A delegation of tourism professionals from the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) and led by Chairperson Sybille Cardon, met yesterday with the President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, Minister Naadir Hassan (Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade), Minister Sylvestre Radegonde (Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism), the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade, Patrick Payet and other senior officials.
All present welcomed this opportunity to facilitate a dialogue regarding the present state of tourism – the nation’s key economic sector – and, specifically, the further development of the industry following decades of growth which have led to significant economic and social outcomes for Seychelles.
One key issue discussed was the recently introduced 2% Accommodation Turnover Tax on tourism operators with a turnover in excess of SR25 million. Following a cordial and frank exchange of views, the government confirmed that this threshold will be increased to SR100 million in congruence with requests made by the SHTA in the interests of the sector and the nation.
Further, it was agreed that the ideology and protocols of the tax would be comprehensively reviewed through further close and ongoing collaboration between the government and the SHTA.