The International Advisory Board Meeting of World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF IAP) was held at Eden Bleu Hotel in Seychelles on April 12, 2017 which is co-hosted by the FORSEAA (Forum of Small Medium Economic AFRICA ASEAN).
Mr. Nico Barito Secretary General FORSEAA has invited Mr. Alain St.Ange, former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of Seychelles, who is a prime candidate for the upcoming UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) elections for Secretary General to voice his call to the friends from Islamic Business Group to look at the new modalities of ‘Halal Tourism’ as another niche product of tourism which will bridge the tourism between the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds towards peace and prosperity.
Alain St.Ange companied by Sherin Francis, the CEO of the island's Tourism Board said as he addressed the delegates present that Seychelles had successfully attained achievement of result to be the destination known simply as another world. Seychelles tourism focuses on niche group and has successfully contributed to the nation economy especially to its people. Our bid for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO speaks of 'Tourism for All' and promotes the concept of tourism without any discrimination. The Seychelles former Minister spoke at length about the island's Statement of Intent submitted to the UNWTO HQ in Madrid. He said niche tourism covers the Halal Tourism or simply Muslim Tourism as much as it covers those with disability, women, LGBT, religion, politics and all this immaterial of the colour of the skin, gender or sexual preference.
For this Seychelles thanks the support of neighbouring Islamic countries that have helped realise adequate air connectivity to the world. "We want to share our experience in profiling our destination as a neutral and peace loving country for all tourists of the world, who deserve a holiday of a lifetime in another world" St.Ange said.
