The Seychelles Tourism Board and Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) have officially consolidated their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The signing ceremony of the MOU took place at the Seychelles Tourism Board head office in Bel Ombre.

It was organized to coincide with Seychelles Tourism Week. The signing of the agreement was the first activity to kicking-starting the week-long tourism activities that the Seychelles Tourism Board has put together to celebrate the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) World Tourism Day 2012, which this year is taking place under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development.”

The UNWTO World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27, and each year the Seychelles Tourism Board dedicates a week of activities centered on tourism to mark this important day in the calendar of the tourism industry. The MOU was signed by the head of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Elsia Grandcourt ,and Chief Executive of the SNPA, Denis Matatiken.

The signed documents officially bind the two parties in their effort to further develop their existing partnership for the greater good of the island’s rich biodiversity and natural attractions.

The agreement reinforces the effort of the Seychelles Tourism Board and SNPA to further cooperate and collaborate on important issues related to the marketing of the protected areas, as well as the associated biodiversity. It highlights the significance of sharing and providing of information, which may be of importance to both partners. This accord will also boost cooperation in terms of the Seychelles Tourism Board and SNPA assisting each other in the marketing of the protected areas.

After signing the MOU, Mrs. Grandcourt expressed her satisfaction for the enhanced partnership between the two organizations.

“The agreement is proof that STB will continue to work very closely with SNPA. We will make sure that as much journalists and tour operators that visit our islands get the chance to explore our terrestrial and marine park and that they have enough information on the conservation, protection to safeguard this natural environment,” said Mrs. Grandcourt.

Mr. Matatiken has said the agreement formalizes the working relationship that already exists between the two departments.

“Seychelles has a lot to offer its visitors apart from sand and sea; these parks are open for tourists, so they can enjoy our natural attractions. Tourism is the core of our economy, and it’s important that we sustain our natural environment, which makes all the difference for tourists,” said Mr. Matatiken.