Seychelles Tourism industry has received a welcome boost to help it compete better in these days of economic downturn.
In his annual State of the Nation Address, Seychelles President James Michel, announced that the planned raise of GST on tourism establishments from 10% to 12% would be put on hold.
The move on GST will allow operators to maintain prices and retain their competitiveness in the European market against regional destinations, the President said.
President Michel also called on operators to price themselves competitively, particular on add-on expenses for visitors such as bottled water, coffee and the like.
„We have to ensure that we continue giving our Seychelles its true value,“ said President Michel. „We all have to do whatever is within our power to protect our tourism industry even as the world economic crisis weighs heavily on tourism everywhere.“
The President also appealed to the country’s tourism operators to apply a service charge so that Seychellois employees in the industry can earn more from the sector and be motivated to provide better service.
Mr Michel said „hotels that have already introduced the system are seeing the many benefits. The standard of service has improved and become more efficient. These hotels are also performing better and are well positioned to prevail over the difficulties.“