The International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the National Assembly of Seychelles held a visit at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) on Thursday 15th September, 2022, as part of its mandate to have oversight on the Tourism sector. The Vice Chairperson, Hon Wavel Woodcock led the IAC delegation during the visit.
The aims of the visit revolved around the general overview of the Academy and the various partnerships and bilateral agreements that the STA is party to, specifically that with the Shannon College.
The day began with an interactive session with the students who shared their concerns and feedback to the Members. This was followed by a tour of the campus and facilities led by the Director, Mr. Terence Max, the Chairman of the STA Governing Board, Mr. Derek Barbe and the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, where the Committee was informed of the provisional project to renovate/rebuild the Hotel Block.
The tour and interactions gave the Committee a well-rounded idea of the weaknesses and potential of the Academy. As a pillar of the economy, it was agreed that the nurturing place of the Tourism workforce has to be up to standard with that fact.
A meeting was then held with the Senior Management where the focus was on the employment success of the STA learners, especially the Shannon College alumni, which has been a major challenge for years. The main challenges to this were identified and thoroughly discussed to find a way forward.
The Vice-Chairperson, Hon Woodcock expressed his satisfaction with the day’s visit. Both parties mutually accepted that more work would be done jointly to aid the STA and the tourism industry break the constraints and barriers to producing a stronger, more abundant local human resource.
Also present at the visit were Hon. Kelly Samynadin, Hon Philip Arissol and Hon Egbert Aglae.
