The 12th annual South Africa Best Practices Workshop, under the theme Sustainable Tourism Development, was held from 12th to 14th March 2025 at the Southern Sun The Marine Hotel in Gqeberha, South Africa. Representing Seychelles, two staff members from the Tourism Department participated in discussions on best practices in sustainability.
Ms. Astride Camille, Product Diversification Officer, and Ms. Aurelie Vandervalk, PR and Communication Officer, joined policymakers, marketing officials, and tourism leaders from Eswatini, Malawi, the Dominican Republic, China, Uganda, Gabon, Angola, Jamaica, and South Africa. The event also included representatives from the South African Township & Village Tourism Association and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
The workshop provided a unique platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and expertise within the global tourism sector. Focusing on sustainable tourism practices, the workshop aimed to foster discussions on how to grow travel and tourism, particularly in Africa, while maintaining a strong emphasis on sustainability. The main objectives were to identify strategies for sustainable tourism development, promote regional cooperation, strengthen integration among African nations, and explore innovative ways to revitalise tourism and ensure increased tourism flows to Africa.
Ms Camille and Ms Vandervalk participated in discussions on shaping the future of sustainable tourism and delivered a presentation highlighting Seychelles’ Best Practices in Sustainable Tourism. Their presentation focused on the Sustainable Seychelles initiative, which showcases the country’s commitment to responsible tourism.
The workshop also provided valuable insights into the use of digital platforms to drive tourism growth, with a focus on implementing strategies to increase collaboration across the continent and internationally. Additionally, it aimed to establish bilateral relationships that would support the development of the tourism sector while contributing to community engagement and ensuring that local populations benefit from tourism growth.
The Seychelles Tourism Department’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable tourism policies and initiatives. By engaging in these important dialogues, Seychelles strengthened its role as a leader in promoting eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices. The discussions at the workshop will play a crucial role in shaping future tourism strategies in Seychelles, as the country continues to prioritise responsible tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.
This event highlighted the importance of international collaboration in driving sustainable tourism, underscoring the shared goal of ensuring that tourism growth benefits all sectors of society, from governments to local communities. For the Seychelles Tourism Department, the workshop was an invaluable opportunity to strengthen international relations and gain the knowledge necessary to further advance the country’s tourism priorities.
