The Seychelles Department of Tourism is extending its sustainable certification programme beyond accommodation establishments, to also cover restaurants and tour operators.

Since its launch in 2012, the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label, rebranded as the Sustainable Seychelles Brand in October 2023, has played a crucial role in promoting sustainability within tourism accommodations. The goal of the programme is to foster environmental stewardship, support local communities, and ensure sustainable business practices that contribute positively to the Seychelles' economy and ecosystem.

The programme's expansion to restaurants and tour operators aims to further embed sustainability practices within the local tourism sector, reinforcing Seychelles as a leading sustainability-minded destination.

“Our focus was mainly on accommodation establishments, now it is time to enlarge the scope to include other sectors. We will start with tour operators and restaurants,” said Seychelles Tourism Principal Secretary Sherin Francis.

In 2023, the scheme was broadened from encompassing only one final certification level, to a system with three different tiers of recognition that can be achieved before final certification. There are currently 25 accommodation establishments with full certification, and an additional 52 in the recognition phases.

“We realise that becoming more sustainable is a journey, and we need to recognise the work being done by these establishments to support and encourage them to continue on this path,” said Francis.

A total of 28 tour operators and 67 restaurants have been invited to participate in the programme.