AGP Executive Report

Hotel & Loyalty: STORY Hospitality has joined Global Hotel Alliance, rolling out STORY DISCOVERY via GHA DISCOVERY so guests can earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars across 1,000+ hotels in 100 countries, with perks like upgrades and breakfast at participating properties. Seychelles Tourism Push: Seychelles launched the “Rediscover Seychelles” campaign to boost domestic travel and local tourism. Air Connectivity (Seychelles): Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, including restarting four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16. Local Governance & China Ties: Victoria mayor attended the 2026 Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and Global Mayors Dialogue in Beijing, highlighting people-to-people links and China-funded infrastructure. Travel Policy (Seychelles Mention): Russia-Seychelles relations were praised by Seychelles’ Youth and Sport minister, stressing equal partnership and sports training cooperation. Heritage & Culture: Mauritius hosted a workshop to strengthen indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, with Seychelles-relevant regional connections discussed. Nature & Travel: A study says Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by matching DNA from living animals and museum specimens. Beach Inspiration: Corona’s 2026 Corona Beach 100 list is out ahead of World Oceans Day, with Seychelles and other global favourites spotlighted.

Seychelles-Russia Sports Ties: Seychelles Minister of Youth and Sport Kalsey Belle says Russia treats the republic as an equal partner, highlighting athlete training, coach development and Russia-backed infrastructure cooperation. Domestic Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost local staycations and support businesses ahead of the Golden Jubilee. Praslin Travel Mood: A feature spotlights how Praslin “moves at its own pace,” contrasting its calmer, greener feel with Mahé’s drama. Air Connectivity for the Region: Qatar Airways expands its African network, restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16 and adding services including Kigali, Marrakesh and Port Sudan. Visa News for Travellers: Sri Lanka waives tourist ETA fees for 40 countries but leaves Bangladesh out; Seychelles nationals are included in fee-free ETA processing. Heritage & Tourism Context: Mauritius hosted a workshop on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, with regional experts mapping a roadmap. Global Beach Buzz: Corona’s 2026 “Beach 100” list names two UK beaches and highlights conservation-led destinations ahead of World Oceans Day.

Praslin Resort Spotlight: Praslin is described as moving at its own pace, with quieter villages, winding roads through dense greenery, and a more laid-back feel than Mahé—plus a close look at Constance Lemuria’s landscape-first design and sea-facing privacy. Heritage & Culture: Seychelles-linked regional momentum continues after a Mauritius workshop brought UNESCO and heritage experts together to strengthen and document indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean. Tourism Policy & Travel Access: Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16 and adding more frequencies on key routes. Domestic Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee year. Regional Mobility Talks: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to advance the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for smoother transit and tourism stays across member states. Beach Inspiration Round-up: The World’s 100 Best Beaches list highlights Seychelles as part of a wider global beach conversation, with UK spots also making the cut.

Seychelles Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging locals to explore Mahé, Praslin and La Digue via staycations, local experiences and special offers ahead of the Golden Jubilee. Regional Travel Tech & Policy: Victoria mayor joined a 2026 Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and Global Mayors Dialogue in Beijing, focusing on tech-empowered tourism and China–Seychelles cooperation. Air Connectivity for Seychelles: Qatar Airways says it will restart four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, as it expands its African network with added frequencies and new Port Sudan service. Nature & Travel Trends: A new study links Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles to the saltwater crocodile, using DNA from living animals and museum specimens—another reminder of how deep conservation stories can shape destination appeal. Global Beach Buzz: The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2026 names two UK spots and highlights how destinations are leaning into standout coastlines as travel rebounds.

Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging locals to boost domestic travel with staycations, local experiences and special offers across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, timed to the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, restarting flights to Seychelles (from June 16) and adding services to Kigali, Marrakesh and more frequencies across key routes. Gulf Flight Disruptions: With a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, the UAE has fully resumed air traffic and Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait have reopened airspace, while some airlines still adjust Middle East schedules. Nature & Travel: A new push in travel is reframing “eco” as destination-wide protection of living ecosystems, not just greener hotels. Local Culture: Students at the Seychelles Tourism Academy event marked the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture with Russian performances, highlighting growing interest in languages for the service sector. Sports: Equator were crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League as the race for top spots tightens.

Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” a Golden Jubilee-linked push for staycations, local experiences and special offers to keep domestic travel strong. Air Connectivity (Seychelles): Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, including restarting four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, plus more frequencies on key routes. Nature & Travel Values: A World Environment Day piece argues travel’s eco shift is moving from “green choices” to destinations treating nature as essential infrastructure for resilience. Local Tourism & Culture: Victoria mayor joined global mayors in Beijing to discuss tech-empowered tourism, highlighting China–Seychelles people-to-people ties and infrastructure cooperation. Beach Inspiration: Corona’s 2026 “Beach 100” list names Seychelles among the wider Indian Ocean inspiration set, while UK spots like Barafundle Bay and Fistral Beach make the global cut. Wildlife Science: Researchers say Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified via DNA matching from museum specimens. Sports (Seychelles): Equator are crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League as the race for top spots tightens.

Seychelles Tourism & Culture: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging locals to boost domestic travel with staycations, local experiences and special offers during the Golden Jubilee year. Seychelles Travel & Connectivity: Qatar Airways says it’s expanding its African network, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16 and adding more frequencies on key routes. Local Leadership on the Global Stage: Victoria mayor joined the 2026 Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and Global Mayors Dialogue in Beijing, highlighting China–Seychelles ties and China-funded infrastructure. Beach Buzz Worldwide: The World’s 100 best beaches list is out ahead of World Oceans Day, with two UK beaches making the cut—good inspiration for Seychelles travellers planning their next coastal escape. Golf & Hospitality: Constance Hotels & Resorts named Emma Falcher as Golf Ambassador for 2026–2028, with golf and travel experiences across Mauritius and Seychelles. Sports (Seychelles): Equator were crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, with the top-four race still tight.

Air Connectivity Boost: Qatar Airways will restart four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, add two weekly flights to Kigali, and launch daily service to Marrakesh from July 1—while also increasing frequencies on routes like Alexandria, Cairo, Cape Town and Dar es Salaam. Tourism Campaign (Local Focus): The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to drive domestic staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee year. Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO effective May 15, 2026, under a renewed legal mandate to strengthen sustainable tourism marketing and resilience. Regional Travel Integration: Justice ministers across SADC met in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays. Sports & Tourism Tie-in: Constance Hotels & Resorts named French golfer Emma Falcher as Golf Ambassador (2026–2028), promoting golf and hospitality experiences across Mauritius and Seychelles. Beach Soccer Update: Equator were crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, with the fight for top-four spots still tight.

Golf & Hospitality: Constance Hotels & Resorts has named French golfer Emma Falcher as its official golf ambassador for 2026–2028, with her role spanning Mauritius and Seychelles golf-and-stay experiences. Sustainable Travel Pressure: A new Travel Green List highlights European hotspots like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Santorini adding caps, booking systems and cruise limits as visitor numbers rebound. Domestic Tourism Push (Seychelles): The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee. Regional Travel Integration: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to progress the SADC Tourism UNIVISA plan, aiming for a unified visa for tourism and transit across member states. Seychelles Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO (effective May 15, 2026). Wildlife Science: DNA research has identified the “lost” Seychelles crocodiles as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, linking them to living relatives. Visa News for Africa: Togo and Ghana have moved to visa-free entry for all Africans, joining Seychelles and other countries already running similar policies. Beach & Marine Inspiration: A guide spotlights top places to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, with Seychelles included among the broader Indian Ocean favourites.

Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated, with Vesna Rakic appointed CEO from May 15, aiming to strengthen governance and international promotion. Local Travel Push: The “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign launches June 1 to drive domestic tourism with staycations, local experiences and special offers during the Golden Jubilee. Regional Mobility Talks: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to advance the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, a unified visa plan for transit and tourism stays across member states. Visa Relief for Visitors: Sri Lanka scraps the ETA fee for UK passport holders (and 39 other countries), allowing up to 30 days—though travellers must still apply online before flying. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists identify the Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, using DNA from living animals and historical museum specimens. Sports & Community: Equator are crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, while the fight for top-four spots goes down to the wire. Travel Inspiration: Pure Luxury’s new “Beaches & Islands” brochure is backed by a holiday-for-two prize draw, with Seychelles featured in its “Insider’s View” ideas.

Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board is back in business, officially reinstated and led by Vesna Rakić as CEO from 15 May 2026, as the government looks to strengthen destination marketing and tourism governance. Local Travel Push: The STB and Inside Seychelles launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign to drive domestic tourism with staycations, local experiences and special offers during the Golden Jubilee year. Marine Life Mystery Solved: DNA research has identified the Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles as the westernmost population of the saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus—linking the island story to a much wider ocean journey. Diving Interest: A guide highlights top scuba diving spots around Seychelles, from remote Aldabra to Sainte Anne Marine National Park and Curieuse Island. Sports & Community: Equator were crowned champions of the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, with the race for the remaining top-four places going down to the wire. Regional Travel Integration: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for smoother regional transit and tourism stays. Travel Disruption Watch: Middle East airspace disruptions tied to the Hormuz crisis continue to affect flight schedules and routes, with knock-on impacts for travel planning.

Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated, with Vesna Rakić appointed CEO effective 15 May 2026, as the country rebuilds its destination marketing and governance push. Local Travel Push: Seychelles launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign to drive domestic tourism during the Golden Jubilee, encouraging staycations and island experiences. Air Travel Disruption: Gulf airspace is reopening after closures linked to the Iran conflict, but some airlines are still adjusting schedules—British Airways’ phased Middle East return has been delayed. Regional Mobility for Tourism: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across member states. Holiday Inspiration: A Seychelles getaway by media personality Thuli Phongolo highlights beach time, jet skiing, cruises, and a helicopter excursion. Travel Cost Relief (Nearby): Sri Lanka introduced free 30-day tourist visas for citizens of 40 countries (ETA still required), a move expected to lift arrivals. Marine Fun in Seychelles: A guide spotlights top scuba diving in Seychelles, including Aldabra, Sainte Anne Marine National Park, and Curieuse.

Seychelles Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board is back in business, with the Government reinstating the STB and appointing Vesna Rakić as CEO effective 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen governance and destination marketing. Local Travel Boost: Seychelles launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign to drive domestic tourism during the Golden Jubilee, encouraging staycations and local experiences across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Marine Adventures: Want turtles and parrotfish? A new guide highlights top reef-swim spots, including Seychelles diving options like Aldabra and Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Tourism Governance & Skills: The Seychelles Tourism Academy marked Day of Slavic Writing and Culture in Victoria, with students showcasing Russian language performances—an upbeat reminder of how tourism skills are being nurtured locally. Regional Mobility Talks: SADC justice ministers met in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, pushing for smoother regional travel for tourism. Aviation Cost Watch: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is still driving higher jet fuel prices and rerouted flights, a reminder that travel costs can shift fast. World Beach Buzz: Seychelles is mentioned among destinations appearing in global “best beaches” roundups, keeping the archipelago in the international spotlight.

Seychelles Tourism Governance: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO (effective 15 May 2026), aiming to strengthen destination marketing and sustainable tourism competitiveness. Regional Visa Push: Justice ministers and attorneys general from SADC are meeting in Victoria Falls (1–5 June) with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, targeting a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating states. Tourism Skills & Culture: Seychelles Tourism Academy hosted a Day of Slavic Writing and Culture event in Victoria, with students showcasing Russian songs and performances—highlighting language learning tied to the service sector. Seychelles Travel Ideas: A new guide spotlights top scuba diving in Seychelles, including Aldabra Atoll, Sainte Anne Marine National Park and Curieuse Island. Global Travel Context: Sri Lanka introduced free 30-day tourist visas (ETA still required) for citizens of 40 countries, while global jet fuel routes remain under pressure after the Strait of Hormuz disruption.

Seychelles Tourism Governance: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO effective 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen governance, international promotion and sustainable destination marketing. Seychelles Diving & Marine Tourism: A new guide highlights top scuba diving spots around the islands, including Aldabra Atoll, Sainte Anne Marine National Park, and Curieuse Island. Seychelles Industry Updates: Ponant has revealed speakers for its 2027 Explorers Club voyages, including an itinerary titled “The Essential Seychelles.” Regional Travel Policy Boost: Sri Lanka has introduced free 30-day tourist visas (via free ETA) for nationals of 40 countries from 25 May, with Seychelles already included under reciprocal arrangements. Africa Mobility Trend: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free access for all Africans from 1 January 2027, adding to a growing list of countries opening borders. Global Travel Disruption Watch: Reuters reports the Strait of Hormuz closure has rerouted jet fuel flows worldwide, affecting prices and travel costs—relevant for planning and budgeting. Beach Inspiration: Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi ranked 19th in The World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026, spotlighting conservation-led tourism.

Seychelles Tourism Academy & Culture: A Slavic Writing and Culture Day event in Victoria brought together the Seychelles Tourism Academy, the Russian embassy and African Initiative, with about 100 attendees watching students perform Russian songs and a short scene, plus a history video and certificates. Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO effective 15 May 2026, citing stronger governance and destination marketing after five years under a centralized framework. Island Development: President Patrick Herminie visited Coetivy Island to tour key development sites and projects tied to the island’s economic future. Travel Inspiration: A new guide highlights top scuba diving spots in Seychelles, including Aldabra, Sainte Anne Marine National Park and Curieuse Island. Luxury & Hospitality: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti appointed Mary as General Manager, while Raffles Seychelles named Gerrard McNamara as Resort Manager. Global Travel Policy Watch: Sri Lanka scrapped tourist visa fees for arrivals from 40 countries (ETA still required), and Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027.