Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Candidate for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO left Seychelles on Monday afternoon by Ethiopian Airlines and is on his way to Madrid to present his official documents and formalise his candidature. The former Minister of the Seychelles responsible for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine said as he was leaving Seychelles that his working visit to Madrid falls during FITUR, the Tourism Trade Fair of Spain which gives him a great opportunity to network with Tourism Ministers coming from the Community of Nations."Apart from presenting my official documents as the Seychelles Candidate for the post of Secretary General for the UNWTO, I have also organised one on one interviews with a number of press. On Tuesday the 17th I will join Tourism Ministers invited to a reception by His Majesty the King of Spain and I will also be attending the 2017 edition of the annual INVESTOUR conference where Africa meets Europe" said Alain St.Ange to a Kenyan Press following up on an earlier release announcing his candidature.Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles is joining the race for the top job in tourism and will be facing candidates from Georgia, Brazil, Korea and Zimbabwe. "It is a position under the umbrella of the UN. It is a democratic electoral process and every candidate are only after the best for the tourism industry. Candidate all know each other and have all interacted together as they have all been Tourism Ministers at one point in time. Member States of the UNWTO will elect who they see as the best person for the job. This is the normal course of action" said St.Ange.Seychelles is one of very few countries where english and french are both official languages and St.Ange is coming forward as a candidate who worked in the private sector for many years become joining the Government as a Minister. He has been a strong advocate on public / private partnership for the tourism industry of Seychelles and this has helped him steer the industry with a lot of success.
20 comments:
We all behind St Ange.......apart from his achievement as Sey.tourism minster his other assets is definitively the fact that he is bilingual.....Assets that the other candidates do not have.His chances of winning is high,..Africa has not led the organization for the last 43 years ......and between the Zimbabwean and ST Ange ...-- St Ange is better place.
Go for it!
His move is not going down well with AU or SADC who had endorsed the Zimbabwean candidate unanimously. Typical move by St Ange to try and Hijack the limelight. Hewho thinks of no one but St Ange. Hope he fails. http://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/zimbabwe-minister-mzembi/3680251.html
Well ,AU ,SADC like South Africa are pro Mugabe ,,,,nostalgic of colonial time ..that explain why the Black continent cannot move forward ..bushmanship still reign....it is not about competent,achievement,but tribalism and bushman mentality
But chian ,India,arab.and euroepan countires could make the different...Thez are more likely to appreciate a guz who has proven himself and master two international languages that a zimbabwbean speaking pigeon English.
1:22
When St. Ange has failed, Seychelles has failed.
When St. Angie has succeeded, Seychelles has succeeded.
That has been the pendulum.
Now it swings again, this time on the World stage.
Praying for his failure, is invoking our own failure.
I pray St. Ange will succeed.
He is a Son of Seychelles, he has never shamed us.
Sesel Pou Seselwa!
Christopher Gill
Tourism: Why divide Africa’s vote and chances at UNWTO?
January 17, 2017Sunday Onen Leave a comment why-divide-africas-vote-and-chances-at-unwto
Why divide Africa’s vote and chances at UNWTO?
OBINNA EMELIKE
The African tourism fraternity was happy when one of its own declared interest to run for the highly sought-after post of secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), which is going to be vacant at the end of 2017 when Taleb Rifai, the outgoing secretary-general will hand over to a successor.
With years of experience, global networking and execution of impactful tourism projects in his country, Walter Mzembi, tourism minister of Zimbabwe and the current Chairperson of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa, was endorsed as the sole candidate for Africa.
With that feat, Mzembi started networking within and outside the continent in preparation for election slated for May 2017 where he will slug it out with other candidates from Georgia, Mexico, and Brazil (Marcio Favilla, current UNWTO executive director for operational programs and institutional relations, already endorsed by his home country Brazil).
To ensure that Africa clinches the position for the first time since the creation of the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism in 1975, the African Union threw its weight behind Zimbabwean Mzembi, and even Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states – including Seychelles – unanimously endorsed Mzembi’s (Zimbabwe) candidature in March 2016. African Heads of State and Government, meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, in July 2016, added their own unanimous endorsement of Mzembi, who thus became Africa’s candidate for UNWTO.
In its confirmatory letter of endorsement, addressed to the Secretary General of the UNWTO, the African Union Commission stated that: “It is the firm conviction of African Heads of State and Government – as evidenced by their unanimous endorsement of Dr. Mzembi’s candidature – that he has the qualifications, skills and competence; the vision; and, equally as important, the drive and passion to successfully build on the remarkable legacy bequeathed to global tourism by His Excellency Dr. Rifai, and to lead the organization and global tourism to new heights of relevance, recognition, and results – tourism being an effective vehicle for sustainable development, the building of deeper understanding between peoples and cultures, and for the reinforcement of the quest for greater global harmony and peace.”
But while Africans were rallying round Mzembi with the hope of giving him a block vote, a bad news broke on December 28, 2016 when Alain St. Ange, the then minister of tourism for the Republic of Seychelles, resigned his position to contest (for the second time) the same position the continent has already had a sole candidate for.
The question most Africans who are passionate about tourism development across the continent asked was: Why now? But while that question may be rhetorical, the one that needs urgent answer is: Why divide Africa’s vote and chances at the UNTWO?
In his opinion, Ikechi Uko, CEO, Akwaaba African Travel Market/team leader, The Team Africa, Seychelles is already occupying the position of Head of Africa at UNWTO, a position vacated by Senegal, hence pushing for secretary-general of UNWTO will be taking undue advantage of the continent.
But going by the UNWTO politics, it seems the some caucus wants Georgia to win and the only way is to use an African to divide African vote, and probably offering Seychelles the position of deputy secretary-general for splitting Africa’s votes in favour of the desired winner.
Having entered the race and left little or no impression at the first time, Mathieu Keroki, a Congolese tourism experts, said that the Seychellois St.Ange should have respected Africa’s choice instead of voicing his interest once again, and probably aiming to divide Africa’s vote.
“I think he is not fit for the job. He should respect the choice of Africa and support Mzembi’s candidature”, Keroki said.
The major concern for Bongani Kumalo, a South African resort owner, is the fact that the position takes long to revolve, and now the wheel is favoring African, the continent should move against any opposition within or else, other continents will keep splitting Africa’s votes in their selfish favour.
“Before the flag off of their campaign in Madrid, Spain later this month, Africa should intervene on St.Ange to step down, so that we can speak with one voice and block vote is important too”, Kumalo warned.
The race is getting hotter as Brazillian Marcio Favilla and African Walter Mzembi set to clash at their launch during FITUR in Madrid on January 19, 2017 to get supporters for ahead of the UNWTO Executive Council meeting scheduled to be held in Madrid in mid-May, 2017.
As well, St.Ange will be presenting his manifesto as well to the global body in campaign for UNTWO’s top position.
For those who doubt Walter Mzembi’s endorsement and capabilities:
Mzembi has served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and the Hospitality Industry since 2009. Prior to that, he held various positions in both the public and private sectors in Zimbabwe and internationally, including heading the Zimbabwe delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly for three consecutive years.
He has represented his country on the UNWTO Executive Council and is currently serving his second consecutive term as Chairperson of the UNWTO’s Regional Commission for Africa.
Mzembi has a long-standing, deep, and abiding passion for tourism in all its many facets, as well as a well-defined and clearly articulated vision for the future development of the global tourism industry under the umbrella of the UNWTO.
After the Madrid launch the candidates will continue their campaign to other global tourism bodies and blocks, seeking further support and eventual votes.
Mr Gill, i do nat agree with your remarks 'he has never failed us'. Reading the latest above, it is very irresponsible for St Ange to use the upcoming election to resign from GOS.
'But while Africans were rallying round Mzembi with the hope of giving him a block vote, a bad news broke on December 28, 2016 when Alain St. Ange, the then minister of tourism for the Republic of Seychelles, resigned his position to contest (for the second time) the same position the continent has already had a sole candidate for.'
This is very unethical on the part of St Ange. Was he running away in order to avoid questions in National Assembly ?
I will remind you of the cheque that he called from St Anne. Which Minister in this day and age, make a trip to St Anne to collect a cheque for e turbo news. Which minister in his right mind will have this particular cheque made payable to his personal name ? Why does e turbo not have its own bank account in this day and age ?
There is something very fishy about this resignation.
Finally, I do not have anything personal against St Ange. However, when he is wrong I will say so. Equally, when he is right I will be the first one to pat him on the back. So there is no personal vendetta or issues here. We as Seselwa must support the 'bigger picture' being AFRICA.
2:02
Those of us in the trade of tourism know clearly, St. Any role with e turbo. This goes back to his early days at SHTA. He collected subscriptions from 4-5 star hotels on behalf of e turbo. I suppose they pay him aswell this is a trivial issue because St. Anne Resort would not write a cheque to commit fraud. Come on guys. Between you and the clerk that made these legions, jump to conclusion, you simply watch too many James Bond movies. Use some common sense.
Many in the trade have known St. Ange was submitting his candidacy. It was simply NOT a surprise. This is the single minister who has maintain an open door policy. How many times have I been to his office, Mayor of Victoria David Andre is walking out? From what I know of St. Ange, the National Assembly was the last thing on his mind. He had his response to move on, I support that 100%. You should as well. Unless things change, others will move on.
The real issue in the Nationl Assembly is the Budget. FYI before STB budget is presented to MOF then the National Assembly, it is presented to STB Board. Go see who is on this board, then you will know who is scratching the back of ESPACE, in exchange for protection in the Tourism Industry, and protection of monopolies. This is where we must all focus, to break the monopolies, before they destroy Seychelles. We are at the 11th hour.
Finally, I do not endorse your suggestion that we support Africa at the expense of Seychelles. You sound like Merkel, sacrificing Germny for the world. We in Seychelles do not have the liberty or largess to support your grandiose pan African movement today. We must do what is in the interest of Seychelles and above all, her people, that means, you and I not Mugabe.
Sesel Pou Seselwa!
Christopher Gill
I agree with you, we must put Seychelles first. However, if we had agreed that that Mzembi was the man back then and St Ange even backed him...then I am sorry to say we are not honourable people to deal with. This is not an attitude that puts Seychelles first. This 2 faced attitude tells Africa that Sesewa cannot be trusted and we are put at the bottom of the heap. I don't want to support leaders or representative of mine (be it elected or appointed) who says one thing and does something else. My point is, it is unethical if we had agreed to a block vote for Africa when (as you quoted) 'Many in the trade' well knew St Ange was going to throw his hat in the ring. We should have objected to the block vote back then.I hate 2 faced people who says one thing and does the opposite ! By the way I am a Seselwa, as we depend on tourists I am by extension in the trade. But I was not aware St Ange was going to be a possible candidate !
Worse then 2 face people is multi face fakes.
St. Ange threw in his candidacy because Zimbabwe nominee could not be trusted to do the work. Given the predicament of the Mugabe regime and low international status, it is the right thing to do.
If St. Ange over ride Le Pep on this issue I see no problem. It is welcome. Pillay and his gang of fall outs over rode Le Pep. No big deal.
We have seen Le Pep making numerous blunders this will not be the last.
What is sad, is the opposition led by Ramkalawan, who has personal,issues with st. Ange,cannot see the greater good beyond the conflicts.
This shows great immaturity, unfortunately. Given the bar being set by Faure for high hurdles, Ramkalawan will be challenged.
Sesel Pou Seselwa!
Christopher Gill
Diversion tactics. Why cloud the issue with Ramkalawan & Pillay ?
If Mzembi could not be trusted, St Ange should have made this clear from the onset. St Ange should not have waited for the last hour to throw his hat in the ring I cannot support him for the job, because he has brought the good name of Seychelles into disripute amongst our African friends !
1:34 AM
There is no reason to divert. You are defending a Zimbabwean at the expense of the candidacy of a Seychellois ( your own) who has an excellent, second to no other in Africa record on Tourism. How can you claim Seychelles good name is compromised by an excellent record- then compare that to the candidacy of a rouge failed state candidate? You defend your " African Friends" to over ride your Seychellois people? What kind of logic is that? Do you have no sense of loyalty to your country above all else? Do you have no sense of commitment to the betterment of Seychelles? Or are you playing with pleasing " your African friends"?
Is that not being two face, the very thing that you find despicable in an earlier post?
Happy Sunday, I trust you use the time to reflect on the contents of your heart that spues this poison on our candidate at the UNWTO.
Sesel Pou Seselwa!
Christopher Gill
THE support of south africa and SADc for Mzembi...is not about his performance as Zimbabwe tourism minister,his personality ,,but it is all about Mugabe.....South African government has always been an unconditional supporter of Mugabe....
10:33
Agreed 100%. In addition South Africa does not want o see Zimbabwe excel on the world stage and tourism. Hence the support of basically a basket case from a rouge government.
Zimbabwe under Robert Mugabe you will recall has support numerous leftist tribal rebellions in Africa. Mugabe has been a source of supply of arms, weapons, bombs, grenades to numerous insurgents. Hence a total contradiction of Tourism Industry.
St. Ange has walked the talk, delivered incredible growth of 12%, 13%, 18% in arrivals. No one can challenge this record of excellence, beyond expectations, beyond numbers we could imagine. His formula one can say, has been perfected, while Zimbabwe is still trying to figure out how to make a square wheel.
Sesel Pou Seselwa!
Christopher Gill
Here we go again calling and assuming all Zimbabwe & South Africans are hopeless. This is the problem with this world we live in. We cannot blame Mzembi and all Zimbabwean for Mugabe rule by force. Likewise, we cannot blame Ton Pat, Ton Ahmen & Ramkalawan for Renes & JAM thirst for power, corruption and victimisation. You accuse me of putting Zimbabwe first instead of Seychelles, you are quite wrong. You are using this example to divide opinion. This is what I coin cheap arguments. I am not supporting Zimbabwe or Seychelles. I am supporting the truth and what is correct. I am not a supporter of Rene, but I do support him on matters where he was right, and believe you me there were a few. Equally, I am a supporter of LDS, but I will not follow them blindly and say yes to everything they bring about. Just yesterday Honourable Woodcock posted a comment on noise pollution. Whilst I have utmost respect for Honourable Woodcock, I am of the opinion he made a serious 'faux pas' on this one. I equally, see a lot of sense in a lot of your arguments, I also see you strategy of 'divide to win arguments/debates'. As explained previously, it is not gentlemanly to back Mzembi from the onset only to backstab and challenge him later on. This is similar to what Rene & JAM did to Mancham on 5th June 1977. So you live with it if you find it appealing and correct. I will respect you for that. Whilst I have made my mind not to support St Ange on this one because it brings our good name of Seychelles into disrepute. Long gone are the days of 'my word is my bond' (Not JAMES BOND) ! Happy Sunday Mr Gill - I just love this type of adult debate & mutual respect !
2:15 here we go again. We profess divide and rule when the arguments are no more.
My comments are not intended to divide nor to rule.
The comments highlight the fault lines of your rational, the cracks in the wall, the prejudice against the cause to advance Seychellois interests at the foot of unresolved, unsubstantiated bais.
No allegation on St. Ange performance has been establish in the affirmative.
No Seychellois, would put the interest of Zimbabwe ahead of Seychelles. The candidate record in Zimbabwe speaks for itself, it is a poor performance. If AU makes a mistake, makes a blunder, we who have eyes, intelligence, self respect, are we to follow AU to the grave site of failure?
In the ideal world, the answer is yes. In the pragmatic world, the answer is no.
St. Ange putti his candidacy to the vote at UNWTO is not an appropriate analogy to Rene's thirst for power. It is wholly increase in congruent, unbecoming as a suggestion. Rene used AK-47 to come to power. St. Ange is ordering. Ice cream, shaking hands, asking for support.
If we all sat at a table and agreed to eat a gorgeous mango, share it, enjoy it in ones weels time. Then when we meet in one week, the gorgeous mango has exposed its worms,which are now crawling from the once perfect skin, do we proceed to eat this mango? Or do we select another mango available, that is in fact, in perfect conditioned?
You can back your bad wormed fruit. I will back what I know, is a proven success.
On this one, we will have to agree, to disagree, on this fine Sunday.
Sesel Pou Seselwa!
Christopher Gill
If you have found worm in the mango, I will believe and trust you, as I was not there sharing the mango. So, I will concede on this one and will give St Ange the benefit of my doubt. Thank you.
3:47
I accept your concession, it is in our interest as Nation and a people. Here is some background information which will reveal the poor performance of Zimbabwe Tourism.
In 1999, 30% of Zimbabwe arrivals were from Europe, Middle East, contributing $1600.00 to their economy per arrival. In 2015, these key high yield markets were lost and now realize only 14% of arrivals, being replaced by regional travelers, spending only $150.00 per trip.This has resulted in significant lost of yield, and the economy suffered greatly for this.
While Ex- Minister St. Ange led Seychelles to exceptional arrival performance, of 13%, 12%, 15% last year, 18%, Zimbabwe struggled to achieve 2.4% in 2014, 4.7% in 2013. In February 2016, they announced 9% increase in arrivals, but qualified it, saying it was mainly regional travelers spending $150.00 per trip.These travelers were mainly from subharara Africa. To confirm this, in 2014, only 139,000 arrivals came from Europe, confirmation that the Minister of Tourism from Zimbabwe, as SG for UNWTO will have little or nothing to teach Seychelles, whose yield per stay is closer to $10,000.00 then it is to $150.00.
We should all recognize the excellent job St. Ange has done. At times we argued with him, at times we crunch our teeth, but his door was always open, he understood some key points: 1. We must remain visible, to remain relevant, 2. High yield is achieved on high quality delivery, 3. Safety of our guest is paramount, 4. Cleanliness in public areas is non negotiable with government, 5. We must continually work to make all our people stakeholders in the Industry, to maintain relevance, 6. Our culture on stage is the key to achieving high visibility, on a shoe string budget, when I suppose ESPACE takes most of the money in rent and air condition service.
C. Gill
Mzembi has been a disaster for tourism. He has basically counted transit immigrants as tourists.
This is NOT Tourism . Sorry.
People work in South Africa in factories and farms homes. They come back to Zimbabwe to holiday. This is the arrivals they are claiming. It is a travesty for Zimbabwe and Africa . When are we going to stop lying about Africa . When we get it wrong let's say it. When we get it right give credit. In between we waste time
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