The Tourism Department, in partnership with the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), successfully wrapped up a week-long Hotel Classification Assessor Training held from the 1st to the 6th of September 2025 at the Savoy Resort & Spa.
The training formed part of an ongoing capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the Seychelles Tourism Grading programme, expand the pool of qualified assessors, and ensure Seychelles’ accommodation standards remain consistent, competitive, and aligned with international best practices.
The initiative follows the launch of the National Hotel Grading Programme in January 2024, which has so far seen 24 large hotels graded under the Star Rating system and 28 establishments recognised under the Seychelles Secrets label. Organised by the Product Development Section of the Tourism Department, the training which was facilitated by UN Tourism representatives brought together 18 staff members from the Department and four independent assessors.
The official opening ceremony on Monday, 1st September, featured remarks from the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis , who emphasised the importance of investing in local capacity and raising the bar for tourism quality across the country.
In her keynote remarks, Mrs Sherin Francis reflected on the training’s role in elevating national tourism standards, stressing the need for Seychelles’ accommodation offerings to remain competitive, credible, and aligned with international benchmarks, while maintaining their authenticity and local character.
“The continued success of this programme depends on the calibre and integrity of the people who assess on our behalf,” she said. “Assessment is not just about awarding stars; it's about safeguarding the Seychelles promise. When visitors choose our islands, they are choosing authenticity, hospitality, and excellence. Our job is to make sure what we promise is what we deliver, consistently.”
She further underscored the importance of building a cohesive assessor community that applies consistent standards and conducts assessments with impartiality, professionalism, and respect — values she described as non-negotiable.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in a mix of theoretical and practical sessions. Classroom-based modules were held on 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 6th September, while 3rd and 4th September were dedicated to site visits and mock assessments at a range of
accommodation types, including a five-star hotel, a four-star hotel, a small hotel with fewer than 16 rooms, a guesthouse, and a self-catering establishment.
Topics covered included sustainability, universal accessibility, guest services, quality management, and the role of online reputation in hotel classification.
The programme concluded with an exam to assess participants’ understanding, followed by an introductory “Train-the-Trainer” session on 6th September, tailored for ten selected participants. This final component was designed to empower experienced assessors with the skills to train others in the future, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the classification system.
Reflecting on the training, Ms Sinha Levkovic, Director for Standards and Regulations under the Product Development section, explained that the workshop served a dual purpose, both as a refresher for experienced assessors and a full induction for new participants.
“This workshop is an essential refresher for those already familiar with classification procedures, and a foundational training for those new to the system,” said Ms Levkovic. “It ensures that all assessors understand not just the criteria, but how to interpret and apply them consistently in the field. That’s key to maintaining trust in our national grading programme.
By investing in its people and refining its systems, the Tourism Department aims to enhance the overall visitor experience, reinforce destination competitiveness, and position Seychelles as a leader in quality tourism across the region.
