Seychelles’ Ambassador At Large receives 2026 Clevenard Global Award in Alicante
ALICANTE-
In a fitting recognition of a career dedicated to tourism, cultural diplomacy and international cooperation, Ambassador Alain St.Ange, Ambassador At Large of the Republic of Seychelles and former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, has been honoured with the 2026 Clevenard Global Award on the 30th August, 2026 in Alicante, Spain.
The prestigious honour was presented at the Palacio de Congresos Alicante during a four-day international conference held from August 27 to 30 under the theme, “A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity and Human Connection.”
The award placed St.Ange among an international gathering of professionals, innovators and thought leaders from different sectors, celebrating individuals whose work has contributed to building bridges across cultures, economies and communities.
The citation read before delegates captured the essence of his decades-long contribution:
“Clevenard Global Award 2026 — Honouring Global Vision and Impact. Awarded to Ambassador Alain St.Ange, in recognition of exceptional leadership in tourism and cultural diplomacy, advancing sustainable development, international partnerships, heritage preservation, and global cooperation through visionary service.”
Tourism beyond an industry
Accepting the award, St.Ange used the occasion not simply to reflect on his personal journey but to reiterate a message that has consistently shaped his approach to tourism: destinations must understand, protect and confidently promote what makes them unique.
For Seychelles, he stressed, tourism is far more than another economic activity.
“I am indeed humbled to be recognised here in Spain for my work in tourism, which is not seen as just an industry for Seychelles because it has been, is and will remain the economy of our islands,” he said.
He further urged destinations to protect the very characteristics that distinguish them in an increasingly competitive global tourism marketplace.
“We must all remain true to our unique selling points and preserve them like we protect our very own eyes,” St.Ange emphasised.
His words reflected a philosophy that has become closely associated with Seychelles’ tourism story: that the natural environment, culture, heritage and people are not merely tourism products, but valuable assets that must be protected for future generations.
A career built around tourism diplomacy
St.Ange’s recognition in Spain is also a reflection of a career that has extended well beyond the traditional boundaries of tourism administration.
As Seychelles’ former Minister responsible for tourism, he became one of the Indian Ocean region’s most recognisable tourism personalities, advocating for stronger destination branding, cultural exchange, sustainable tourism and greater international collaboration.
His work has also positioned him as a prominent voice for African and island tourism, particularly in promoting the idea that tourism can serve as a platform for diplomacy, economic development and cultural understanding.
In his current role as Ambassador At Large for the Republic of Seychelles, St.Ange continues to engage with international tourism and diplomatic communities, promoting partnerships and opportunities for Seychelles while championing broader cooperation within the global tourism family.
Recognition of Seychelles on the global stage
For St.Ange, the Alicante honour was also an opportunity to acknowledge the role of Seychelles itself in the global tourism conversation.
The island nation has built an internationally recognised tourism identity around its beaches, marine environment, biodiversity, Creole culture and distinctive island heritage. Maintaining that identity while responding to the demands of sustainable development has remained central to the country’s tourism narrative.
St.Ange noted that the award therefore carried significance beyond the individual recipient, reflecting the continued visibility of Seychelles within the international tourism community.
He expressed appreciation to the Clevenard Global Award organisers for the recognition and for creating a platform that brought together professionals from diverse fields to exchange ideas, build relationships and advance international cooperation.
Building bridges through tourism
The Alicante conference theme — business, culture, creativity and human connection — closely mirrors the increasingly important role tourism plays in international relations.
Tourism is no longer viewed solely through the lens of visitor arrivals and hotel occupancy. It is increasingly recognised as a mechanism for cultural diplomacy, investment, employment, heritage preservation and people-to-people connections.
It is within this broader landscape that St.Ange’s contribution has continued to attract international attention.
His advocacy has consistently promoted the belief that successful tourism must create connections: between destinations and travellers, between cultures and communities, and between tourism and the wider economic development agenda.
The 2026 Clevenard Global Award in Spain consequently represents more than a personal accolade. It is a recognition of a sustained commitment to using tourism as a force for international friendship, sustainable development, cultural preservation and global cooperation.
As Seychelles continues to project its unique identity to the world, Ambassador Alain St.Ange remains one of the voices reminding the international tourism community of a simple but powerful principle: the greatest tourism assets of any destination are those that make it uniquely itself.
