In order to seek new strategies for sustainable cruise tourism, Seychelles has joined the eastern and southern African cruise industry as well as that of the Indian Ocean.
Seychelles plans to see how the competitive edge and market share within the international cruise business can be improved by taking the new step.
These strategies were discussed at a workshop held this week at the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA).
The workshop was organized by the Port Management Association for Eastern and Southern Africa region (PMAESA) jointly with the Cruise Indian Ocean Association (CIOA), Seychelles Ports Authority, and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
The PMAESA Secretary General, Nozipho Mdawe, Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan, and Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange attended the opening ceremony held on Tuesday (June 14).
Also present were the chief executives of port authorities, tourism boards, and cruise operators from Africa and the Indian Ocean as well as other partners involved in the cruise tourism industry.
The aim of the conference, which was held over two days, was to bring more awareness on the sustainable development of cruise tourism, develop cruise tourism strategies, and to catalyze collaboration in the region.
Mdawe said Seychelles is listed as one of the best places to have on the itinerary by several cruise liners operating in the Indian Ocean. Hence, Seychelles is considered to be a valuable partner of the cruise tourism industry of eastern and southern Africa, she added.
On his part, Minister St.Ange said cruise ships coming to Seychelles are part and parcel of the blue economy. The tourism industry depends on that blue economy, and the country is one of the key promoters of the blue economy.
He added that Seychelles acts as a bridge between the African and Asian ports, and promotes the diversity that exists in this region.
