VICTORIA, Seychelles — Tourists and locals alike will soon be able to hike up to the Salazie Nature Trail on Praslin and enjoy the stunning beauty of its natural surroundings. This is thanks to an initiative by Le Duc de Praslin, a hotel located at Côte d’Or and owned by renowned hotelier Robert Payet. A memorandum of understanding was signed yesterday by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, and the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, and Mr Payet to formalise this partnership and initiative.
Present at the signing were the principal secretary for tourism, Sherin Francis, and the principal secretary for environment, Denis Matatiken, staff from both departments and from Le Duc de Praslin. The Salazie Nature Trail runs through a section of the Praslin National Park and offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and the Indian Ocean. The trail is expected to be developed with rest stops, signage and guided tour options in collaboration with local community groups and the Department of Environment.
Speaking at the signing, Minister Radegonde said the partnership demonstrates how private tourism operators can play a meaningful role in the conservation of Seychelles’ natural heritage while creating new experiences for visitors. Minister Joubert said the project aligns with the government’s broader strategy of expanding eco-tourism offerings in the inner islands, which remain less visited than Mahé. The trail is expected to open to the public later this year, with a formal inauguration planned once the upgrade works are completed. Le Duc de Praslin will manage bookings and on-site hospitality for visitors, with the Department of Environment retaining oversight of the trail’s ecological management.
