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Attached Documents

• List-Private-Health-Services-in-Seychelles-Offering-COVID-19-testing-services-17th-JAN-2022 pdf (453kb) [ download ]
• Fitness-Centers-and-Gymn-PHA-Assesment-003 pdf (258kb) [ download ]
• GUIDANCE-FOR-BEAUTY-AND-HAIRDRESSING-SERVICES. pdf (597kb) [ download ]
• Guidance-for-Environmental-Cleaning-in-Tourism-and-Travel-Facilities-final-5May20 pdf (937kb) [ download ]
• Guidance-for-Environmental-Cleaning-in-Tourism-and-Travel-Facilities-final-5May20-1 pdf (937kb) [ download ]
• GUIDANCE-FOR-SPAs-2 pdf (482kb) [ download ]
• Guidance-for-the-general-public-on-the-usage-of-mask pdf (458kb) [ download ]
• Guidelines-for-Maritime-based-Activities-May-2020 pdf (3448kb) [ download ]
• Guidelines-for-Restaurant-May-2020 pdf (3271kb) [ download ]
• Guidelines-for-Tour-Guides-September-2020-v1.2 pdf (394kb) [ download ]
• Guidelines-for-Tourism-Accommodation-May-2020 pdf (3365kb) [ download ]
• Guidelines-for-Tour-Operator-Travel-Agent-May-2020 pdf (3256kb) [ download ]
• Health-Entry-Conditions_v4.2-WEF-24-Mar-2022 pdf (927kb) [ download ]
• Letter-Tourism-Sector-Guidelines-in-response-to-COVID-19-Tour-Guide-Tourism-Commission-Agent pdf (144kb) [ download ]
• Letter-Tourism-Sector-Guidelines-in-response-to-COVID-19 pdf (144kb) [ download ]
• New-variant-in-South-Africa-propels-health-authorities-to-put-up-new-travel-measures pdf (541kb) [ download ]
• PUBLIC-HEALTH-INFECTIOUS-DISEASE-REGULATIONS pdf (441kb) [ download ]
• SI-23-2021-Public-Health-Fixed-Penalties-Amendment-2021 pdf (275kb) [ download ]
• Seychelles-Visitor-Travel-Advisory-15-March-2022-1 pdf (1133kb) [ download ]
• Guidance for Management of COVID-19 Cases and Contacts (14 Oct 2022) pdf (1043kb) [ download ]

The Tourism Department is mandated to encourage the development of the tourism industry in Seychelles.

Useful Links

• Air Seychelles
• Department of Foreign Affairs
• National Bureau of Statistics
• Seychelles Ports Authority

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Seychelles Travel Guide 2021

With its vibrant Creole culture, astonishing biodiversity and breath-taking seascapes, island-hoppers prepare to set sail to the idyllic isles of the Seychelles .

An island nation at the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles sit 1,000 miles off the East African coast. Although one of the world’s smallest countries, the Seychelles comprises an archipelago of 115 islands and atolls, from tiny outcrops of coral to vast hunks of granite. While this island republic is reputed as a white-sand haven for honeymooners and heliophiles, the Seychelles’ offerings extend far beyond its beaches.

Geographically, the Seychelles are split into two principal island groups. Ringed by a halo of coral atolls, the centrally-located Inner Island Group hosts the charismatic capital of Victoria on the most populous island of Mahé – gateway to the Seychelles. Rugged and granitic, these islands are distinguished by forested slopes of lush tropical jungle, enticing ribbons of coastline and a mountainous spine that reaches its pinnacle at Morne Seychellois – the Seychelles’ highest point at 2,969 feet. Nearby, unspoilt Praslin and La Digue are a short boat ride away, whilst the outer group of low-lying islands, flat and coralline, mostly sit vacant at just a few feet above sea level. 

Situated four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are an ecological delight with diverse terrain ranging from high-altitude tropical forests dotted with hiking trails to thriving coastal mangroves. Varied plant life is a joy for botanists with an abundance of exotic plant species, including the government-protected coco de mer – a fruit treasured by Asian cultures as a natural aphrodisiac and retainer of mystical properties. Verdant rainforest disguises tiny tree frogs and tiger chameleons whilst native Sunbirds and Paradise Flycatchers dwell in the treetops above. 

Warm waters will tempt scuba divers, where vast whale sharks and manta rays glide. In the shallows, thriving reef beds and long sea grasses make for fantastic snorkelling along the varied, shipwreck-laden seascapes of Mahé’s north coast. Over half of the Seychelles’ surface area is covered by marine and wildlife reserves, including the UNESCO-protected Aldabra Island where astonishing numbers of giant tortoises roam freely – just one of the many examples of the harmony that can exist between tourism and conservation.

With their icing-sugar shores and glass-like water, reputation precedes the Seychelle’s beaches. As the primary draw for travellers, first time visitors will soon realise after a stroll along the powder-like stretch of La Digue’s Grand Anse, that the hype is more than justified.  A favourable oceanic climate prevails as the archipelago sits on the calm waters outside the Indian Ocean’s cyclone belt, with the southeast trade winds that have long bought visitors to these distant shores soothing the tropical humidity. 

Settled by French colonists in the 18th century, the mother tongue of the Seychellois is Creole – a distinct vernacular that is prevalent along these colonised areas of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Rich French Creole cuisine will capture your taste buds, with ubiquitous, flavoursome fish curries attesting to the Seychelles’ heritage as a centre of the spice trade. 

Despite the Castaway style scenery, a touch of luxury is never far at hand in the Seychelles.

The Seychelles: Facts and Figures

Population  – 98,462

Capital  – Victoria

Language  – Creole, English, French 

Currency  – Seychelles rupee (SCR)

Time Zone  – UTC +4

TOURISM INSIGHTS: SEYCHELLES TOURISM BOARD

Established in 2005, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) are the public/private sector body responsible for the promotion of the Seychelles as a tourist destination of choice. 

Following on from our initial interview with the Tourism Board in Issue One, we check back in with CEO, Sherin Francis to see how the organisation, and indeed the Seychelles, are coping in the wake of the pandemic.

Q&A WITH SHERIN FRANCIS, CEO, SEYCHELLES TOURISM BOARD

How has COVID-19 affected the tourism industry in the Seychelles, and how are you helping local businesses recover?  

Sherin Francis (SF): Over the past year, Covid-19 has prompted a heavy downward trend in tourism arrivals. In spite of this, we continue to be proactive. We participate with our tourism partners, both at home and abroad, to keep the Seychelles at the forefront of people’s minds. 

We do this through a number of social media campaigns, such as ‘Experience Seychelles: Our Home, Your Sanctuary.’ We also keep in close contact with all of our stakeholders, as well as facilitating a link between our partners via zoom conference calls, virtual marketing meetings, virtual roadshows and trade fairs.  This is done to both maintain and build new relationships, whilst keeping everyone abreast of what is happening. 

The Seychelles has been one of the first holiday destinations to reopen to tourists without a vaccine requirement. Could you tell us your thoughts on this and how you think this will affect tourism for the islands?

SF: This has been a bold but carefully considered move to relaunch our tourism industry – given the fact that at the time of writing, well over 53 percent of our targeted population have already been vaccinated and 91 percent have already taken their first dose. This has created the necessary degree of herd immunity. 

This immunisation campaign is being complimented by proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken by travellers 72 hours before travelling to the Seychelles. Within the destination itself, we are maintaining the necessary sanitary measures, including the mandatory wearing of face masks in public areas, social distancing and constant hand hygiene.

What are your organisation’s current goals?    

SF: The Seychelles Tourism Board’s goals are to continue to provide leadership and a sense of direction as we navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We endeavour to remain tactical and light on our feet, as we leverage our resources to the best effect by identifying the new markets and trends that will help to inflate the number of tourists travelling to our shores. 

Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?    

SF: In line with our sustainability label, STB will be launching the Global Impact Network. This is a platform developed by a group of young entrepreneurs with the aim to allow anyone, but of course here we are targeting primarily visitors, to post their experiences in the Seychelles. This in turn supports some of the UN’s sustainable development goals and measures in metric terms to analyse how they are positively contributing towards the goal. We are confident that this project will go a long way in supporting and advocating Seychelles’ efforts in sustainability and conservation.    

Is the Seychelles Tourism Board capitalising on any current trends in the travel industry?

SF:  As a small destination that is heavily reliant on tourism, the Seychelles always has a weather eye on the latest travel trends and how they might be turned to our advantage. 

One of the latest examples of this is our Workcation Programme. This has been designed to target a specific travel segment within two categories; those who are employees and the self-employed, falling within the medium to high-income bracket.  Local tourism establishments especially hope to use this strategy to attract working professionals for long stays, using the Seychelles as a home office destination whilst on holiday.   

With regards to sustainability, STB is partnered with the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label. For a country and tourist destination such as the Seychelles, sustainability ensures our future by mainstreaming sustainable practices that enable us to protect the environment whilst also crucially underpinning our attraction as a tourism destination.  

I understand that you have developed a travel guide smartphone app – could you tell us a little bit more about this? Has it been popular?

SF: This was developed some years ago in response to a perceived need for our tourists to have access to a virtual tour guide and access to real time information to enable them to make immediate choices. In general, this continues to be well received.  

Are you optimistic about the recovery of the tourism industry in the Seychelles?

SF:  As optimistic as I can be. Many of the controlling factors of the COVID-19 situation remain beyond our control. However, the signs are promising so far that, gradually, we will be able to reclaim our industry. 

Finally, where is your personal favourite spot on the islands that you would recommend to tourists?

SF: The problem is that I have so many favourite spots: from the viewpoints overlooking our wide expanse of emerald forest and sapphire ocean to any one of our world-beating beaches. We are spoilt with our wonderful choice of island resorts and a spectacular network of walks and hiking trails that allow visitors to discover our wealth of rare flora and fauna.

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

For Creole cuisine in an historic location…

Marie Antoinette’s Restaurant  – the Seychelle’s oldest restaurant is set in a colonial Seychellois mansion, delivering authentic Creole cuisine in this historic Victoria hotspot.

Contribute to conservation  – Blue Safari Seychelles offer the chance for guests to get involved with several conservation initiatives. Roll up your sleeves and contribute to the preservation of the Seychelles through beach clean-ups, turtle patrol, and observing the Manta Rays. 

Submarine Exploration  – Bookable via Viator, take a semi-submarine tour through Saint Anne National Marine Park. Departing from the aptly named Eden Island, enjoy an unbeaten view of the island’s marine life and vibrant coral reefs from an underwater cabin. 

Charter a luxury yacht – Cruise your way through the islands on-board a pedigree vessel with luxury amenities at your disposal. Safe in the hands of an experienced Captain and exceptional crew, a selection of charter packages are bookable via Ocean Independence. Cruising season from November through to April.

For a private beach retreat….

La Digue Island Lodge Hotel  – Sample authentic Seychellois hospitality with island style accommodation.

For a family-friendly eco-escape… 

Les Lauriers Eco Hotel and Restaurant  – Family run and environmentally friendly accommodation in Northern Praslin.

LA DIGUE IN FOCUS

As the Seychelles’ third-most inhabited island, and just a 15 minute ferry ride away from the paradisiacal shores of Praslin, the teardrop-shaped island of La Digue warrants a visit from any traveller to the Seychelles. Offering an idyllic snapshot of Seychellois island life, here, only a handful of cars are permitted and you may wander barefoot along sandy roads where giant tortoises are likely to be the only traffic. Just one road snakes around three quarters of the entire island. 

Many choose to explore La Digue on two wheels, cycling to the most renowned beach of Anse Source D’Argent or wandering on foot to Anse Marron – a worldwide favourite. Offering a series of breath-taking bays, beaches are the primary draw here. Swimmers may luxuriate in the turquoise waters on the boulder-strewn shores of Petite Anse in the Southeast, whilst the island’s West Coast offers beaches sheltered by coral reefs that promise calm seas perfect for snorkelling. The more active beach lovers may prefer to horse ride, fish, or take boat trips around the island. 

Inland, the wooded La Digue Veuve Reserve is a bird sanctuary boasting a healthy population of the endemic black Paradise Flycatcher. Visitors interested in the island’s historic coconut farming industry may visit the L’Union Estate coconut plantation whilst La Digue’s hilly interior offers meandering hiking trails navigating thick jungle. Hikers should venture up to the promontory at Pointe Petite Anse, offering astonishing ocean views across to the Ramos National Park and the miniature islet of Félicité. Infrastructure is limited here and mainly prominent in the laidback port towns of La Réunion and La Passe where Creole cafés offer local cuisine and relaxed ramshackle style eateries.

LANDMARK ATTRACTIONS

Aldabra Islands

The large, uninhabited island of Aldabra, within the Aldabra Group is the world’s largest raised atoll, surrounded by a shallow lagoon. Naturally protected by a coral reef and preserved from manmade interference by UNESCO, Aldabra boasts the world’s largest population of giant tortoises with numbers in excess of 152,000. Embark on a cruise to observe these ancient creatures and learn about local conservation efforts at the research station.

Morne Seychellois National Park

This vast National Park covers over 20 percent of Mahé’s land area and comprises a mixture of terrains including coastal mangroves, rugged mountains and an extensive trail network snaking through dense jungle and indigenous forest. The pinnacle of Mahé’s mountainous interior can be reached at Morne Seychellois (905 metres), the country’s highest peak. Encounter fantastically rich ecosystems and keep your eyes peeled for endlessly impressive native flora and fauna, including the world’s smallest treefrog. 

In the northwest of Praslin, you will find what is widely regarded as one of the world’s best beaches. This is quintessential Seychellois escapism at its finest, with granite boulders bordering one end of the bay and white sands fringed by a thick curtain of swaying palm fronds and tamakata trees. The idyllic backdrop opens out to a deep bay, unprotected by coral reefs, although perfectly suitable for bathing.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

All international flights to Seychelles arrive and depart from Mahé in Victoria (SEZ). Getting to the islands is relatively simple – it’s getting around them that can be half the experience! 

Inter-island flights are available between Mahé and Praslin with a reliable scheduled service from Air Seychelles. Charter flights are the only option to reach other islands by air. The most popular choice is to travel by boat, with fast passenger vessel services running between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Other ferry services and catamaran crossings operated by Cat Cocos are also available. If travelling in high season, we advise booking your crossing in advance online. 

Those based on the larger islands of Praslin or Mahé may consider car rental for unparalleled independence, and this can often prove cost-effective if staying more than a few days. On both islands, the road network is in good condition, meaning that extensive bus routes are also available. Alternatively, we highly recommend bike rental for laidback island exploration whilst staying on La Digue. This is typically available through your accommodation.

ALPHONSE ISLAND: A HAVEN FOR ECO-TOURISM

We shine a spotlight on Alphonse; the island that may be small in size but is big on sustainability. For burgeoning eco-warriors and mindful travellers, this is one for the bucket list. 

Located in the remote Outer Islands of the Seychelles, some 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé, the tiny island of Alphonse has earnt itself a name as a leader in eco-tourism. Flying the flag for sustainable travel, Alphonse is part of the prestigious Blue Safari Seychelles portfolio. Blue Safari embody the philosophy of combining sustainable travel with high-end accommodation, ensuring their clients can enjoy memorable holidays and worthwhile experiences, without comprising on service. 

Renowned as a gem in the archipelago’s crown, Alphonse has the untouched feel of an undiscovered Eden. Yet, as with eco-systems worldwide, there is a fragility here that demands protection. As such, the island has implemented an array of environmental procedures to preserve its delicate habitats, whilst promoting and educating guests regarding wider sustainability practices.

Nature-based Experiential Travel 

On Alphonse, you are spoilt for choice with enriching and immersive experiences suitable for all the family. Adventure activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, turtle hatching and fly-fishing to name just a few. For conservation enthusiasts, from May to September 2021, you can partake in the ‘Explorer Season Conservation Experience’. Encompassing a range of conservation projects, this offers unparalleled insight into the island’s ecology, with beach clean-ups, tree planting, turtle monitoring and underwater wildlife photography all run by a dedicated team of environmentalists and marine biologists.

Self-Sufficient Farming

Remarkably, the entire island is reliant on a vegetable garden that produces a staggering average of 2.5 tonnes of fresh produce each month. This self-sufficient farming has prevented around 30 metric tonnes of CO2 from being released each year via air miles, excluding the reduction of countless other emissions released from overland refrigerated haulage and processing factories in the commercial food industry. The chefs on the island’s sole resort are experts in curating menus from this produce.

Indeed, 65 percent of the fresh produce consumed across the islands and atolls in the Blue Safari Seychelles portfolio are sourced directly from the farm on Alphonse Island- including lemongrass, tamarind, curry leaves, coriander, mint, basil and parsley. Organic salad ingredients such as rocket – a notoriously difficult plant to grow in the tropics – are grown in the garden, ensuring zero-kilometre food miles and a farm to fork ethos is adhered to. Celebrating the best of Seychellois cuisine, the traditional Creole menu also uses fresh fish that has been caught daily in local waters with zero imported shellfish. By joining a garden tour, guests can start the day on the right track with a hand-picked smoothie. 

Renewable Solar Power 

In 2018, the Seychelles’ largest solar farm was installed on Alphonse Island, earning Blue Safari the status of the Outer Island’s first hospitality group to operate on solar power. As a result, the island eliminated the use of 268, 000 litres of diesel usage a year, consequently reducing emissions by 718.24 tonnes per annum. 

Reduction of Single-Use Plastics

Guests are requested to leave their plastic bottles at home, with Blue Safari providing reusable YETI drinks flasks for the duration of the stay. In an unforgiving tropical climate, some plastics are unavoidable, yet eco-friendly alternatives are implemented wherever possible, such as biodegradable cling film. Sustainable in-room toiletries are designed to minimise plastic supply and guests are provided with handmade cosmetic products from a cruelty and plastic-free local brand. 

Eco Conscious Cleaning

Alphonse Island has reduced the use of environmentally destructive cleaning products by using Innuscience products – 100 percent biodegradable cleaning solutions that use microbial action to break down dirt. Automatic refill stations around the island ensure that single-use cleaning bottles and plastic usage is kept to a minimum.

On Alphonse, your accommodation comprises beach bungalows, suites and villas surrounding the central lodge building. Visitors here can expect to leave not just with the treasured memories that accompany any holiday, but also a renewed appreciation and respect for the delicate ecosystems of our planet.

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Seychelles   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sergio Canobbio | Getty Images

11 Best Things To Do in Seychelles

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

Seychelles's claim to fame is its beaches. The islands' soft, white shorelines — peppered with immense boulders and framed by the warm, clear Indian Ocean — are often seen gracing the fronts of postcards and the covers of magazines. And the best part

• All Things To Do

Anse Volbert (Praslin) Anse Volbert (Praslin) free

Also known as the Côte d'Or ("Golden Coast"), Anse Volbert earns rave reviews from sun-seekers, swimmers and snorkelers for its sugary white sand and crystal clear water. Although it's one of the island's most popular beaches, Anse Volbert's size (approximately 1½ miles long) means it never feels crowded. "It's not a busy beach but for a good experience, try to go to the right to get away from all the boats," one TripAdvisor user suggested.

Although they admit that Anse Volbert isn't the prettiest of Seychelles' beaches, travelers say that the soft sand and shallow water are ideal conditions for those traveling with children. And the abundance of restaurants and bars close by means you can plan to spend the day there without worrying about going hungry or finding a restroom.

Beau Vallon (Mahé) Beau Vallon (Mahé) free

Sitting opposite Victoria on Mahé's northwest coast, Beau Vallon is one of the island's most popular beach areas. And for a good reason: The wide shoreline and calm seas make Beau Vallon a great place for both swimming and water sports, including snorkeling, boating, fishing and scuba diving. The area is also surrounded by a wide array of restaurants, hotels and shops, making it a great home base for travelers looking to soak up the rays. Although Beau Vallon exudes a slight resort-area feel, travel experts and recent visitors agree that the beach is worth checking out — especially if you're visiting with kids as there are no strong currents or sharp bits of coral lurking beneath the waves

You won't have to pay to lounge on the sand or hit the waves, but each water sports company features its own rates for equipment rentals and dive excursions. If you're looking to explore beneath the waves, recent visitors recommend diving with Ocean Dream Divers . "I wish to proclaim my deepest gratitude to the fantastic and professional team at Ocean Dream Divers," wrote one TripAdvisor user. "I would define my experience here as VIP diving." The company offers dives that range from around 735 SCR to 1,228 SCR (approximately $60 USD to $100 USD) per person. Equipment rentals will tag an extra few rupees onto your bill.

Anse Lazio (Praslin) Anse Lazio (Praslin) free

Lying along Chevalier Bay on Praslin's north coast, Anse Lazio beach wins visitors over with its ivory sands, cobalt water, giant boulders and restaurants conveniently located nearby. Lazio routinely earns a place among experts' top 10 lists because it feels like a secluded tropical paradise, while the calm waters and abundance of underwater life earn praise from avid snorkelers. Because word has gotten out about Anse Lazio's merits, some recent visitors recommend arrving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

Even though Lazio's reputation may have stolen its aura of privacy, travelers still say that this beach is a must-see. "If I would have known about this place in advance, we would have just booked our hotel near this place and wouldn't have need[ed] anything else," said one TripAdvisor user.

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Anse Georgette (Praslin) Anse Georgette (Praslin) free

Despite Seychelles' growing popularity as a tourist destination, Anse Georgette has maintained its sense of seclusion, making it an ideal place for lovebirds seeking some alone time. The beach's white sands are ideal for sunbathing while the calm, clear water draws swimmers and snorkelers alike. But for many visitors, it's Anse Georgette's stunning views that deserve the most admiration. "Anse Georgette is one of the few things in life that left me speechless," wrote one TripAdvisor user. "From my point of view, this is the best beach on the island. It is a must."

To reach Anse Georgette, you'll need to pass through the adjacent Constance Lémuria Resort — an easy feat. Both the resort and the beach can be found on Praslin's northwest coast (about 3 miles north of the Praslin Airport); you can access the beach using the resort's well-maintained path, which also leads to the resort's golf course. You can access the beach at any time, day or night, for no fee, as long as you obtain permission from the resort in advance (only 30 non-guests are allowed on the beach at any given time). For more information, visit the Seychelles Tourism Board's Anse Georgette page or the Constance Lémuria Resort's website .

Anse Intendance (Mahé) Anse Intendance (Mahé) free

Mahé's famous Anse Intendance sprawls across half a mile of the island's southern coast — approximately 20 miles south of Victoria — luring beach bums with the promise of sparkling sands, swaying palms and beautiful views. Though it's one of Seychelles' most popular beaches, Anse Intendance isn't the best place for a dip. The lack of a reef makes for larger, stronger waves that draw surfers in droves. If you'd prefer to swim, head to Beau Vallon (on Mahé's northwest coast) instead.

Although swimming isn't advised, recent visitors highly recommend paying a visit to Anse Intendance all the same. "There are neat granite boulder formations that kids enjoy climbing on and lovely trees everywhere," one TripAdvisor user said. "The water is the color you see on postcards — absolutely perfect." When you tire of lounging shore side, you can grab a drink or a snack at the nearby Banyan Tree Seychelles Resort .

Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue) Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue)

If you're looking to spend the day on one of Seychelles' most famous beaches, complete with rustling palms and gigantic boulders, make your way to Anse Source d'Argent. If you feel like you've seen this sandy stretch before, you probably have: Anse Source d'Argent has been used as the backdrop for numerous advertising campaigns for Bacardi Rum, Campari and Bounty Chocolate. You'll find this picturesque strip of shoreline along the southwest coast of La Digue. However, unlike other Seychelles beaches, you'll have to pay to play here. If you're looking to sprawl along Anse Source d'Argent's white sand you'll need to fork over 100 SCR (approximately $8 USD) to L'Union Estate , the plantation that sits adjacent to the beach.

Despite it being one of the only beaches requiring admission, recent visitors say that Anse Source d'Argent is well worth the trip if you're on La Digue. "Anse Source d'Argent is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited," one TripAdvisor user claimed. "I can see why commercials are shot in this location!"

Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden (Mahé) Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden (Mahé)

Today, people flock to Seychelles for the soft white sands, but back in the 18th century, the islands were a hub for the spice trade. For a taste of the islands' history, spend some time touring Le Jardin du Roi. Sitting on the hilly terrain above Anse Royale beach on Mahé's southeast coast, this old spice garden is still steeped in the aromas of vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and a variety of other spices. You can enjoy the scents and scenery as you wander the gardens, learn about Seychelles' spice trade at the small onsite museum, get up close to giant tortoises, participate in a guided hike (as long as you notify the garden 24 hours in advance) or enjoy a flavorful lunch at the restaurant. And before you leave, you can pick up some spices to take with you from the spice shop. 

Le Jardin du Roi welcomes visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Though some visitors note that the admission price has increased in recent years (to 110 SCR, which is around $9 USD per person), others say it's worth the money. "If you want to see some history, tropical plants, and giant tortoises, this is well worth the time and money," said one TripAdvisor user.

Victoria (Mahé) Victoria (Mahé) free

There's really no avoiding Victoria. Seychelles' tiny capital acts as the transportation hub for all of Mahé — the airport sits a mere 6 miles southwest of town, while many bus and ferry services originate in Victoria. Plus, the city's numerous transport services make it a convenient layover point for those en route to Praslin or La Digue, as well as to other points of interest on Mahé. But recent visitors and travel experts alike recommend taking a day or two to experience the city. Home to one third of the nation's population, Victoria has an air of hustle and bustle, but not enough to break the city of its provincial ambiance. You can join in the action at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market where vendors have been selling fish and fruit since 1840; or you can brush up on the history and culture of the islands at the National Museum of History (entry is 15 SCR — approximately $1.25 USD — for adults). But for many, the highlight of a visit to Victoria is the time spent at the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens .

You won't need anything but your own two feet to get a feel for Victoria. In fact, you can walk from the western edge of the city through downtown to the harbor (a distance of less than a mile) in roughly 15 minutes. While you're wandering, keep your camera handy so you can snap photos of the town's old colonial buildings and beloved clock tower (a replica of a clock that once stood on Victoria Street in London , which former Seychelles governor Sir Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott admired). You'll also find a smattering of local mom and pop restaurants serving up fresh seafood and Creole cuisine.

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Vallée de Mai (Praslin) Vallée de Mai (Praslin)

The 48-acre Vallée de Mai earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its roughly 6,000 coco-de-mer trees. These beautiful trees — once believed to have sprouted from the ocean floor — haven't evolved much since prehistoric times. In fact, Vallée de Mai is so beautiful that it was once rumored to be the site of the Garden of Eden. Today, you can follow the nature reserve's path through the expansive forest to admire the coco-de-mers and the abundance of wildlife (including chameleons and black parrots) they shelter.

Botanists and bird-lovers could spend hours exploring Vallée de Mai, but recent visitors say that the average traveler won't need more than a couple of hours. "[T]here isn't much to see if you are walking around without a guide," one TripAdvisor user attested. "It would be good to do some reading about everything before you get there so that you can appreciate it more."

Seychelles National Botanical Gardens (Mahé) Seychelles National Botanical Gardens (Mahé)

Planted more than 100 years ago, the vibrant flora housed within the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens provides a pop of color to a vacation mostly spent on white sand. Stretching out along 5 acres of Mont Fleuri — on the southern outskirts of Victoria — the botanical gardens offer visitors an up-close look at Seychellois wildlife. In addition to the towering palm, spice and fruit trees found here (not to mention the aromatic blooms found in the orchid house), you're bound to come across animals like giant tortoises and members of the garden's fruit bat colonies.

One previous visitor offers some advice on how to make the most of your visit: "[E]njoy the uniqueness of the place but for goodness sake put loads of bug spray on […] we all got bitten badly."

Curieuse Marine National Park Curieuse Marine National Park

If you have some time to spare, previous visitors recommend spending a few hours roaming Curieuse Island, home to the Curieuse Marine National Park. Sitting just off the northern coast of Praslin, this nearly 2-square-mile island acts as a giant free-range zoo dominated by the national heavyweight — the Seychellois tortoise. As one of the largest types of tortoise on the planet, these giants clock in at 300 to 600 pounds. While visiting Curieuse, you can stroll alongside these mammoth animals as they meander through the park's coco-de-mer trees. Curieuse Marine National Park also features some worthwhile strips of sand, numerous hiking trails and the remains of a former leper colony that now acts as a museum and historic site.

According to one TripAdvisor user, "We loved playing with the giant tortoises and [it] was definitely an experience of a lifetime!" However, not all visitors were as over-the-moon about their experience, noting that the must-see tortoises can be found on more accessible islands, including Praslin and La Digue.

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Albany County Tourism Board executive director steps down

• Boomerang staff
• Jun 29, 2024

Albany County Tourism Board Executive Director Scott Larson will be stepping down from the organization after being named the new president and CEO of Visit Central Oregon in Bend, Oregon.

Larson’s last day will be Wednesday, July 3, after five years serving the county and more than a decade in the tourism industry.

“I am so incredibly grateful for my time here and for the amazing team, board members, businesses, partners, and communities of Albany County who have supported our work,” Larson said in a release posted on the Visit Laramie website. “We’ve been able to accomplish so much together and really move the needle forward for the travel and tourism economy in Albany County and in Wyoming.

“It is certainly bittersweet to leave Albany County Tourism with so many good things going right now, but we are excited for our next adventure. Central Oregon is a beautiful place, and I look forward to serving the communities of that region the same way we did here. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love and for the chance to serve Albany County, Wyoming.”

During Larson’s time with Visit Laramie and the Albany County Tourism Board, the staff managed a full marketing rebrand and website launch while navigating the waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the office moved locations to 800 S. 3rd St. Just last summer, Larson partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and Common Outdoor Ground to open the Centennial Visitor Center, according to the release.

The Albany County Tourism Board has named Sara Haugen as interim executive director alongside Kera Deakins as assistant interim executive director.

“Each year of Scott’s tenure as Executive Director was met with a record-setting lodging tax collection year,” Haugen said in the release. “It’s no question that his marketing efforts and innovative thinking have paid out in dividends for the community and its economic growth. We are so thankful for the impact he has had on Albany County and the ways we’ve been able to grow Laramie’s tourism industry under his leadership. We wish him and his family all the best in their next big adventure.”

The board encourages community members to apply on Indeed and share the posting by the application deadline of July 12.

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Seychelles Tourism Board launches digital platform to increase visibility, support local tourism

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) on Monday launched a digital tourism platform in an effort to increase the visibility of the island nation through the internet and support the local tourism industry with online and digital marketing. Called ParrAPI, the platform will serve to collect, store and distribute digital tourism information. The first four letters – Parr – represents the endemic Seychelles black parrot, which is also the logo of the platform. API – which means Application Programming Interface – is the service through which the information is redistributed to other operators. Heading the project was STB’s digital marketing team, which has been working on the platform since 2019. The digital marketing director, Chris Matombe, told the press that “with the introduction of ParrAPI, STB will be in a better position to support and assist the Seychelles tourism industry with its digital marketing.” “ParrAPI provides us with a more efficient approach to managing large amounts of listings and we can now feature more businesses on our customer platforms,” said Matombe. The chief executive of STB, Sherin Francis, said that in today’s online travel market place where consumers expect to be able to research, plan, and book their holidays digitally, “the platform will revolutionise how we collect and manage tourism data.”

Launched on Monday, the tourism platform will increase efforts to make Seychelles more visible through the internet. (Seychelles Tourism Board)Photo License: CC-BY  

“One solution that we will get through the system is that we will have up to date and recent information all the time on all operators and activities within the industry,” said Francis. To make a listing, an operator needs to register its business or service on www.parrapi.com and upload all relevant information for free. Tourism services that will be able to benefit from ParrAPI are accommodations, attractions, events, operators, food and drink providers, general services, hires, tours and transports. Information uploaded will be available in four languages – English, French, German and Italian. Operators will also be able to upload photos and videos to better sell their listings. The only instances an operator will have to pay a small fee will be when they are making changes to their listing that requires a translation. Once an operator has uploaded all of its information on ParrAPI, STB will review the data to ensure that they meet set standards. Once approved the listing will go online. “Up until today, we were doing this for our website. All operators had to send us their information and we were the ones to upload it to our website. With ParrAPI, operators will upload their information themselves. Once it has been published it will be redistributed to any platform that is connected to the system,” said Francis. She outlined that to start, listings will be redistributed on all STB systems such as the board’s website and digital app as they are connected to ParrAPI. Eventually, it will be redistributed by any operator who connects to the system. The number of distributors who can connect to the system to access the information and promote Seychelles’ tourism products and services across the globe is not limited but will come at a cost. This could be a tour operator or someone who has created a booking platform. ParrAPI will place tourism industry players closer to their target audiences and tap into new markets through a substantial digital presence. Tourism is the top economic contributor of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

AUTHOR: Seychelles News Agency

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Seychelles readies for Second World Championship in Athens 2024 |28 June 2024

Two dance studios from Seychelles – the Artistic Dance Factory (ADF) and Elite Dance Studio – are presently in Greece to represent Seychelles at the World Artistic Dance Federation (WADF) World Championship in Athens 2024.

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Seychelles Tourism standards set to improve with newly launched National Classification Programme

Mrs Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, launched the national classification programme during a press briefing on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the Tourism Department Headquarters in Mont Fleuri.

Mr Paul Lebon, Director General for Destination Planning and Development, Mrs Sinha Levkovic, Director for the Industry Planning and Development Unit, and members of her team were also in attendance.

The department is ready to engage its partners to adopt a uniform grading system in Seychelles as of September 2023, in line with the ‘Tourism Development Standard Regulations’ – a new law to be published in the Official Gazette on July 1st, 2023.

The national classification programme, which has been in the works since 2016, aims to increase industry standards and professionalism while improving the destination’s market value.

The programme features a well-established grading system that will inform guests about accommodation standards and what to expect from the product offering prior to making a purchase.

Mrs Sherin Francis stated in the press conference that the national classification programme will feature two categories and the grade will be valid for two years from the date of issuing unless cancelled by the department.

The first category is the Star Grading, which applies to hotels of 15 rooms and more, as well as island resorts of all sizes. This programme is mandatory for hotels of 51 rooms and more, while it remains voluntary for hotels of 50 rooms to 16 rooms. The second category is the Seychelles Secret brand for hotels of 15 rooms or less, as well as self-catering and guest houses of all sizes.

“This initiative has been in the works for quite some time. With the legislation ready for publication and our team trained, it is time to begin implementation. Our industry’s survival will be determined by our ability to compete. As Minister Radegonde often says, “Seychelles is not the only pretty girl in town.” It is critical to remember that one of the major factors influencing a visitor’s choice of a destination is the standard of facilities and services on offer, and this programme will allow us to exert some control over the products available in Seychelles,” said Mrs Francis.

There will be three levels of awards for the Seychelles Secrets brand based on the available facilities and services. Establishments will be classed as Seychelles Secrets Gold, Seychelles Secrets Silver, or Seychelles Secrets Bronze.

Each establishment will receive a plaque displaying the attained rating, as well as an official letter.

During the two-year term, the Tourism Department will conduct monitoring visits to ensure that standards are maintained. Regrading will be subject to a formal assessment prior to the expiry of the certification.

Establishments will be notified if their standards decline and a grace period will be granted to correct deficiencies. The department may suspend or cancel an award if the establishment no longer meets the qualifying standards of the grading system.

Mrs Sinha Levkovic, on her part, stated that the industry planning and development team will begin contacting partners in the coming weeks to begin basic preparations for implementation in September 2023.

The Tourism Department is mandated to encourage the development of the tourism industry in Seychelles.

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