The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, hosted the third multi-sectoral meeting for the year.
The meeting held at National House, saw the participation of government officials, and representatives from the private sector.
The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley, chaired for the first time since assuming his new portfolio in April this year.
The Minister for Environment, Energy & Climate Change, Wallace Cosgrow; and Minister for Employment, Immigration & Civil Status, Myriam Telemaque, were also present to update those present on issues relevant to their respective portfolios.
The status of various projects discussed and agreed upon in previous meetings as well as challenges being faced by the tourism industry were among issues discussed.
The participants also heard a presentation from the Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC) about the benefits of photovoltaic systems.
The presentation sought to give an overview of the benefits of using solar energy, in terms of reduced electricity costs.
The Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA) addressed various challenges being faced and presented development plans for jetties on Mahé and the inner islands.
SPA also updated those present on the upgrading of existing facilities at the various passenger terminals.
Finally, the meeting heard from the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA) about their efforts to maintain existing and increase mooring buoys within marine protected areas.
The private sector representatives also had the opportunity to put forth their concerns relating mainly to security and safety, illegal tourism activities, increasing operating cost for the trade, among others.
Minister Dogley noted that considering the numerous monthly meetings where stakeholders come together to discuss the same or similar issues, it is important to assess the efficiency of the multi-sectoral committee.
“I am pleased with the outcome of the meeting in view that a new approach was agreed upon whereby the meeting will be more focused on specific issues with the relevant government agencies presenting and providing clear and tangible information on the specific issues,” said Minister Dogley.
The next multi-sectoral meeting is scheduled for October.
Leave a Comment