The Republic of Seychelles has agreed to assist Gabon with its tourism development.

Seychelles is the one country in the African Union with a successful tourism industry, with Alain St.Ange, chief executive of the national tourism board, offering to provide assistance following the singing of an agreement in Libreville.

“Tourism remains the pillar of our economy, and since the recent restructure at our tourism board, we have embarked on the road to further consolidate our tourism industry and ensure continued growth in visitor arrival numbers,” St.Ange said in Libreville.

The Seychelles President, James Michel, personally holds the tourism portfolio in his government.

Seychelles will work with Magloire Ngambia, Gabon’s minister for the economy, commerce, industry, and tourism moving forward.

Areas of cooperation will include assistance for the setting up of a Gabon tourism board, its tourism information offices in Gabon and in potential tourist markets, and assisting with the training of staff at the Seychelles tourism academy.

It is expected, once official documentation between the two governments is exchanged, the discussed points will start being tackled and technicians from Seychelles will travel to Gabon to assist on short-term specific contracts.

President Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon has expressed his support for the development of a sustainable tourism industry; with the country believed to offer a great untapped potential.