During the recent Routes Africa event, which took place 8-10 July in the Seychelles Routes, part of UBM Aviation and the International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) reached an agreement to work together to advance the understanding of the value of airline connectivity for destinations.

The two organisations will develop programmes around both World Routes and Routes’ regional events that will give a clearer focus on the main trade, development, and human dimensions of connectivity.  These workshops, conferences and other related activities will also identify the key challenges and explore practical ways to unlock the benefits, impacts and opportunities of sustainable aviation growth.  The programmes will maintain a strong focus on promoting this type of growth to developing markets generally and the African market specifically.

Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange said that this had been a great week for the Seychelles:  “To be a catalyst for new forms of collaboration between old friends is a very special privilege.  We in turn pledge our support to the continuing work of ICTP and Routes, and to ensure that the unique spirit of the Vanilla Islands remains close to the accomplishments that I know will result from their work together.”

David Stroud, Executive Vice President Airports for UBM Aviation Routes commented:  “This is one of the really exciting outcomes of our very successful meeting here in the Seychelles.  It was not only the biggest meeting on extending Africa services that we have ever held, but also the one where the most business ever was done between airlines, airports, and tourism authorities.  Thanks to the inclusionary thinking of Minister St. Ange, we have had the opportunity to interact with ICTP, whose vision and global coverage fits closely with our own.  We are both committed to promoting sustainable aviation growth.”

These sentiments were echoed by Professor Geoffrey Lipman, President of ICTP, who welcomed the opportunities to build the worldwide network of support for an expanding air transport system geared to green growth transformation saying:  “It is very appropriate that we start here in Africa and in the Vanilla Islands, which depend on sustainable aviation growth for poverty reduction and lifestyle development.  We will continue to keep these needs at the centre of our global collaboration with Routes.”