April 27, 2011 -- President James Michel officially started the ground breaking for the building of a new Seychelles Tourism Academy on the existing grounds of the school at La Misere, which took place Monday afternoon.

The President unveiled the model of the plans for a new tourism academy compound which includes a teaching block of 15 classrooms, a library as well as management classes. There will also be a demonstration kitchen and restaurant as well as cold storage facilities, a changing room and 30 beds for hotel training purposes. The academy will have a language laboratory as well as an administration block and reception building. The "La Goelette restaurant" will be renovated as well, while existing building will be demolished. Construction of the Seychelles Tourism Academy will start soon.

"The students wanted a new school and new facilities in order to improve their learning environment. Now we will build the school they have asked for. It was a promise I made to the students three years ago, and because of the global economic crises and the economic reforms we undertook, it was not possible to start earlier, but now that our economy is stable and growing , we are in the position to deliver this promise," said President Michel, who holds the portfolio for Tourism.

The Chairman of the Seychelles Tourism Academy Committee Philippe Guitton introduced the  New Seychelles Tourism Academy Strategic Plan 2011-2015, which was presented to the President by the principal of STA Flavien Joubert. The Strategic Plan includes measures to increase student output, improve teaching quality, increase and expand training programmes, as well as establishing a strong partnership with the community in order to improve the perception of tourism careers in the community.

" I am sure this academy can become a centre of excellence for the region, not only for our youth, but also to attract youth from the region, to study here. The tourism industry is continuing to grow and it is important that young people recognize the value of the tourism industry, and this academy will help them to develop and take the opportunities that are available in the industry," said President Michel.

Editor's Note

- STA vision: To be recognised as a leading hospitality and tourism training institute in the region, reputed for its programmes on offer and the quality of its graduates

- STA Mission: To train, develop and upgrade committed school leavers and tourism employees with the aim of ensuring a highly competent tourism workforce in order to enhance the country's overall competitiveness toward the achievement of sustainable tourism development.