AGP Executive Report

Travel & Visas: UK says citizens of Seychelles and Mauritius don’t need a traditional visitor visa in advance, but many still must secure an ETA before travel. Regional travel rules: Thailand has cut its visa-free tourist stay from 60 to 30 days from 15 September, with tighter limits on visa-free land entries—while Germany clarifies visa-free entry for children joining EU/EFTA parents. Seychelles Tourism: At ATM 2026, Seychelles pushed deeper GCC ties and renewed its strategic partnership with Emirates as arrivals near 400,000; the Seychelles delegation also showcased the islands at IFTM Top Resa in Paris. Community & Environment: The Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew Seychelles Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador, with 34 runners backing coastal cleanup. Culture & Ideas: WHO calls for more research into traditional medicine, and Seychelles’ ratification of the TPNW is highlighted as a model for nuclear-free security in the Indian Ocean.

Seychelles Tourism & GCC Focus: Seychelles is doubling down on the Gulf market at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, with the Seychelles Tourism Board putting the GCC at the centre of its high-value, sustainable strategy and pushing deeper trade engagement. Emirates Partnership: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism partnership with Seychelles as arrivals near 400,000, extending a MoU that boosts joint marketing, media familiarisation and travel trade activity, backed by twice-daily Dubai–Mahé flights. Clean Shores Run: In Roche Caiman, the Clean Shores Run (19 Sept) brought together community runners, Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador for a 5km race tied to International Coastal Cleanup Day and environmental awareness. Informal Economy Spotlight: A Cape Town indaba highlights a growing push to treat Africa’s informal sector as a foundation for national growth—arguing that ignoring it is now costing the region dearly. Chagos Diplomacy Complicates: The Chagos sovereignty dispute is getting more tangled as the Maldives asks to reopen negotiations, adding another claimant to a long-running fight over Diego Garcia and displaced Chagossians. Traditional Medicine Push: WHO calls for more research into traditional medicine, noting a major global funding gap and urging countries to build safer, clearer evidence for growing health needs.

Coastal & Community Sports: The Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman brought Seychelles youth and partners together for International Coastal Cleanup Day, with Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and Russian Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev joining the 5km race; 34 runners completed the course, and Yannick Anacoura won overall while Belle topped the women’s category. Seychelles Tourism, GCC Focus: At Arabian Travel Market 2026, Seychelles Tourism Board is putting the Gulf Cooperation Council at the centre of a high-value strategy, backed by a renewed Emirates MoU and growing regional connectivity that funnels many visitors via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Emirates Partnership Boost: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism partnership with Seychelles, extending a deal first launched in 2013 and aiming to lift inbound travel through joint marketing, familiarisation trips and trade engagement as arrivals near 400,000. Traditional Medicine Push: WHO called for more research into traditional medicine, highlighting Seychelles’ own commitment to building national research centres as governments seek safer, evidence-based health options. Travel Rules Watch: Thailand tightened entry rules from 15 September, cutting the 60-day visa-free stay to 30 days for many nationalities and limiting land-border visa-free entries—an update that will shape regional travel planning.

Seychelles Tourism & GCC Strategy: Seychelles is doubling down on the Gulf Cooperation Council at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, with the Seychelles Tourism Board saying around six in 10 visitors reach the islands via Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, and plans for a new Emirates MoU to push high-value, sustainable travel beyond “just beaches.” Emirates–Seychelles Partnership: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture as arrivals near 400,000, pledging joint marketing, trade engagement and familiarisation trips, backed by twice-daily Dubai–Mahé flights. ATM Global Stage (Aviation + Data): Ministers and industry leaders, including Seychelles’ tourism minister Nicola Amanda Bernstein, urged stronger aviation infrastructure and faster, data-informed decisions to support a post-conflict travel rebound. France Trade Push: Seychelles also showcased its tourism offering at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, aiming to strengthen ties with French and European travel partners. Traditional Medicine Research: WHO called for more research into traditional medicine, highlighting Seychelles’ recent commitment to build national research centres. Nuclear-Free Indian Ocean: Comoros and Seychelles’ moves toward the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) were framed as a practical security model for the region.

Seychelles Tourism & GCC Focus: Seychelles is doubling down on the Gulf at Arabian Travel Market 2026, with the Seychelles Tourism Board putting the GCC at the centre of a shift toward higher-value, longer-staying visitors—pointing to how around six in 10 travellers reach the islands via Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi. Emirates Partnership Boost: Emirates renewed and expanded its tourism MoU with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture as arrivals near 400,000, backing joint marketing, familiarisation trips and trade engagement, with twice-daily Dubai–Mahé flights. ATM Connectivity Talk: On the ATM Global Stage, Seychelles’ Tourism Minister Nicola Amanda Bernstein joined regional voices stressing aviation infrastructure and better data-informed decisions to support a post-conflict travel rebound. Comoros & Seychelles Nuclear-Free Push: A new piece highlights Comoros and Seychelles’ ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, framing it as a practical security model for the Indian Ocean. Local Education Update: La Rosière primary school in Seychelles is nearing completion, with the minister outlining three contractor components and remaining works. Travel Rule Changes (Regional Context): Thailand has tightened entry rules from 15 September, cutting visa-free stays and limiting land-border “visa runs,” while Germany clarified visa-free entry for children joining EU/EFTA parents.

Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: Seychelles is pushing deeper into the Gulf at Arabian Travel Market 2026, with Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein and the Seychelles Tourism Board putting GCC connectivity at the centre of a shift toward high-value, sustainable stays. Airline Partnerships: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism MoU with Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, extending a partnership dating back to 2013 as arrivals near 400,000, supported by twice-daily Dubai–Mahé flights and joint marketing plus familiarisation trips. Policy & Community Life: Seychelles’ La Rosière primary school is nearing completion, with the Education Minister outlining three contractor components—new classrooms, repairs to the old block’s pile foundations, and upgrades to existing blocks. Health & Heritage: WHO calls for more research into traditional medicine, highlighting Seychelles’ commitment to establishing national traditional medicine research centres. Arts & Ideas: Interview with Zeinab Badawi on why African scholars’ accounts carry more weight, alongside her broader work bridging journalism, academia and documentary storytelling. Sports (Digital Culture): Autosport Seychelles Sim Racing League Round 7 at Brands Hatch tightened the national championship race as top contenders finished level on points.

Nuclear-Free Push: Comoros and Seychelles have ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, turning disarmament and prevention into core security policy—an approach framed as a model for the wider Indian Ocean region. Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: Seychelles is doubling down on the Middle East at Arabian Travel Market 2026, placing the GCC at the centre of a high-value tourism strategy and renewing its Emirates partnership as arrivals near 400,000. Aviation & Recovery Talk: Ministers and industry leaders at ATM 2026 stress that better aviation infrastructure and data-led decisions are key to a fast post-conflict rebound—especially for Seychelles’ route availability and connectivity. French Market Boost: Seychelles strengthens its French tourism push at IFTM Top Resa 2026, aiming to deepen trade relationships and visibility in Europe. Health Research Gap: WHO calls for more research into traditional medicine, highlighting Seychelles’ recent move to set up national research centres. Travel Rules Watch: Thailand ends its 60-day visa-free scheme from Sept 15, tightening stays and entry access for many nationalities.

Seychelles Tourism at ATM 2026: Seychelles is pushing deeper Middle East ties at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, with Tourism Minister Nicola Amanda Bernstein joining industry leaders to stress aviation infrastructure and data-led decisions for a faster post-conflict rebound. GCC Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board is putting the Gulf Cooperation Council at the centre of its high-value, sustainable tourism plan, aiming to shift from pure volume to longer stays and wider local spending. Emirates Partnership Boost: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism MoU with Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture as arrivals near 400,000, backing joint marketing and familiarisation trips; Emirates also signed seven tourism deals at ATM, including Seychelles. French Market Push: Seychelles also returned to IFTM Top Resa in Paris to strengthen trade relationships and visibility across Europe. Local Education Update: La Rosière primary school in Seychelles is nearing completion, with the minister outlining progress across multiple contractors and repair works. Global Travel Rule Watch: Thailand tightened entry rules from Sept 15, cutting visa-free stays and Visa on Arrival access—important for travellers planning winter routes.

Seychelles Tourism Push (Middle East): At Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, Seychelles is putting the GCC at the centre of its high-value strategy, with Minister Nicola Amanda Bernstein and STB CEO Vesna Rakic stressing better connectivity, smarter messaging and deeper travel-trade links. Emirates Partnership: Emirates renewed its tourism MoU with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture as arrivals near 400,000, backing joint marketing and familiarisation trips, while Emirates runs twice-daily Dubai–Mahé flights. Aviation & Recovery Talk: ATM sessions also highlighted aviation infrastructure and data-led decisions as key to post-conflict connectivity, with Seychelles’ tourism leadership linking route availability and affordability to demand. French Market Spotlight: Seychelles is also back at IFTM Top Resa in Paris (Sept 15–17), aiming to strengthen relationships with European partners and boost visibility in France. Local Education Update: La Rosière primary school in Seychelles is nearing completion, with the National Assembly hearing progress on multiple construction components. Courtroom Culture Note: In Uganda’s Besigye treason trial, a key witness told the court he is self-taught and has no academic qualifications—an unusual reminder of how personal histories shape public narratives.

Seychelles Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: Seychellois youth shared Creole traditions in Moscow at the International Children’s Cultural Forum, presenting games, dances and folk music as the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture backs more cultural exchanges abroad. Middle East Travel Push: At Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, Seychelles is doubling down on the GCC with meetings led by Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein and plans to deepen trade engagement and high-value, sustainable tourism. Emirates Partnership Boost: Emirates renewed its strategic tourism MoU with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture as arrivals near 400,000, supported by twice-daily Dubai–Mahé flights and joint marketing plus familiarisation trips. Connectivity Upgrade: Qatar Airways’ winter expansion includes more access to Seychelles, with flights to SEZ set to rise from four to seven weekly from 1 March 2027. Hospitality Growth in the Region: STORY Hospitality will showcase its UAE, Seychelles and Morocco developments at ATM, including early results from its loyalty push and ongoing refurbishment plans. Visa Reality Check for Travellers: Thailand’s 60-day visa-free scheme ends on 15 Sept 2026, cutting stays for many nationalities and tightening entry rules—important for anyone planning regional trips.

Seychelles Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: Seychelles is leaning into the GCC for high-value, sustainable travel, with the Seychelles Tourism Board putting Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi at the centre of its Arabian Travel Market 2026 push, including a planned Emirates MoU and deeper travel-trade engagement. Aviation & Island Access: Emirates also renewed its Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture partnership (dating back to 2013), citing 13% growth in 2025 arrivals to nearly 400,000, while Qatar Airways announced it will lift Seychelles flights from four to seven weekly from 1 March 2027. Local Business Spotlight: STORY Hospitality says it’s bringing a “Storyfication” corporate culture initiative to UAE, Seychelles and Morocco, alongside early results from its STORY DISCOVERY loyalty programme. Global Culture Exchange: Seychellois teens showcased Creole traditions at an International Children’s Cultural Forum in Moscow, sharing games and dances and strengthening youth cultural ties abroad. Travel Policy Watch: Thailand’s new entry rules start today, ending the 60-day visa-free scheme and cutting many nationalities to 30 days, with tighter limits at land borders.

Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: Seychelles Tourism Board is putting the GCC at the centre of its high-value, sustainable tourism push, with Gulf hubs already acting as key aviation bridges via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Regional Travel Partnerships: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market 2026 by signing/renewing tourism deals with seven destinations, including Seychelles, and extending its long-running partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture—aiming for joint marketing and familiarisation trips as visitor arrivals rose 13% to nearly 400,000 in 2025. Aviation Expansion for Seychelles: Qatar Airways says it will expand its winter network to 170+ destinations and increase Seychelles service from four to seven weekly flights from 1 March 2027. Creole Culture Abroad: Seychellois youth (12–17) showcased Creole traditions in Moscow at the International Children’s Cultural Forum, sharing games, dances and meeting Russian folk music communities. Local Arts & Heritage: “Under One Sun” opened in Victoria, featuring plein-air works by Russian and Seychellois artists and positioning them as cultural ambassadors for Seychelles-Russia ties. Travel Practicalities: Thailand’s visa-free entry rules tighten from 15 September—Mauritius and Seychelles get 15 days instead of 60, with a 30-day extension option via immigration.

Tourism Partnerships: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market 2026 with seven new or renewed tourism deals, including Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar, Sharjah, Malaysia, Finland and Norway, plus renewed ties with the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture; the airline says it runs two daily flights to Mahé and cites 13% growth in arrivals to nearly 400,000 in 2025. Hospitality & Culture in Travel: STORY Hospitality used ATM to spotlight its guest loyalty push (STORY DISCOVERY via GHA DISCOVERY) and the ongoing refurbishment of The H Dubai, while also launching “Storyfication” to build shared corporate culture across UAE, Seychelles and Morocco. Island Travel Buzz: Expedia’s 2026 “Island Hot List” shows Praslin in the Seychelles among the fastest-rising island destinations, with searches up 80% year over year. Seychelles on the World Cultural Stage: Seychellois teens showcased Creole culture at the International Children’s Cultural Forum in Moscow, presenting games, dances and folk-music exchanges. Arts & Diplomacy: The “Under One Sun” exhibition opened in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois plein-air works celebrating Seychelles–Russia cultural links. Travel Access Watch: New Zealand’s visa waiver list includes only Mauritius and Seychelles in Africa, with travellers still needing an NZeTA.

Cruise-and-stay know-how: Travel specialists share how agents can sell cruise-and-stay packages by matching the right ship to the right traveller, building in pre/post nights, and tailoring add-ons for first-timers. Winter sun ideas: A fresh guide points readers to easy, culture-rich escapes for 2026, including Caribbean, Maldives and Seychelles-style tropics—plus closer options like the Canaries. Seychelles in the spotlight: STORY Hospitality is pushing growth at ATM 2026, while Seychelles’ Creole culture is showcased abroad in Moscow through a youth cultural forum. Tourism diplomacy: Dr. Alain St.Ange urges the world to measure tourism beyond arrivals—calling it a daily bridge between nations. Connectivity boost: Qatar Airways expands to 170+ destinations for winter 2026–27, and IndiGo adds daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from Nov 20, with existing direct links to Seychelles. Education & culture: An exhibition, “Under One Sun,” opens in Victoria with Russian and Seychellois plein-air works. Local development: An agroecology project reports progress toward reducing pollution and erosion from farming in Seychelles.

Women in Higher Education: A new global map shows women outpace men in tertiary enrolment in 130 countries, with the biggest gaps in places like Gambia, Sint Maarten and Qatar, while Japan and South Korea buck the trend. Youth & Culture Diplomacy: Vladimir Putin urged young people to “change the world together” at the International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg, framing the event as a multi-country meeting point. Seychelles on the Cultural Map: Seychellois teens showcased Creole traditions in Moscow at the International Children’s Cultural Forum, sharing games, dances and folk music links. Art & Heritage Exchange: “Under One Sun” opened in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois artists working plein-air in Venn’s Town and Sans Souci—positioned as cultural and tourism ambassadors. Tourism as Soft Power: Dr. Alain St.Ange told the Oxford Global Diplomat Summit that tourism should be measured as human connection, not just arrivals. Island Travel Boom: Expedia’s 2026 island trend report highlights Praslin (Seychelles) with a big jump in search interest, alongside St. Lucia and other romantic escape picks. Seychelles in Global Mobility: Qatar Airways says it will expand to 170+ destinations this winter and increase services including to Seychelles. Local Lifestyle & Travel Planning: A travel feature argues Victoria has more to offer than the Clock Tower and market—encouraging visitors to slow down and explore. Visa Watch for Travellers: Thailand’s visa-free 60-day entry ends Sept 15, shifting to 30 days with an extension option; UK eGates rules also tighten with specific physical and digital requirements. Education & Skills Abroad: Seychelles students are among those heading to China for an EV training programme, reflecting ongoing skills exchange.

Seychelles–Russia Cultural Diplomacy: “Under One Sun” opened in Victoria on 9 September, bringing Russian and Seychellois artists together through plein-air sessions and positioning their work as cultural and tourism ambassadors. Creole Youth on the World Stage: Seychellois teens showcased Creole traditions at an International Children’s Cultural Forum in Moscow, sharing games, dances, and folk music while strengthening international cultural ties. Tourism as People-to-People Diplomacy: Seychelles Ambassador at Large Dr. Alain St.Ange urged delegates at Oxford to measure tourism beyond arrivals—calling it a daily bridge that can challenge prejudice and build peace. Local Learning Beyond the Classroom: Grand Anse Praslin primary teachers visited Mahé for hands-on professional learning and cross-curricular inspiration they can bring back to lessons. Seychelles in Global Travel Flows: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List flags Praslin as a fast-rising island destination, with searches up 80% year over year. Connectivity Boost for the Region: IndiGo announced daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November, adding to its direct links including Seychelles. Health & Policy Watch: South Africa’s childhood vaccination drop is linked to both low demand and missed health-system opportunities, as outbreaks of measles and diphtheria rise. Sustainable Farming in Seychelles: A two-year agroecology project (Sept 2024–Aug 2026) helped farmers adopt practices aimed at cutting pollution and soil erosion. Travel Rules That Affect Visitors: New Zealand’s visa waiver covers only Mauritius and Seychelles in Africa, but still requires an NZeTA.