AGP Executive Report

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.

Tourism Policy: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board, restoring a dedicated destination marketing structure after five years under a centralized framework, with veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić appointed CEO effective 15 May 2026. Hospitality Careers: Mary Bowens has been appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, following her earlier role as Resort Manager at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles. Regional Humanitarian Coordination: The African Union unveiled a new African Humanitarian Coordination Platform in Mahé to tighten crisis response across displacement, hunger, conflict and climate-linked disasters. Sailing & Youth Sport: Seychelles is among the teams preparing for the African and Oceanian Qualifiers in Switzerland, training on Lake Neuchâtel ahead of the first races. Travel Deals: Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for visitors from 40 countries (including India and Seychelles via reciprocal arrangements), offering a free 30-day ETA with double-entry—while travellers still must apply online before arrival. Culture & Travel Experiences: Ponant announced speakers for its 2027 Explorers Club voyages, including an itinerary titled “The Essential Seychelles.” Education Access: SIDOL is spotlighted for giving Seychellois learners second and third chances through distance and open learning.

Culture & Policy: Seychelles’ culture reform is back in focus with the Bill No. 7 of 2026 on Culture, Heritage and Arts, aiming to reshape institutions under the Ministry of Culture. Education & Second Chances: SIDOL is spotlighted for giving Seychellois learners “second and third chances” through distance and open learning. Tourism & Hospitality: Raffles Seychelles appoints Gerrard McNamara as Resort Manager, signalling a push for a refreshed guest experience on Praslin. Diplomacy & Regional Links: A Seychelles National Assembly delegation took part in the Africa‑EU Parliamentary Assembly in Eswatini, working through the OACPS ARPG to align positions. Travel Ease Across Africa: The Republic of Congo announces visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 January 2027, joining a growing list that includes Seychelles and others. Regional Travel Deals: Sri Lanka rolls out free 30-day tourist ETAs for visitors from 40 countries (with Seychelles included via reciprocal arrangements), while still requiring the ETA before arrival. Community & Youth: English River secondary school launches a Young Entrepreneurs Club alongside its first career fair, encouraging students to plan their career journeys.

Culture & Governance: Seychelles’ culture reform bill (Bill No. 7 of 2026) is set to reshape how culture, heritage and arts institutions are organised, moving oversight directly under the Ministry of Culture. Education & Second Chances: SIDOL is spotlighted for giving Seychellois learners “second and third chances,” keeping lifelong learning within reach. Tourism & Leadership: Tourism Seychelles and Small Luxury Hotels of the World hosted a Chinese media familiarisation trip, pushing “Higher Value, Lower Impact” with culture, cuisine and eco experiences; meanwhile, Vesna Rakić is appointed CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and Raffles Seychelles names Gerrard McNamara as Resort Manager. Regional Mobility: The Republic of the Congo announces visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027, joining a growing African open-borders push that also includes Seychelles. Travel Deals: Sri Lanka rolls out free 30-day tourist ETAs for travellers from 40 countries (with Seychelles, Maldives and Singapore still needing an ETA but processed free). Community & Wellbeing: A World Thyroid Day report flags thyroid disease as a major, neglected health crisis across Africa, noting Seychelles is among the few with national newborn screening.

Tourism Policy Shake-up: Sri Lanka has just made tourist entry cheaper and simpler: from 25 May, visitors from 40 countries can get a free 30-day Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) on arrival, with double-entry allowed during the validity period (but it doesn’t “reset” the 30 days). The catch stays the same: you still must apply for the ETA online before you travel, and any fees paid before 25 May won’t be refunded. Regional Mobility Trend: The move lands in a wider wave of African border liberalisation—Congo says it will scrap visas for all African citizens from 1 January 2027, joining countries already easing travel rules. Seychelles Angle: Seychelles is named among the nations covered by Sri Lanka’s reciprocal ETA requirement, while locally the Seychelles Tourism Board has a new CEO, Vesna Rakić, as the destination pushes higher-value travel.

Visa Access Watch: Sri Lanka just rolled out a free 30-day on-arrival tourist visa for travellers from 40 countries, including India, but everyone still needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival—double-entry is allowed within the 30 days. Regional Mobility Push: The Republic of the Congo says it will scrap visas for all African citizens from 1 January 2027, joining a growing club that already includes Seychelles, Ghana, Togo, Rwanda, Benin and The Gambia. Seychelles in the Mix: Seychelles continues to position itself as a travel and policy hub—its tourism leadership has a new CEO at the Seychelles Tourism Board (Vesna Rakić), and a Seychelles delegation recently took part in the Africa‑EU parliamentary track in Eswatini. Hospitality & Careers: Raffles Seychelles has appointed Gerrard McNamara as Resort Manager, while Seychelles schools and youth groups are also pushing career and entrepreneurship pathways.