Employment of foreign workers was on the agenda, with SHTA members expressing concern about the lack of GOPs being approved across the sector, and the strain put on the industry to obtain GOPs for workers coming from countries labelled by the Public Health Authority as red-list countries. The subsequent shortage of essential skill sets in tourism establishments and DMCs have led to an increase in the ‘poaching’ of able employees, SHTA said, all parties agreeing the only way to achieve the objective of maximizing Seychellois staff and retaining them within the industry is to take a long-term perspective which prioritizes education and high-end training.
The situation regarding local transmission of COVID and fears that Seychelles will remain red-listed in the key source markets of UK and France, affecting the anticipated third quarter upswing in bookings were discussed at length, SHTA expressing their concern at the prospect of further delays to national economic recovery at a time when banks are requesting loan repayments to recommence.
Minister Radegonde highlighted that the government’s marketing focus has shifted to alternative source markets which are open to Seychelles, as well as explaining that whilst European governments are of prioritizing the health of their respective populations.
The vaccination status of our local population remains key and it remains the responsibility of all Seychellois and residents to flatten the curve by following the guidelines, complying with all restrictions and using our own common sense to join the dots between lowering the transmission statistics and increasing tourism inflows. Enforcement of certain restrictions from the authorities will be required to improve our domestic situation in terms of transmission before Europe’s decision can be reversed, the Minister explained.
SHTA also raised the prospect of revamping selected financial relief measures for the tourism sector in the light of the continued downward pressure on business.
The SHTA Board the Department of Tourism are set to have focus meetings to better address specific matters.
Present for the virtual meeting on 25 March were Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, Principal Secretary for Tourism Sherin Francis, SHTA Chairperson Mrs Sybille Cardon, SHTA board members Mr Jose St. Ange, Mr Amit Wasserberg, Mr Eddie D’Offay, Mr Guillaume Albert, Mr Jean Weeling-Lee, and Mrs Daniella Payet-Alis.
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HVA SKAL TA BORT FRA DENNE ARTIKKELEN:
- The subsequent shortage of essential skill sets in tourism establishments and DMCs have led to an increase in the ‘poaching' of able employees, SHTA said, all parties agreeing the only way to achieve the objective of maximizing Seychellois staff and retaining them within the industry is to take a long-term perspective which prioritizes education and high-end training.
- The situation regarding local transmission of COVID and fears that Seychelles will remain red-listed in the key source markets of UK and France, affecting the anticipated third quarter upswing in bookings were discussed at length, SHTA expressing their concern at the prospect of further delays to national economic recovery at a time when banks are requesting loan repayments to recommence.
- The vaccination status of our local population remains key and it remains the responsibility of all Seychellois and residents to flatten the curve by following the guidelines, complying with all restrictions and using our own common sense to join the dots between lowering the transmission statistics and increasing tourism inflows.
