The Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, and the outgoing Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Elsia Grandcourt, met with staff of the Tourism Board last Monday to announce new changes that were to take place within the organisation.

Minister St.Ange, who personally chaired the staff meeting, made the official announcement of the resignation of Mrs. Elsia Grandcourt from the post of CEO of the Tourism Board and revealed that she has been nominated for a high-level position in an international organisation.

Minister St.Ange congratulated Mrs. Grandcourt for this posting and said it will be a great opportunity for Seychelles. “Her work will continue to earn recognition for Seychelles in the world of tourism,” Minister St.Ange said.

The Seychelles Minister championed Mrs. Grandcourt’s appointment as “a proud and historic moment for Seychelles” and said “our country prides itself to see one of its professionals holding a high-level position within an international organisation.”

Minister St.Ange said it was important for him to reassure all staff that it would be a smooth transition when the new CEO takes up office, and that the new person will “ensure the continuity of work being carried out by the Seychelles Tourism Board.”

“Mrs. Grandcourt and myself discussed the prospect of a Seychellois taking over this key position in the world of tourism, and we both agreed that it was a good plus for Seychelles. Today we are happy that Mrs. Grandcourt has been the company’s choice, and we wish her well,” said Minister Alain St.Ange.

Mrs. Grandcourt was appointed CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board in March 2012, and she rose to become a well-respected professional in the Seychelles tourism industry and among trade partners both locally and overseas. She inherited the art of dialogue from her Minister St.Ange, her predecessor and mentor, and was credited for maintaining confidence in the trade with her determination and hard work to see this industry move forward. Her appointment to work with an international organisation reflects the way her work is perceived within the international arena and the way Seychelles is today respected as a country that is developing its own brand of tourism with success.

The Seychelles President, Mr. James Michel, later that week announced that Mrs. Sherin Naiken, formerly Principal Secretary for Tourism, will replace Mrs. Grandcourt as CEO of the Tourism Board. Her appointment takes effect July 1, 2013.

Anne Lafortune, formerly CEO of the Public Officer Ethics Commission, has been appointed as the new Principal Secretary for Tourism.

Looking forward to the new challenges of her new post, Ms. Naiken spoke of continuity in positioning Seychelles as one of the top tourism destinations in the world.

“Our tourism industry has been very dynamic over the past few years. I fully intend to uphold the same level of commitment as my predecessor and build on the success of the past to ensure the industry’s expectations are met. After all, their success will be my success,” said Ms. Naiken.

Seychelles Tourism Board has also announced that they are finalising details for an offer to be made to Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau as the new Director of Marketing in September 2013. Mrs. Hoareau is the current Manager of Qatar Airways in Seychelles.