The International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the National Assembly, Chaired by Hon. Waven William met with the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Mrs Sherin Francis on Thursday 24th June 2021. Hon. William was accompanied by other Members of the Committee, namely; the Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon. Philip Monthy, Hon. Wallace Cosgrow, Hon. Egbert Aglae and Hon. Philip Arissol.
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss and officially review the ‘Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics’ and the ‘Optional Protocol to the Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics’ which were submitted for Ratification to the Assembly under Article 64 (4) of the Constitution.
The CEO of STB, Mrs. Francis was accompanied by Ms. Diana Charlot from the International Cooperation & Communication section of the STB. Mrs. Francis and Ms. Charlot explained that the Convention converts the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET), the UNWTO’s main policy document, from a voluntary instrument to a convention which obliges signatory States to implement the principles of the Convention in a bid to make the global tourism sector fairer, more ethical and more transparent.
In addition, the IAC and the STB officials discussed certain sections of the Protocol that touches on sustainable development, cultural tourism and dispute settlement as well as certain clarifications on certain articles concerning the right to tourism and small businesses and their place within the tourism industry. It was highlighted that the aims of the Convention and the Optional Protocol are to promote a sustainable, responsible, accessible and fair global tourism industry.
As a result of the meeting and discussions that took place, the IAC made further points on the need to improve cultural tourism in Seychelles by involving districts and increasing the promotion of the hiking trails of Seychelles to open the country to new markets/travelers. In addition, the Members also highlighted the need for the Department of Tourism to put emphasis for all actors in the tourism industry to understand the importance of adding value to the current products and services that is reflected in the prices being charged to visitors, and that in turn the visitors will be satisfied with their experience. The Committee will be drafting a report that will be presented to the House when the instruments will be brought forward for ratification.
