Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, mapping a 2027 shift from planning to delivery after a tough first half of 2026 linked to Middle East disruptions; arrivals picked up in July and August, with Russia leading the rebound and growth also coming from China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey. Culture & Diplomacy: Chinese Ambassador Lin Nan met Seychelles Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein to deepen cooperation on cultural heritage protection, archives, fashion exchange, tourism promotion and skills training. Sports & Youth: Grand Anse Mahé young footballers got a boost with equipment donated by MNA Nelsia Balisa-Lepathy, supporting training for ages 5–10. Chess: Three Seychellois players represented the country at the Windhoek Namibia Open 2026, a FIDE-rated event. Local Life & Identity: An interview profile spotlights Mervin Henriette, whose reggae passion has taken him to international festivals and taught him how music can unite people across borders. International Connections: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met Seychelles’ Speaker Azarel Ernesta, praising shared democratic values and highlighting growing interest in India’s Yoga traditions. Travel Watch: Thailand’s visa-free rules are changing from 15 September—most eligible travellers will get 30 days instead of 60, with Seychelles and Mauritius set for separate 15-day exemptions. Wildlife & Learning: Seychelles-linked conservation education continues to ripple outward, with Aldabra giant tortoises highlighted in a new zoo exchange story.