he Memorandum signed will see Seychelles and Mauritius work to strengthen the process of regional integration and the promotion of tourism in the region. Both heads of tourism also committed through the MOU to pursue the consolidation of the “Vanilla Islands” concept with the full engagement of Seychelles and Mauritius as the poles of excellence to enhance the development of the concept.

One of the main points of the MOU signed in London by Alain St.Ange from the Seychelles and Robert Desvaux of Mauritius speaks of the cultural events in the “Vanilla Islands” region where it was proposed for further consideration that the “Carnaval International de Victoria,” which is staged annually in the Seychelles, becomes more an event owned by the region as a whole.

Alain St.Ange said as he welcomed everyone to the signing ceremony and that he was thankful to Robert Desvaux for having been the instigator for this MOU to be in place. “We are sister islands, and the more we work together, the stronger we shall be,” Alain St.Ange said. On his part, Robert Desvaux said that it was important for the “Vanilla Islands” to be more united and committed to working together.

Witnessing the signing ceremony of the MOU between Seychelles and Mauritius were Pascal Viroleau, the Head of La Reunion Island Tourism; Joel Randriamandranto, President of the Office National Du Tourisme De Madagascar; Bernadette Willemin, the European Director for the Seychelles Tourism Board; and Karl Mootoosamy, the CEO of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

Seychelles and La Reunion island signed a similar MOU at the TOP RESA Tourism Trade Fair in Paris only in September this year.

Both Seychelles and Mauritius islands are popular and sought-after tourism destinations in their own rights, and the decision for them to now cooperate in the further consolidation of their key industry is seen as a positive move for the region.