Tourism Department and Partners Discuss La Digue Visitor Use Management Plan

VICTORIA, Seychelles — Representatives of tourism businesses and government bodies on La Digue shared their feedback on the La Digue Visitor Use Management Plan, developed in consultation with them.

Held on Monday afternoon, the meeting was organised by the Tourism department with TEAM Tourism Consulting, and supported by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie. It was led by the principal secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis, and Jennifer Houiellebecq from TEAM Tourism Consulting. The consultation firm was contracted last year by the Tourism department to work on the plan, which Mrs Francis described as very important, given that tourism is the main economic activity on the island.

Mrs Francis noted that the visitor experience on the island has deteriorated over the years and that a management plan is now essential. The plan was developed following a key recommendation from the 2014 carrying capacity study, built on a previous one done in 2007. Planning started in November last year and was completed in July 2025, including desk research, consultations, and analysis to identify visitor issues, aspirations and structural challenges. The process saw the participation of 93 individuals on La Digue, including 67 tourism operators, 13 government agencies, six non-governmental organisations, and three educational establishments.

Mrs Francis said the meeting gave attendees the chance to provide additional recommendations before the plan is finalised. Once completed, it will require government approval before being developed into a detailed action plan. ‘Without a proper structure, it risks remaining just a plan on paper. Building local capacity on La Digue will also be essential to making it a success,’ she said.