IMRAN AHMAD
Seychelles makes green pledge 06.11.18 News
ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION
Sustainability is the current and future concern of the Seychelles Tourism Board (AS150). It’s crucial for a country made up of 115 islands that is reliant on visitors for nearly 30% of its GDP.
The Indian Ocean nation has adopted the Nature Needs Half vision, which protects more than 50% of its total land area and 30% of its marine environment, and has pledged to restrict the tourist beds per island. As well as a moratorium imposed on the development of large hotels on Mahe, for example, new builds are restricted to only five rooms per developer on La Digue and 15 per developer on Cerf Island. An Environment Impact Assessment – based on provision of electricity, adequate water supply and sewage disposal facilities, to determine whether building is approved – governs each new project. In spite – or perhaps because – of restrictions, visitor numbers are up. UK arrivals numbered 7,286 from January to September 2, 2018, a 16% increase compared to the previous year.
Britain is the Seychelles’ fourth
Sun Siyam expands
Maldivian hotel group Sun Siyam Resorts (AS140) is expanding further into the atoll, opening its fi fth resort this month. The Sun Aqua Irun Veli will have 125 rooms – all beach villas and suites or over-water villas and suites – set on the private island of Aluvifushi, which forms part of the South Nilandhe atoll. Sun Siyam describes its approach as a fl exible, premium all-inclusive experience, which might start with a champagne breakfast and end with a shisha pipe. Unusually, diving, excursions and spa treatments are also included. Rates start from £665 per night for a beach suite and from £759 for an over-water suite.
The pledge includes protecting 30% of the marine environment
largest European incoming market, following Germany, France and Italy. And between January and September 2018, European visitation grew by 7%.
Didier Dogley, minister of tourism, and Sherin Francis, chief executive of the tourism board, will be on the
Seychelles’ stand to explain the islands’ commitment to developing more energy from renewable sources, as well as the recent ban on single- use plastic plates, cups and cutlery, and an agreement to preserve 210,000 sq km of ocean along with the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation.
Russia still welcomes UK
The Russian National Tourist Office (EU1860) declares that it is “absolutely not” going through a tough time while diplomatic relationships with the west are at a 20-year low. “We honestly can’t say that it is difficult to promote Russia,” says Ekaterina Mikulskaia, business development manager.
“Russia always is and always will be an interesting destination to visit. It’s full of history, great architecture, art and amazing food – and with great restaurants. Everyone who wants to travel there does travel.” She acknowledges the application time for visas is a challenge. Processing time for a standard visa takes about 20 working days, with an express service taking four working days. Before the Novichok poisoning incident in the UK, it took seven and one working days
respectively for equivalent services. Hosting the World Cup this summer could well prove the key to the rehabilitation of Russia’s reputation as a welcoming nation for tourists. “We were all so happy to see how all these myths about Russia and
Russian people just fell apart,” says Mikulskaia. “Thousands from around the world could not fake the pleasure of being there and enjoy such a great sporting event in great company.” Visitor figures have yet to bear out the results of hosting the football
tournament; 2018 results have not been released, but in 2016 177,000 Brits visited, a number that went up to 178,000 in 2017.
“We do believe that tourism and art will save this bridge between our countries and people will understand that politics have nothing to do with tourism. We invite everyone to visit Russia and have their own experience, as much as we are trying to convince Russians to travel to the UK.” Visit Russia hosted a media fam trip in September and plans another to build on the success of the World Cup.
Red Square, Moscow 06.11.2018 25
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