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Seychelles has formally validated and handed over its Cruise Tourism Strategy 2026-2033, developed over two years in collaboration with the UN Economic Commission for Africa. The strategy calls for SCR 2.32 billion in blended financing and outlines a roadmap to position Seychelles as a high-value,…
Seychelles has a plan for its cruise sector, and it is built not on chasing volume but on commanding value.
The Cruise Tourism Strategy 2026-2033 was presented to a high-level government delegation including Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein and principal secretaries spanning tourism, blue economy, civil aviation and investment. It marks the culmination of a two-year analytical and consultative process with UNECA, grounded in a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis confirming a net positive economic contribution from cruise tourism while acknowledging the environmental and social pressures that come with high-volume arrivals.
The SCR 2.32 billion investment framework is designed to be mobilised through blended financing, combining public funding, public-private partnerships, development partners and industry contributions. Principal Secretary for Tourism Sherin Francis was candid about what the strategy is meant to fix: Seychelles stands to benefit significantly more from the cruise sector through stronger regulation, improved coordination and reduced revenue leakage. Too much of what cruise visitors spend currently flows out of the country rather than benefiting local communities.
Port infrastructure is a central priority.
Seychelles Launches New Cruise Tourism Strategy
The strategy calls for new piers, upgraded docking facilities and eco-friendly transport solutions capable of accommodating large cruise vessels efficiently. Environmental commitments run through every element, including solar-powered port lighting, waste management systems and electric transport options, reflecting Seychelles' position as a nation whose natural environment is also its primary economic asset.
Local business integration is another cornerstone. The strategy prioritises ensuring that shore excursions, handicraft markets, food supply chains, hospitality and transport services generate real income for Seychellois businesses and workers. Historically, cruise tourism has been criticised across small island destinations for delivering visitor numbers without delivering proportionate economic benefit to local communities.
The launch comes at a sensitive moment for Seychelles tourism. The Iran war-driven disruption of global aviation saw visitor arrivals fall 37% in March 2026, the steepest drop since COVID-19. Developing a more resilient, diversified and higher-value cruise sector is not just strategic ambition. Given the volatility of air travel in the current geopolitical environment, it may be essential.
