The Seychelles Tourism Academy made an unprecedented achievement by launching the online version of the sustainable tourism course in partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning through the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth.

The launching of the eLearning Sustainable Tourism Course at the Seychelles Tourism Academy by the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, and John Lesperance, the Education Specialist at Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth, has been described by the Principal of the Seychelles Tourism Academy as a “milestone for the Academy which to join the online Virtual University for Small State of the Commonwealth.”

The Seychelles Tourism Academy thanked the Commonwealth of Learning for embarking on this educational partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Academy saying that the eLearning Sustainable Tourism confirms the importance of sustainable tourism for Small States of the Commonwealth and highlighted the significance of sustainability in everyday life, particularly for the Academy students.

In the presence of Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Elsia Grandcourt, and the Chief Executive of the NHRDC, Mrs. Margaret Pillay, Minister St. Ange said that the “launching of the eLearning Sustainable Tourism Course is a step forward for the Seychelles Tourism Academy. The eLearning course set into motion will attain the objective of a better-trained workforce from the Seychelles Tourism Academy. The country needs a work force from the tourism industry, which is better trained, and we are committed in ensuring that our Tourism Academy becomes and remains the professional support for the pillar of our economy. The partnership developed between the Seychelles Tourism Academy and the Commonwealth for learning is to be commended, and I personally appreciate the effort of the Seychelles Tourism Academy to embark on these online courses with the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth, which I believe will guide the Academy into the right direction in delivering the eLearning Sustainable Tourism Course,” said Minister St.Ange.

The Sustainable Tourism Course is part of the existing course of the Seychelles Tourism Academy students in Tour Guiding and Management. Following its online launching on the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth, it will in the near future become a mandatory course for all students.

In his insight on the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth, John Lesperance explained that the network initiated by and built on the support of Ministers of Educations of developing small States of the Commonwealth will provide support to the Seychelles Tourism Academy on how to deliver courses and build capacity. The Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth will also provide training to the Seychelles Tourism Academy on the use of learning Management Systems, as well as help host the Academy MOODLE server.