In a move to cement its position as a leader in the global travel industry, Seychelles has strengthened its strategic partnership with UN Tourism during a high-level meeting held on the sidelines of FITUR 2026 in Madrid.

The Seychelles delegation, led by the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Amanda Bernstein, and accompanied by Special Advisor for Tourism, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, met with the Secretary-General of UN Tourism at the organization’s headquarters. The dialogue focused on the island nation’s tourism priorities for 2026, specifically targeting sustainable development, destination resilience, and the development of human capital.

The primary outcome of the engagement was the official signing of an agreement confirming Seychelles as the host country for the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF).

Scheduled to take place from July 2 to 4, 2026, the prestigious event will be held under the theme: “Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth.” The summit is expected to serve as a critical platform for tourism ministers and senior officials from across Africa to address the continent’s most pressing industry challenges.

During the meeting, Minister Bernstein emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation to ensure that the unique challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) remain a priority on the global stage.

“We value Seychelles’ long-standing and constructive relationship with UN Tourism,” Minister Bernstein stated. “This engagement allows us to align our national tourism objectives with global priorities while ensuring that small island destinations continue to have a strong and effective voice at the international level.”

By meeting at the UN Tourism Headquarters in Madrid, the Seychelles delegation sought to ensure that their national roadmap remains in lockstep with broader continental and global trends. The discussions highlighted a mutual commitment to fostering a tourism industry that is not only economically viable but also culturally and environmentally sustainable.

The signing of the CAF agreement marks the beginning of a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements for the Seychelles delegation at FITUR 2026. As the global travel industry looks toward 2026, Seychelles’ proactive diplomacy underscores its commitment to playing a central role in the evolution of African and international tourism.

Africa News

Seychelles to Host 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa