VICTORIA-
The stage is set for one of Africa’s most significant tourism gatherings as the President of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, received the newly appointed Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nuwais, during a high-level courtesy visit at the State House in Victoria ahead of the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa.
The meeting underscored Seychelles’ determination to strengthen its tourism sector through strategic international partnerships, enhanced air connectivity, and sustainable destination development as the island nation prepares to host African tourism leaders this week.
During the discussions, President Herminie briefed the UN Tourism Secretary-General on the significant impact the ongoing Middle East crisis has had on Seychelles’ tourism industry, noting that while visitor arrivals had been affected, the country was witnessing a gradual recovery. He expressed confidence that with continued international collaboration, Seychelles would regain its targeted tourism performance.
Responding, Ms. Al Nuwais reaffirmed UN Tourism’s unwavering commitment to supporting Seychelles. She encouraged the country to view the recent disruptions as an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient tourism industry capable of adapting to future global challenges.
A major focus of the meeting was improving international air connectivity. President Herminie reiterated Seychelles’ ambition to secure a permanent direct air link between the island nation and Europe through its national airline while also attracting additional European carriers. Europe remains Seychelles’ largest source market, making improved accessibility a strategic priority for tourism growth.
The two leaders also examined opportunities to diversify visitor markets, particularly by increasing arrivals from China. They agreed that Seychelles should continue developing tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences tailored to the expectations of Chinese travelers, thereby strengthening the destination’s competitiveness in Asia.
President Herminie of Seychelles and Ms. Al Nuwais of UN Tourism (Centre) flanked by their teams at the State House in Victoria today
President Herminie congratulated Ms. Al Nuwais on her historic appointment as the first woman to lead UN Tourism in the organization’s 50-year history, following her assumption of office in 2026. He praised her leadership and expressed pride in Seychelles hosting both the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa and the accompanying Thematic Conference on Strengthening Human Capital, describing the events as important platforms for shaping the future of African tourism.
For her part, Ms. Al Nuwais described Seychelles as one of Africa’s leading examples of tourism excellence and best practices. She revealed that this year’s Regional Commission would introduce a new collaborative format, encouraging tourism ministers from across Africa to exchange practical experiences and successful policy models that can be replicated across the continent.
She further emphasized that education, skills development, investment promotion, and sustainable tourism would remain central pillars of UN Tourism’s agenda as the organization works to unlock Africa’s immense tourism potential.
The meeting was attended by Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism and Culture, Amanda Bernstein, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis, UN Tourism Executive Director Shijun Liu, Regional Director for Africa Elcia Grandcourt, and Senior Project Specialist Kojo Bentum-Williams.
As part of the visit, the UN Tourism Secretary-General’s delegation also met with Seychelles’ First Lady, Veronique Herminie.
President Herminie is expected to officially join tourism ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners on Thursday for the opening ceremony of the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Victoria, where discussions will focus on strengthening tourism resilience, enhancing human capital, promoting investment, and fostering greater cooperation to drive sustainable tourism development across Africa.
