Platte Island, Seychelles, 30th January 2024: The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Linda Ramkalawan were the guests of honour at the official opening of the Waldorf Astoria, on Platte Island in the Seychelles.

The delegation arrived on the island yesterday, where they did a guided tour of the resort followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony at one of the iconic villas.

To symbolically commemorate this auspicious occasion, the Head of State in the presence of various invited guests also had the honour to plant a Coco-de-Mer tree, which embodies the longstanding successful partnership between Seychelles and the Hilton. Platte Island joins the list of iconic luxury hotel brands awaiting to welcome its first guests.

"I am extremely impressed with the end product. The Seychelles Waldorf Astoria on  Platte Island is blessed with natural beauty and is an exquisite product we get to share with the world. It is truly the jewel in the crown of Seychelles' tourism industry. Congratulations to all involved in this project" said President Ramkalawan.

The President also expressed appreciation to the Island Development Company (IDC), the Hilton Group, the Resort Management and Staff and the rest of the teams involved in the evolution and transformation of the Platte Island.

Present for the official opening on Platte Island was the Hilton President, Middle East and Africa, Mr Guy Hutchinson, the Vice President, Operations, Africa and Indian Ocean, Mr Andreas Lackner, the Vice President, Development, MEA, Mr Carlos Khneisser, the Chief Executive Office of IDC, Mr Glenny Savy,  the Principal Secretary for Tourism Mrs Sherin Francis, the Director General for Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles, Mrs Bernadette Willemin and other distinguished guests.

Before departing Ile Platte today, the President and the First Lady also had the opportunity to meet and interact with all the resort staff as they prepare to welcome their first guests soon.