Seychelles Tour Guide Association presents constitution to the tourism minister, highlight plans and concerns

The newly-elected Executive Committee of the recently formed Seychelles Tour Guide Association met with the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley.

The meeting was held at Botanical House in the presence of the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune and Director for Tourism Human Resource Development, Diana Quatre.

The association was represented by its chairperson - Barney Adeline; Secretary - Geralda Payet; Treasurer - Steven Duval and an Executive Member - Guy Didon.

They took the opportunity to present the minister with a copy of the Seychelles Tour Guide Association’s constitution. They also highlighted their objectives and plans, as well as issues affecting their trade.

The chairperson, Mr. Adeline, said: “Our objective is to improve the quality of service, develop customer care practices and enhance client satisfaction.”

He also explained that despite the many years of hard work to set up the association, there is still much work to be done, now that the body has a formal constitution. Mr Adeline noted that the committee is actively working on the issues affecting tour guides working on Mahé, and will soon reach out to the operators on Praslin and La Digue.

Some of the concerns, which they put to the attention of the minister, include the lack of public facilities at certain trails, illegal operators, lack of security on the trails, among others.

Minister Dogley expressed satisfaction with the association’s eagerness and willingness to raise the standard of their trade, which helps to generate revenue for the country, while enhancing the cultural value-added services of the destination.

“It is good to have such existing services in Seychelles, tour guides help to educate tourist and promote the cultural heritage of the country and make our islands much more than a holiday destination, which is more significant today,” he added.

Minister Dogley affirmed the Tourism Department’s commitment to work alongside the new committee.