Research conducted by a group of students from ETH University in Zurich is set to provide valuable insights to the Seychelles’ tourism department regarding the sustainability of the industry. The students, who are pursuing their master’s degrees, have been conducting a Trans-disciplinary Assessment Study with the theme of Sustainable Land Use II- Rethinking the Sustainability of Tourism. The preliminary results of their study were presented in a public meeting.
The students have been in Seychelles since early July, collecting data on various topics related to tourism. This data will be compiled into a report and presented to the Department of Tourism for further action. The principal secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis, expressed the relevance of the study to Seychelles’ tourism industry, which emphasizes sustainability. The research conducted by the students will provide valuable insights and serve as a foundation for future works in addressing the areas that need attention.
The topics covered by the students included beach-based tourism, agri-tourism, cultural tourism, the social impact of tourism, hotels and farmers linkages, terrestrial adventure tourism, and an assessment of tourism in Seychelles 2040. Each topic was assigned to a different group of students, who took turns presenting their findings.
One notable finding was the need for improved trade between farmers and local hotels, for which platforms and better standards such as labels and quality control are required. Additionally, the study found that the sea around Beau Vallon beach in Mahe and Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue island is polluted, with Beau Vallon experiencing higher levels of pollution due to littering.
During the presentation, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, emphasized the importance of tourism as a sector that involves everyone in the country. He also highlighted the need to explore other activities that can support the tourism industry, as there may come a time when the country won’t be able to accommodate all visitors.
The students involved in the study expressed their satisfaction with the experience, stating that aside from discovering Seychelles, they gained a better understanding of research tools and methodologies that will benefit them in the future.
This collaboration between Seychelles and ETH Zurich University is not the first of its kind. Since 2015, students from the university have conducted surveys on the environment and tourism in the archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.
The research conducted by the students from ETH University in Zurich presents a significant opportunity for Seychelles’ tourism department to address sustainability concerns. By analyzing various aspects of tourism, such as the social impact, land use, and linkages between local farmers and hotels, the findings will help guide future strategies and initiatives. With the support of the students’ research, Seychelles can continue to develop as a sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism destination.
