Tourism plays a major role in Seychelles’ economy, generating around 72 percent of its gross domestic product, making up 30 percent of jobs.
Qatar and Seychelles’ relations of 41 years has flourished since their establishment in 1984, opening up greater opportunities for close collaboration, the country’s non-resident ambassador to Doha, Gervais Moumou, told Doha News.
“Seychelles and Qatar established democratic relations in 1984, so that makes it about 40 years that we’ve been having this relationship. I would basically say it’s a very mature relationship and we have had a lot of cooperation,” he told Doha News on May 6.
Moumou spoke to Doha News shortly after submitting his credentials to Qatar’s Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, marking the beginning of his tenure.
From its azure waters to its vibrant scenery, Seychelles has stood as a key tourism destination for people globally, including solo travellers. Tourism plays a major role in Seychelles’ economy, generating around 72 percent of its gross domestic product, making up 30 percent of jobs.
“Seychelles is a conservationist country, so it’s very well known for that and we basically advocate for climate change. We champion sustainable practices,” Moumou said. “I think this is one thing that is very attractive to many tourists that travel to our shores,” he added.
Tourism has also been a driving force in Qatar and Seychelles’ relations, which culminated in numerous agreements in the sector.
In 2021, Qatar Airways joined forces with the Tourism Seychelles in a bid to help the latter’s tourism sector recover following the pandemic. The Qatari airline had increased its flights to the island from three weekly to daily.
Then, in 2023, Qatar Airways and Air Seychelles signed a codeshare agreement that further boosted the seamless travel experience between both countries.
“Basically, you can travel to Seychelles in the morning and in the evening you go back, which is a good thing,” Moumou noted. “One of the great successes of the code share is that there has been an increase in the number of Qatari travellers from two-to-three percent to 40 percent to Praslin Island,” he added.
A key milestone in Qatar and Seychelles’ relations was also in 2021, when President Wavel Ramkalawan visited the Gulf state.
Ambassador Moumou pointed to two memoranda signed at the time, one regarding sports cooperation and another on military cooperation that entailed the protection of Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“As you know, our EEZ received threats from piracy, illegal fishing, and also from drug trafficking. So that MOU in itself is very important in ensuring that this area is very well protected,” Moumou explained.
Moumou, while looking back at the milestones in Qatar and Seychells’ ties, he expressed his hope in further nurturing them while voicing his enthusiasm in beginning his tenure.
“I’m very happy to be in Qatar,” he said.
