SSHEA pulls no punches in first Tourism fund-raising Gala Dinner

•  Minister Radegonde (L) and SSHEA's Peter Sinon

What the SSHEA lacks in marketing muscle it certainly makes up for it by a dogged determination to stand up and be counted in the Tourism industry.

The Seychelles Small Hotels and Establishments Association only started some eight months ago under the stewardship of its founding chairman Peter Sinon, but has wasted no time in making its mark and establish a good working relationship with the Department of Tourism.

It took another positive step in the future last Friday by organising a high-profile fund-raising dinner at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Hotel that was attended by such leading organisations as Seybrew, ISPC, Takamaka Rum distillery, the banks, and Eboo.

This event was to raise funds for the Association to prepare to participate in future international Road Shows and Trade Fairs with the aim of ensuring greater visibility and better sell their products in the main Seychelles tourism source markets.

During the evening, SSHEA gave a first taste of its new promotional video which opened with a sunrise and the crowing an energetic cockerel and ended with a traditional Moutya on the beach, all elements chosen to show how these establishments of less than 25 rooms have a better connection with the islands’ culture.

• Min Radegonde with SSHEA's committee members

The guest of honour, Tourism Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, commended SSHEA for having gone the extra mile in such a short time to bring together over 250 guests at Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay for its launch event.

He pledged his continued commitment and support to the Seychelles small establishments that he makes a point to visit every Friday, when he is in the country.

So far he has visited over 350 Small Hotels and Establishments. He laid emphasis on the need for all tourism stakeholders to work together to keep the destination attractive and pristine by practicing sustainable tourism. He warned against practices that may kill the goose that lays the golden egg and urged caution by all stakeholders.

Former Minister of Tourism, Alain St Ange, also took to the stage to elaborate on the ‘Unique Selling Points’ (USPs) of Seychelles, especially through its small Seychellois-owned and managed establishments.

• Alain St. Ange

St Ange dispelled the perceived rivalry between the big and small hotels, stating that the tourism industry relies on all its stakeholders and it is necessary that we all pull in the same direction and work as a coordinated team.

The evening’s guests comprised members of the Diplomatic Corps, high-level representations from diverse corporate organisations, proprietors of small tourism establishment and SSHEA members from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Chairman Peter Sinon acted as MC for the evening.

From the time they walked in the Berjaya Hotel lobby, guests were treated as special celebrities. They were invited to have their photos taken by a professional photographer, and were then offered a selection of three Takamaka Rum cocktails or mocktails, whilst listening to popular tunes by singer Sandra Esparon.