The Seychelles Tourism Department has officially convened its first-ever Marketing Subcommittee, marking a significant step towards deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors. The new subcommittee comprises 10 members drawn from the Tourism Department and key representatives of the tourism industry.
The initiative was introduced following a recommendation by the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA), with the aim of fostering greater dialogue and shared decision-making between stakeholders.
Held at the Botanical House, the inaugural meeting was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, who reiterated the importance of inclusive and strategic collaboration to boost Seychelles’ global competitiveness.
The session featured a presentation from the Strategic Planning and Market Intelligence Unit, offering a comprehensive overview of tourism performance to date, outlining major challenges, and sharing destination-specific insights along with early forecasts for 2026.
A comprehensive snapshot of the ongoing marketing efforts was also presented by the Director General for Marketing, Mrs Bernadette Willemin. The presentation outlined the Department’s current marketing strategy, including key focus areas such as digital engagement, market segmentation, and brand positioning. It also highlighted priority source markets and collaborative efforts with local and international partners.
Emphasis was placed on strengthening the visibility of the Seychelles brand, exploring new and emerging markets, and aligning marketing activities with global travel trends to maintain competitiveness. The approach remains focused on ensuring consistency in messaging, increasing return on investment, and supporting the sustainable growth of the tourism industry.
The Marketing Subcommittee aims to bring a new perspective to destination marketing, encourage more meaningful contributions from the private sector, and ensure that the country’s marketing strategies are reflective of both public priorities and industry needs. It is also expected to support efforts to diversify the destination’s appeal and strengthen market visibility across key segments.
The subcommittee will meet on a regular basis and will serve as a sounding board to inform strategic planning and future campaigns.
