Seychelles economy is one economy strongly hinged on the wellbeing of its tourism sector, but the Covid-19 pandemic brought the sector to a near collapse after it wreaked havoc on the entire world. Comoros, though with a lesser developed tourism industry, had not relented its effort in reviving the industry. Both nations have taken measures to ensure that the tourism sector is kept vibrant.
Following a worldwide travel restriction to places around the world because of Covid-19, Seychelles and Comoros, aware of the importance of sector to their economy quickly put the following safety protocols and health tips in place. Frequent washing of hands and avoidance of touch especially in the face, sanitizer use, mandatory wearing of mask every time and even meted out punishment to those who do not wear them, Keeping social distance and limited social gatherings among many other stringent measures.
Seychelles, after the discovery of the covid vaccine, was one of the earliest countries to have fully rolled it out to citizens, posing confidence in the tourism sector.
Seychelles reduced the reliance on European tourists and opened its doors to Russians and Asians as well. Traditional methods of advertising were upgraded to digital ones like the use of social media and digital platforms, whiles encouraging virtual tours, electronic visa systems, online business to business meetings and virtual trade. Tax regulations were amended to favour tourism companies, and in some cases, tax holidays were granted to digital tourism projects in Seychelles.
Comoros has improved on transportation networks- aviation and ferry has seen major revamps, whiles road networks to tourist areas have largely improved. Public-private partnerships have been entered into to develop hospitality infrastructure like hotels, lodges, restaurants and more, whiles the country has taken steps to brand Comoros as an attractive destination for tourism.
Ultimately, tourism revival strategies in Seychelles and Comoros have been effective thus far however government and partnership organisations must ensure that these strategies yield lasting results.
