The Office of the President of Seychelles has announced the appointment of a new Board of Directors for the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), marking the beginning of a new governance cycle for one of the country’s most strategic tourism institutions.
The announcement signals a refreshed institutional direction for the national destination marketing body at a time when Seychelles is sharpening its global tourism positioning and preparing for a new phase of sector development.
New Board Leadership Takes Shape
At the helm of the newly appointed Board is Mr Eddie D’Offay as Chairperson, supported by Ms Cindy Vidot as Vice-Chairperson.
The Board brings together a blend of public and private sector expertise, reflecting a deliberate effort to strengthen governance and deepen industry representation within national tourism leadership structures.
Other members appointed to the Board include Mrs Bernadette Willemin, Ms Beverly Bijoux, Mr Alan Mason, Mr Dominique Sabino, and Ms Tinaz Wadia. The Chief Executive Officer, Ms Vesna Rakić, serves as an ex-officio member of the Board.
All members have been appointed for a three-year term effective 1 June 2026.
First Inaugural Meeting Sets Strategic Tone
The newly constituted Board convened its inaugural meeting at Botanical House, where members met for the first time in their official capacity.
The session focused on introductions, alignment of perspectives, and early discussions on strategic priorities as the Board begins its mandate.
Central to the dialogue was the importance of collaboration across the tourism sector, as well as maintaining a clear and unified direction to support the continued competitiveness of Seychelles as a destination.
The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s tourism performance while ensuring sustainability remains a guiding principle in development and marketing efforts.
A Veteran Hotelier at the Helm
Chairperson Eddie D’Offay brings extensive private sector experience to the role. He is the Managing Director of Hôtel L’Archipel, a long-established boutique property on Praslin that has been family-owned and operated for more than three decades.
His background includes experience in both the airline and tour operations sectors, alongside leadership roles within the industry, including his previous position as Vice-Chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA).
His appointment is widely seen as reinforcing private sector voice and operational experience at the highest level of national tourism governance.
A New Governance Cycle for a Key Tourism Institution
The reconstitution of the STB marks a significant institutional reset for the destination. The Seychelles Tourism Board was dissolved in 2021 following government restructuring, which transferred its functions to the Department of Tourism in a move aimed at consolidating policy and marketing under a unified administrative framework.
In 2026, however, the government moved to re-establish the STB through the Seychelles Tourism Board Bill, restoring it as a dedicated body responsible for international destination marketing, promotion, and stakeholder coordination.
The reinstated Board is expected to play a central role in strengthening Seychelles’ global brand positioning, supporting product diversification, and enhancing visitor experience delivery across the sector.
New CEO to Lead STB into Next Phase of Growth
Earlier, the The Office of the President had announced the appointment of Vesna Rakić as Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), effective 15 May 2026. Ms Rakić brings more than 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, with a career spanning destination marketing, product development, and industry partnership building within Seychelles’ tourism ecosystem.
She has held senior roles including Director and Senior Consultant at Sales & Marketing Seychelles Pty Ltd, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bookseychelles, Market Development Manager at Creole Holidays, and Marketing Manager at Travel Services Seychelles Ltd, where she oversaw portfolios including Desroches Island Resort and Cat Cocos.
Widely respected in the industry, she is also a founding member of the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association and has been actively involved in strengthening collaboration across the tourism value chain.
In her new role, she will lead efforts to strengthen Seychelles’ global positioning while ensuring tourism development remains aligned with sustainability principles and local economic value creation.
Strategic Reset at a Defining Moment
The appointment of the new Board comes at a defining moment for Seychelles tourism, as the destination continues to recalibrate its strategy in response to global competition, shifting traveller behaviour, and increasing demand for sustainable, experience-led travel.
With Seychelles marking its 50th year of independence in 2026, the new governance structure assumes office at a symbolic national milestone — one that adds both visibility and expectation to its mandate.
The Board now carries the responsibility of helping shape the next phase of Seychelles’ tourism narrative on the global stage.
