A new Beach Control Committee has been tasked with the sustainable management of beaches in the Seychelles to ensure the Indian Ocean islands maintain their status as a world-class beach destination.
The state-owned Seychelles News Agency quoted the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Anne Lafortune as saying: “We have noticed recently that on beaches, which are our number one asset, there are activities being conducted that are not necessarily legal or in accordance with regulations.”
The 92 islands that form part of the Seychelles, have experienced a constant increase in tourism arrivals since 2014 which has had a positive impact on the nation’s economic development and seen a significant rise in beach activities.
Seychelles Tourism Minister, Didier Dogley, said the new committee sought to regulate the way such activities were conducted, and he expressed concerns on activities such as the sale of coconuts and rental of beach beds.
The committee comprises the police force, the Seychelles Ministry of Environment, the Enterprise Seychelles Agency, the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association and the Seychelles Planning Authority, among others.
Lafortune said the Ministry would initially be looking at the beaches that were visited most frequently.
"They will be the priority, however should there be a concern arising with regard to another beach, such as the noise issue, we will be able to know, with the formation of the committee who will tackle the problem," she said.
