kilogrammes of ivory at the airport. Read more Nakitto crowned Miss Tourism Uganda: The 22-year-old had not been the outright favourite during the trail for her reserved approach, but she won the crown with the way she took on the big night at the expense of the other eight finalists. Read more Nebbi: Named after a rock, the home of legendary Nyipir: Legendary Nyipir, the brother of Labongo, was reportedly buried in Nebbi county. And in that, it is rich of culture where the popular Agwara, Njige and Ndara dances remain a strong cultural bond and heritage with the Alur King, Rwoth Phillip Olarker Rauni III as the head. Read more Ngamba chimp king dead: Mika has been king for about a decade after dethroning Robbie and Eddy who still live at the sanctuary . Chimps live in families led by an alpha male who mates with the females and in most cases eats first. Read more Bigwala: Busoga’s royal music, dance: “Bigwala music was played in his palace to entertain guests and welcome visitors,” says James Isabirye, a music researcher and lecturer at the department of performing arts, Kyambogo University. Read more Northern Uganda braces for massive tourist influx ahead of hybrid eclipse:Uganda was last year Lonely Planet’s top global destination, was named this year by National Geographic as one of their top choices to travel to and the Kidepo Valley National Park named by CNN as their top choice in Africa. The upcoming eclipse is seen as one great opportunity to showcase the country ahead of next week’s World Travel Market in London, where Uganda will of course be present, led by the Uganda Tourism Board and a large number of private sector representatives from hotels, lodges, the national parks and other attractions and of course the DMC’s. Read more Kumi: The home of Nyero Rock paintings: Kumi is also home to Nyero Rock paintings, the site of the Iron Age rock-shelters bearing illustrative paintings on their inner surfaces but even as makers of the paintings could not be traced, the ingenuity art demonstrates a high degree of inhabitants’ intelligence. Read more The aggressive Egyptian goose: The Egyptian goose is a member of the duck, goose and swan family. They are found mostly in the Nile Valley and near water bodies South of the Sahara. In Uganda, they are found along the Nile and around Lake Victoria. They are fairly large birds that are predominantly brown in colour, with a distinctive white patch on the wing and beautiful pink feet. Read more Locals determined to save Budongo forest: I actively participate in all efforts to conserve it because it is where I derive my livelihood,” Ms Kyokuhaire, a member of Budongo North Collaborative forest management group, says. She is among hundreds of residents living adjacent to one of Uganda’s remaining natural forests who have teamed up to sustainably conserve the resource. Read more Mabira, the natural wonder forest: Here, trees give way to nature’s beauty — birds, orchids, butterflies and forest flowers, all of them patrolled by red-tailed monkeys. Read more More than just water at Source of the Nile: At some point, it has a rise and if you are two people or more and like to keep memories, this is one point to take pictures using natural light as the sun sips through the branches and shrubbery.Read more Recommended Reading: Any Animal That Touches This Lethal Lake Turns to Stone: There's a deceptively still body of water in Tanzania with a deadly secret—it turns any animal it touches to stone. Read more Lira’s orphaned mosque awaits love: Lira’s Jamiya Mosque was supposed to be Northern Uganda’s biggest and the country’s second biggest mosque after the Old Kampala mosque. However, following then president Idi Amin’s self-exile in 1979, the hope of completing its construction, which began 38 years ago, vapourised. Read more Kenya to microchip every rhino in anti-poaching drive: "With poachers getting more sophisticated in their approach it is vital that conservation efforts embrace the use of more sophisticated technology to counter the killing of wildlife. Read more Kenya poachers to be named and shamed online: A website to name and shame poachers in Kenya - PoachersExposed.com - has been launched by wildlife campaigners. Read more Tourism becomes one of the largest and fastest-growing economic sector:Over the past six decades, tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification, becoming one of the largest and fastest-growing economic sectors in the world. Read more Eldoret gets first of several planned Boma Inn’s: Ultimately the Kenya Red Cross Society intends to cover Kenya’s key counties with Boma Inn’s, aimed to provide quality accommodation and hospitality services to travellers upcountry, with all profits, needless to mention, going back to the Red Cross to support their immense task to providing emergency services for Kenyans and visitors like.Read more Wildlife protection in Tanzania: Dr. Nyerere’s commitment and hate of corrupt practices brought Tanzania among few nations of the world with remarkable records in flora and fauna conservation. Read more Kenya proves dominant in claiming most African honours at WTA Awards:The World Travel Awards for Africa 2013, held last evening at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, proved to be a night to remember for the assembled who is who in tourism who came to the ceremony from nearly 30 countries across Africa. Read more Planning for tourism in protected areas. Public participation is critical: My own group now typically recommends at least three management plans (a Park Management Plan, a Wildlife Management Plan and a Tourism Management Plan) which together constitute a Park Master Plan. Read more Magic in the potter’s hands: The soaking is part of the conversion of the clay (the next part is churning it in a tank called a ball mill) into the smooth, pliable, damp material that pots are made of. Read more

Read More