September 24, 2010 -- A meeting at State House yesterday, chaired by President James Michel, marked the beginning of consultation process to map out a tourism master plan for Seychelles.

The President, who holds portfolio responsibility for tourism, said in his welcoming remarks that the meeting aimed to examine all issues that keep troubling the tourism industry.

Also present at State House were ministers, other key government officials, tourism operators and leaders in the industry.

President Michel said: "Creating such opportunities for discussions ensures that critical and timely decisions can be taken and the trappings of bureaucracy can be avoided, especially  given the importance of the tourism industry as the pillar of the Seychelles economy."

He added that the tourism industry is the motor of the economy, the creator of national wealth.

"The government's role is to ensure that the best possible environment is created to enable the industry to unleash its potential," he said.

The President promised that his government "will do everything to continue to develop a dynamic, smart, and result-orientated synergy with the private sector".

The chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Mr Alain St Ange, told the media after the meeting that following the launch by President Michel of the Seychelles Brand it was now important to discuss how to make it a reality. The master plan could be ready in time to mark the 40th anniversary next of the tourism industry in Seychelles.

Mr Louis d'Offay, the chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA), said high operational costs, Seychelles' competitiveness, the state of infrastructure and the environment of doing business are some of the issues to be tackled.

At the meeting President Michel also announced that more land would be made available to Seychellois for tourism projects. Land such as the Ile Aurore and the waterfront property around the yacht basin in Victoria would be on offer for such development.