St Helena News
Home of Grand Marshall Bertrand to open to visitors on St Helena
Visitors to St Helena Island will soon be able to stay in the cottage that housed one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s most famous officers, Grand Marshall Bertrand. On October 20th, 1816, Bertrand moved his family into a cottage that had been especially built for him by the British so that he could be closer to Napoleon.
Jamestown Market undergoes restoration in St Helena
The Jamestown Market on the South Atlantic Island of St Helena has been given a major make-over. It is hoped that, thanks to several new stall holders relocating there, the destination will soon re-emerge as a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike.
St Helena boosts diving credentials with marine protection area
A 200 nautical mile maritime zone in the seas around St Helena Island in the South Atlantic has been designated a Marine Protected Area, boosting the island’s offering as a diving destination. St Helena’s impressive marine environment is home to over forty endemic species and supports a diverse array of marine life.
RMS St Helena to serve island until summer 2017
Travellers are being advised to act fast to enjoy one of the final chances to sail on board one of the last working Royal Mail Ships in the world, which was due to be retired this summer. The RMS St Helena is to continue serving her remote South Atlantic island namesake until July 1st 2017, the St Helena government has announced, with berths expected to fill up quickly.
RMS St Helena makes final departure from London
One of the world’s last working Royal Mail Ships, the RMS St Helena, left the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury earlier on her final sailing from the UK. For the last 26 years she has been the only means of access to the remote island of St Helena, an Overseas Territory of the UK located 1,200 miles off the West Coast of Africa in the South Atlantic.
St Helena airport opening delayed by safety concerns
The opening of a new airport on the British overseas territory of St Helena has been delayed over safety fears. Despite a series of test flights, high winds have made it impossible for commercial aircraft to land at the new airport.
St Helena to become Africa-South America stepping stone
With the opening in May of a new airport on St Helena, not only will the remote south Atlantic Island’s centuries of isolation come to an historic end, but it could also have a new role; that of a stepping stone for those travelling between South America and Africa. In recognition of its unique position, St Helena has been welcomed as a member by both the African Travel & Tourism Association and the Latin American Travel Association, becoming the only country in the world to do so.
First ever plane lands in St Helena
History was made on the island of St Helena earlier, as a Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft arrived from Angola and touched down at the new Airport, prior to conducting a series of calibration flights. Stepping out of the aircraft, captain Grant Brighton said: “It feels fantastic and we’re privileged to have flown the first plane to land on St Helena and to be part of your wonderful project.”
Pickard takes over leadership of St Helena tourism
Christopher Pickard has taken up the role of director of tourism for St Helena. He will be on a two-year contract, and will take up his post on arrival at St Helena on October 14th 2015. Pickard will be working with Enterprise St Helena and the Tourist Office and will build on the work already started in expanding, developing and enhancing St Helena’s tourism industry to be on par with best practices globally and for the benefit of the Saint community, the tourism sector and investors alike.
Mantis to open St. Helena resort hotel
Mantis has announced its latest project will be the development of a five star hotel on the island of St. Helena, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. As one of the most remote places in the world, more than 2,000 kilometres from the nearest major landmass, and with its rich flora and fauna, the island certainly fits with Mantis’ mantra of ‘unearthing the exceptional’.
New era for St Helena with new director of tourism
The St Helena Tourist Board has appointed Cathy Alberts as director of tourism for the island. Alberts brings with her a wealth of experience in the tourism and leisure industry, in particular working with the UK and European markets.