Welcome to Edition #18 of Saint Ange Tourism 2018, Monday 7th May 2018
The Editorial this week highlights the first anniversary of the 11 May 2017 UNWTO Elections for the position of Secretary General, JOON of Air France landing in Seychelles and Seychelles Airlines putting its final touches. It also touches on Turkish Airline set to link Comoros to Istanbul via Seychelles and ends with the launch of a New Book on Art in Seychelles and the Reunion Volcano that is again in full activity .
11 May 2017 Was The UNWTO Elections For The Position Of Secretary General
I was the former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine. I resigned from this Ministerial position in December 2016 to run for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO but my candidacy was abruptly pulled out of the race by the Seychelles Government only two days before the elections following certain demands made by the African Union. The letter issued by the African Union threatened serious economic sanctions on the islands if they did not revoke their candidacy for the prestigious role of Secretary General, effectively undermining the sovereignty of Seychelles.
Vice President Vincent Meriton of Seychelles called me, while I was already in Madrid for the UNWTO elections with my friends and family, to inform me unceremoniously that Seychelles had bowed to the demands of the African Union.
Africa cannot progress with such a dictatorial attitude, and the World Institutions cannot condone such draconian actions. I was humiliated at the peak of my tourism career and left Madrid empty-handed to return to Seychelles on 14th May with my loved ones.
It is now the first anniversary of this sad affair when the Seychelles Government carelessly dropped a Seychellois to throw their support behind the candidate endorsed by, the now deposed, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
JOON Of Air France Has Landed In Seychelles
Early in the morning of Sunday 6th May, JOON of Air France made its first landing in the Seychelles. This is the latest airline to serve the destination of Seychelles which remains so dependent on tourism for the success of its economy. JOON’s timing is perfect as it will step in to fill the void left by Air Seychelles which has now discontinued its non-stop direct flights to Paris. Even though the flight landed in Seychelles on the 6th May, the official welcome will be held on the 15th May.
The Saint Ange Tourism Report welcomes Air France back to Seychelles and appreciates the importance on this airline’s direct non-stop flights between France and Seychelles.
Turkish Airline To Link Comoros To Istanbul Via Seychelles
Seychelles Airlines Is Putting Final Touches
On its part, Seychelles Airlines of Capt Robert Marie and Philippe Boule are putting final touches to their planning and are hoping to take to the skies before the end of the year, providing direct non-stop links between Seychelles and different European Cities as well as Singapore and other points in Asia. Seychelles Airlines will be providing a needed opening for all the Air Seychelles crew who have been made redundant during the last couple of weeks.
