AGP Executive Report

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.

Seychelles Tourism Governance: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO, effective 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen destination marketing and sustainable competitiveness. Island Development: President Dr Patrick Herminie visited Coetivy Island to tour key development sites and ongoing projects tied to the island’s economic future. Regional Humanitarian Response: The African Union launched a new humanitarian coordination platform after a Mahé engagement (18–19 May), targeting better crisis coordination as displacement, hunger and climate-linked disasters strain support across Africa. Indian Ocean Security: PRAGATI 2026, a multinational counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism exercise in Meghalaya, concluded with a 72-hour validation drill involving troops from 13 nations including Seychelles. Culture & Community Sports: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gym, backed by the success of the school’s girls’ football team. Nature & Conservation: Eden Project relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” sales supporting local plant conservation. Travel Policy Ripple: Ghana’s e-visa push and fee-free access for African passport holders, plus Sri Lanka’s free ETA for 40 countries, underline how visa rules are reshaping tourism demand. Arts & Leadership: NIACC announced its 2026–2027 Performing Arts and Leadership Series, adding more international cultural programming to the calendar. Sports Spotlight: Autosport Seychelles Sim Racing League returned with another Nürburgring round, featuring Seychellois driver Pharell Morgan on pole. Tech, Finance & Regulation: A MiCA-focused explainer highlights how offshore corporate structures can still operate in Europe through MiCA licensing—an angle relevant to Seychelles’ growing fintech interest. Remembering a Life: Helen Lyngaas Myers’ memorial service is set for 6 June in Milwaukee-area venues.

Seychelles Tourism: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and named Vesna Rakić as CEO from 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen governance and destination marketing after five years under a centralized tourism framework. Regional Mobility & Visas: Ghana launched an e-Visa platform tied to a push for easier African travel and trade, while Sri Lanka also waived tourist visa fees for arrivals from 40 countries via a free ETA—both moves underline how access rules are becoming a tourism battleground. Security & Cooperation: Multinational military exercise PRAGATI 2026 wrapped up in Meghalaya, with over 400 troops from 13 countries including Seychelles, training for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency in jungle and semi-mountain terrain. Youth & Sports: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gym, backed by the success of the girls’ football team at the African Schools Football Championship. Culture & Lifestyle: Eden Project relaunched its Seychelles partnership with Impatiens “Ray of Hope,” with plant sales from 8 June funding conservation projects. Sailing: SSL qualifiers are underway soon, with Seychelles among teams training on Lake Neuchâtel ahead of the first races.

Seychelles Tourism Board Reset: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić as CEO (effective 15 May 2026), aiming to strengthen governance and destination marketing after five years under a centralized framework. Conservation in the Spotlight: Eden Project has relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, bringing back the Impatiens “Ray of Hope” plant for sale from 8 June, with proceeds supporting local conservation projects. Luxury & Hospitality Careers: Raffles Seychelles has a new Resort Manager, Gerrard McNamara, as the property leans into a refreshed guest journey and a people-first leadership style. Arts & Leadership Programming: NIACC unveiled its 2026–2027 Performing Arts and Leadership Series, adding major performances and speakers to its 250th-anniversary season theme of home and heritage. Regional Mobility Watch: Seychelles is also mentioned in the wider wave of visa liberalisation across Africa and beyond, including fee-free ETA/visa moves in Sri Lanka and visa-free access announcements by other African states.

Seychelles Tourism Board: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board after five years under a centralized framework, with veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić appointed CEO effective 15 May 2026—aiming to strengthen destination marketing and tourism governance. Conservation & culture: Eden Project has relaunched its Seychelles partnership with the Environment Ministry, bringing back Impatiens “Ray of Hope” for sale from 8 June, with proceeds supporting conservation projects for endangered endemic plants. Hospitality leadership: Mary Bowens is appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, following her people-first approach and deep respect for local culture. Travel perks for the region: Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for arrivals from 40 countries (including Seychelles), offering a free 30-day ETA-based entry—while travellers still need to apply online. Sports & identity: Sha’Carri Richardson faces tighter World Athletics sprint qualification standards for Beijing 2027, where rankings will decide most places. Regional mobility: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 January 2027, joining a growing wave of open-border policies across Africa. Arts & learning: NIACC unveiled its 2026–2027 Performing Arts and Leadership Series, spotlighting themes of home and heritage. Wellness in travel: Club Med Seychelles is leaning into wellness-focused all-inclusive experiences on Sainte Anne, blending island calm with activity-led wellbeing.

Performing Arts & Leadership: North Iowa Area Community College announced its 2026–2027 Performing Arts and Leadership Series, spotlighting “home and heritage” with a packed lineup and ticket sales details. Tourism Governance: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board, with veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić appointed CEO from 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen destination marketing and competitiveness. Hospitality Careers: Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti appointed Mary as General Manager, highlighting a people-first approach and deep respect for local culture. Sailing & Local Pride: Seychelles is among the teams training for the SSL qualifiers in Switzerland, with preparations underway on Lake Neuchâtel ahead of racing. Travel Deals for the Region: Sri Lanka waived visa fees for visitors from 40 countries (including Seychelles via reciprocity), while still requiring a free ETA for up to 30 days—an easy win for regional tourism. Education Access: SIDOL (Seychelles Institute of Distance and Open Learning) continues its mission of second and third chances for Seychellois learners. Wellness in Hospitality: Club Med Seychelles leans into wellness-focused all-inclusive experiences on Sainte Anne, blending island calm with activity-led wellbeing.