AGP Executive Report

Ocean Conservation & Travel: A new push to deliver on the 2030 “30% protected ocean” goal is spotlighting Seychelles as a model, citing its 2015 marine debt conversion and ocean-dedicated financing through the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust. Public Broadcasting Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill is drawing serious concern from the SBC board, with fears it could weaken editorial and institutional independence through changes to how board members and leadership are appointed. Domestic Tourism & Culture: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launch “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” urging residents to explore the archipelago via staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee year. Education & Skills: Dubai’s Digital School expands in Seychelles with a new teacher-training phase to boost digital skills across 11 schools. Sports & Community: Seychelles Volleyball crowns Neo Boys men’s champions and City Ladies women’s title defenders, while the SSL Gold Cup qualifiers see Seychelles racing on Lake Neuchâtel. Heritage & Memory: A Mauritius workshop focuses on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, strengthening regional links and documentation. Nature-Inspired Lifestyle: Eden Project Seychelles promotes conservation through the “Seychelles busy lizzie,” with profits from sales supporting local projects. International Links: Russia-Seychelles cooperation in sport and education is highlighted by Seychelles’ youth and sport minister, stressing equal-partner treatment. Hospitality Perks: STORY Hospitality joins GHA DISCOVERY, giving guests access to rewards and benefits across a global hotel network.

Education & Skills: Dubai’s Digital School has expanded in Seychelles, launching a new teacher-training phase for 100 teachers across 11 schools to strengthen digital skills and classroom tech use. Sports & Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says Russia treats the islands as an equal partner, citing decades of cooperation in athlete training, coach development, and sports infrastructure. Heritage & Memory: A Mauritius workshop brought UNESCO and heritage experts together to strengthen preservation and documentation of indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, building a regional roadmap. Tourism & Culture at Home: Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost domestic travel during Golden Jubilee celebrations. Environment & Travel: World Environment Day coverage spotlights a shift from “green” marketing to destinations treating nature as essential infrastructure for resilient tourism. Public Broadcasting Governance: The SBC board warns a new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill could weaken editorial and institutional independence through changes to board appointments. International Travel Policy: Sri Lanka’s new free tourist ETA scheme covers 40 countries but leaves Bangladesh out, while Seychelles is listed among those processed free of charge. Sports Results: Volleyball’s National League crowned Neo Boys men’s champions and City Ladies women’s champions. Sailing Spotlight: Seychelles’ SSL Gold Cup qualifiers campaign faced setbacks amid race penalties and disqualifications on Lake Neuchâtel.

Heritage & Travel: A vivid look at Stone Town, Zanzibar—UNESCO-listed since 2000—through the lens of a cruise shore tour, spotlighting the area’s long artistic and historical importance in East Africa. Indian Ocean Memory: A Mauritius workshop brought heritage experts and officials together to strengthen preservation, documentation and promotion of indentured labour heritage across the region, with UNESCO and ICOMOS among the partners. Seychelles Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” urging residents to explore local culture and nature through staycations and offers during Golden Jubilee celebrations. Public Broadcasting Governance: The SBC board says a new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, raising concerns about how appointments would shift influence toward the Executive. Sports & Community: Volleyball’s national league crowned Neo Boys men’s champions and City Ladies women’s title defenders, while SSL Gold Cup qualifiers on Lake Neuchâtel included Seychelles’ Vann Swet in the action. Environment & Nature-Based Travel: World Environment Day reflections argue that destinations are moving from “green” marketing to protecting nature as essential to resilience and local livelihoods. Culture & Language: In Victoria, students showcased Russian songs and a short scene as the Seychelles Tourism Academy and partners marked a Slavic writing and culture day.

World Environment Day & Travel: A new push is reframing eco-tourism as destination-wide protection of beaches, reefs and forests—not just “green” hotel tweaks—arguing nature is now essential infrastructure for resilience. Seychelles Domestic Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost staycations and local culture during Golden Jubilee celebrations. Seychelles Nature & Conservation: Eden Project’s “buy a plant and save the parents” campaign brings the Seychelles busy lizzie back to sale from June 8, with profits funding conservation of endemic plants. SBC Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation board warns a new bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence by shifting appointment influence toward the Executive. Sports & Community: Neo Boys won the men’s Division One volleyball title, while City Ladies defended the women’s crown. Culture & Language: Russian language students at Seychelles Tourism Academy performed at a Day of Slavic Writing and Culture event in Victoria with embassy support. Tourism Policy Abroad: Sweden urges the EU to tighten Russian tourist visa rules, sparking debate over security versus tourism’s role in dialogue.

World Environment Day & Travel: A new push is reframing eco-tourism as destination-wide protection of living systems—reefs, mangroves, forests and wildlife—so nature becomes essential infrastructure, not just a holiday backdrop. Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” a Golden Jubilee-linked drive for residents to explore local culture and experiences through staycations and offers. Local Conservation Plant: Eden Project’s “buy a plant and save the parents” returns with the Seychelles busy lizzie (Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’), available from June 8, with proceeds funding conservation. Culture & Language: Russian language students at the Seychelles Tourism Academy performed at a Day of Slavic Writing and Culture event in Victoria, with music, a short scene, and certificates for learners. Governance Watch: The SBC board raised serious concerns over a new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill, warning it could weaken editorial independence through executive-influenced appointments. Sport: Volleyball’s National League crowned Neo Boys men’s champions and City Ladies women’s title defenders. Regional Spotlight: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could hit vulnerable economies with major extra fuel import costs.

World Environment Day & Travel: A new push in tourism is treating nature as essential infrastructure, not just scenery—destinations are moving toward regenerative, community-led protection of reefs, forests and beaches. Seychelles Conservation Tie-In: Eden’s “Seychelles busy lizzie” returns as a buy-a-plant-and-save-the-parents campaign, with profits funding local conservation. Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launch “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to drive domestic staycations during Golden Jubilee celebrations. Local Governance Watch: The SBC board flags concerns that a new public broadcaster bill could weaken editorial independence by shifting appointment influence toward the Executive. Sports & Culture: Seychelles’ volleyball season ends with Neo Boys crowned men’s champions and City Ladies defending the women’s title; meanwhile, Seychelles students perform Russian songs and a short scene at a Slavic Writing and Culture event in Victoria. Regional Mobility: Togo and Ghana join a growing list of countries offering visa-free entry for all Africans, with Seychelles already included.

SBC Governance Watch: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation board says a new SBC Bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, warning that appointment powers may shift further toward the Executive. Domestic Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to get locals travelling across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue during the Golden Jubilee period. Women in Sport: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated an outdoor gym made possible by the school’s girls’ football success, linking youth sport to healthier school life. Culture & Language: Russian language students at the Seychelles Tourism Academy performed for the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture, sharing songs and a short scene in Russian. Environment & Community: Eden Project’s “Seychelles busy lizzie” campaign returns, with plants sold from June 8 and profits supporting conservation of endemic species. Sporting Spotlight: Neo Boys won the men’s Division One volleyball title, while City Ladies defended the women’s crown. Global Travel Mood: A “Travel Green List” highlights how popular destinations are adding crowd controls and booking systems as tourism rebounds.

Seychelles Tourism & Culture: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” a Golden Jubilee push for residents to enjoy staycations and local experiences across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Public Broadcasting Governance: The SBC board says a new Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill could weaken the broadcaster’s independence, warning about how executive influence may grow through revised appointment rules. Nature & Conservation: Eden Project and Seychelles are selling the Seychelles busy lizzie (Impatiens “Ray of Hope”) from June 8, with proceeds funding conservation of endangered endemic plants. Sports & Youth: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gym made possible by its girls’ football success, boosting youth sport and community wellness. Regional Mobility: Togo and Ghana announced visa-free entry for all Africans, adding to a growing list that already includes Seychelles. Global Travel Buzz: World’s 100 best beaches lists new and returning spots, while European destinations like Amsterdam and Barcelona tighten crowd controls as tourism surges. Environment & Health: A study highlights “cool roofs” that can cut indoor heat by 3–4°C, improving sleep and wellbeing in hot climates.

Tech & Tourism: Global mayors met in Beijing to explore “Smarter Travel, Stronger Cities,” with AI and digital experiences like XR “space tours” and revived heritage visuals showing how cities are reshaping tourism. Women’s Sport & Hospitality: Constance Hotels & Resorts named French golfer Emma Falcher as Golf Ambassador for 2026–2028, linking women’s golf growth with Seychelles and Mauritius travel experiences. Seychelles Tourism at Home: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost domestic tourism during Golden Jubilee celebrations. Culture & Language: Seychelles Tourism Academy, the Russian embassy and African Initiative marked the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture in Victoria with student performances and Russian-language presentations. Public Broadcasting Governance: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board raised serious concerns over a new SBC bill, warning it could weaken editorial independence through changes to appointment power. Environment & Conservation: Eden’s “Seychelles busy lizzie” campaign returns to the spotlight, with profits from June 8 plant sales supporting local conservation projects. Sporting Life: SSL Gold Cup qualifiers continued on Lake Neuchâtel, with Seychelles’ Vann Swet in the mix as racing resumed after storm threats.

Sailing & Sport: SSL Gold Cup 2026 qualifiers kicked off on Lake Neuchâtel with Seychelles’ Vann Swet and Morocco’s Atlas Lions pushing hard after early start drama, setting up a tense “Road to Rio” race. Media Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill is drawing serious pushback as the SBC board warns new appointment rules could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence. Tourism & Culture: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” a domestic staycation push tied to the Golden Jubilee, encouraging residents to explore Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Environment & Community: Eden’s “Seychelles busy lizzie” (Impatiens ‘Ray of Hope’) is back for sale from June 8, with proceeds aimed at protecting endangered endemic plants. Faith & Heritage: A World Environment Day message from Israel’s envoy highlights nature-based solutions, while a Slavic Writing and Culture event in Victoria saw students perform in Russian. Local Sports for Youth: Anse Boileau’s girls’ football success helped deliver a new outdoor gym at the secondary school, boosting youth sport and wellbeing.

SBC Governance Watch: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a new SBC Bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, warning that proposed changes would give the Executive more influence over appointments. Tourism & Culture at Home: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launch “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” urging residents to boost domestic tourism with staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee year. Leadership in Tourism: Seychelles reinstates the Tourism Board and appoints Vesna Rakic as CEO, effective May 15, aiming to strengthen governance and international promotion. Sport & Youth: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurates a new outdoor gym, backed by the success of the school’s girls’ football team. Regional Spotlight: Seychelles is among 13 nations taking part in India’s PRAGATI 2026 military exercise in Meghalaya, focused on counter-terrorism and interoperability. Language & Learning: Students at Seychelles Tourism Academy celebrate the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture with Russian songs and a short scene in Russian, supported by the Russian embassy. Climate & Health: A study highlights how reflective “cool roofs” can cut indoor heat and improve sleep for vulnerable households in Africa. Global Context: Pope Leo XIV praises the UK–Mauritius Chagos Islands deal as a long-overdue justice step for Chagossians.

Sailing & Sport: SSL Gold Cup African and Oceanian Qualifiers kicked off on Lake Neuchâtel with Seychelles’ Vann Swet pushing early, battling seaweed, shifting winds, and tight startline drama before the race committee shortened the course. Public Broadcasting Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Bill is drawing serious pushback as the SBC board warns new appointment rules could weaken the broadcaster’s independence and tilt influence toward the Executive. Tourism & Culture at Home: Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost domestic travel during the Golden Jubilee, spotlighting local heritage and island staycations. Arts & Education: Day of Slavic Writing and Culture was celebrated in Victoria with Seychelles Tourism Academy students performing Russian songs and a short scene, showing growing interest in Russian for the service sector. Regional Spotlight: Seychelles Tourism Board was reinstated and Vesna Rakic appointed CEO, aiming to strengthen long-term tourism strategy and promotion. Climate-Ready Homes: A study highlights “cool roofs” that can cut indoor heat by 3–4°C and improve sleep—relevant for island resilience conversations. Global Mobility: Sri Lanka rolled out free 30-day tourist visas for citizens of 40 countries (ETA still required), with Seychelles listed among reciprocal partners.

Tourism & Culture Policy: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO, aiming to strengthen governance and long-term competitiveness for sustainable tourism. Local Travel Boost: The “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign launches for Golden Jubilee, urging residents to explore Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and nearby islands through staycations and local experiences. Education & Language: Day of Slavic Writing and Culture comes to Victoria as students from the Seychelles Tourism Academy perform Russian songs and a short scene, showing growing interest in Russian for the service sector. Environment & Conservation: Eden Project relaunches its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” plants returning for sale from June 8 to fund conservation projects. Sports & Youth: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurates a new outdoor gym, made possible by the school girls’ football team’s success. Global Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV backs the UK–Mauritius Chagos Islands deal, praising justice for Chagossians and highlighting the right to live on one’s land. Lifestyle & Travel Buzz: A new Sri Lanka visa fee waiver for citizens of 40 countries (including Oman and Seychelles’ regional links) adds another reason for travellers to plan ahead.

Seychelles Tourism: The Government has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO from 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen tourism governance and destination marketing after five years under a centralized framework. Environment & Culture: Eden Project has relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, bringing back Impatiens “Ray of Hope” for sale from 8 June, with proceeds supporting conservation projects. Sports & Youth: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gym, made possible by the school girls’ football team’s success at the African Schools Football Championship—an upgrade for youth sport and community wellness. Language & Heritage: Seychelles Tourism Academy, the Russian embassy and African Initiative marked the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture in Victoria with student performances, a Russian-language history video and certificates. Climate Adaptation: A report highlights how reflective “cool roofs” can cut indoor heat and improve sleep for vulnerable families, with a pilot project tracking results across African homes. Global Mobility: Sri Lanka introduced free 30-day tourist visas for citizens of 40 countries (including Oman), with an online ETA still required. Regional Cooperation: The African Union launched a new humanitarian coordination platform in Mahé to improve crisis response across displacement, hunger and climate-linked disasters.

Seychelles Tourism: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO (effective 15 May 2026), aiming to strengthen governance and destination marketing after five years under a centralized framework. Environment & Culture: Eden Project has relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, bringing back Impatiens “Ray of Hope” for sale from 8 June, with proceeds supporting conservation of Seychelles’ endangered endemic plants. Local Sports & Youth: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gymnasium, made possible by the success of the school’s girls’ football team in the African Schools Football Championship. International Faith & Heritage: A global roundup spotlights Catholic churches with strikingly colorful facades, from Venice to beyond—an easy cultural read for architecture lovers. Climate Adaptation: A report on “cool roofs” highlights how reflective roof paint can help households sleep better and stay cooler during heatwaves, with data from homes across Africa. Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV praised the UK–Mauritius deal to return the Chagos Islands, calling it a long-overdue justice step for Chagossians. Regional Security: Seychelles took part in India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral military exercise in Meghalaya, focused on counter-terrorism and interoperability. Travel Policy: Sri Lanka introduced fee-free 30-day tourist visas for citizens of 40 countries (with an online ETA still required), including Seychelles’ regional links.

Environment & Culture: Israel’s envoy H.E. Gideon Behar reflects on World Environment Day, arguing nature’s “balance and regeneration” offers lessons for climate action and human behaviour. Chagos & Justice: Pope Leo XIV backs the UK–Mauritius deal to return the Chagos Islands, spotlighting the rights of Chagossians exiled decades ago. Language & Learning: Seychelles Tourism Academy, the Russian embassy and partners mark the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture with students’ Russian songs and performances in Victoria. Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstates the Seychelles Tourism Board and appoints Vesna Rakić as CEO, aiming to strengthen destination marketing and sustainable competitiveness. Youth & Sport: Anse Boileau Secondary School opens a new outdoor gym, backed by the success of its girls’ football team. Regional Mobility: Ghana’s e-Visa push signals easier access for African tourism and trade, while Sri Lanka waives visa fees for citizens of 40 countries. Security & Cooperation: Multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 concludes in Meghalaya with Seychelles among 13 nations, focusing on counter-terrorism and interoperability. Conservation: Eden Project relaunches its Seychelles partnership, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” sales funding local plant conservation. Arts & Leadership: NIACC announces its 2026–2027 Performing Arts and Leadership Series, adding more cultural programming to the region.