Alain St. Ange, the Ambassador At Large of the Republic of Seychelles, took the stage at the CLEVENARD 2026 Conference in Alicante, Spain, to deliver a keynote address centered around the responsibility of the tourism industry and its impact on communities. With over a billion cross-border arrivals annually, tourism’s influence on economies, particularly those of small island states where it’s the primary industry, is undeniable. St. Ange argued that while tourism drives economic growth and supports local businesses, it can also erode communities if not managed responsibly.
Citing the need for tourism data to inform decision-making, St. Ange noted, “Tourism data we have must relate to the decisions we take, and that’s what brings real credibility.” This emphasis on data-driven decisions is key for tourism to truly benefit destinations. It allows policymakers to allocate resources effectively, monitor impacts, and ensure that tourism is contributing to sustainable development.
St. Ange highlighted the importance of authentic cultural tourism, stressing that it respects communities and shares benefits equitably. He cautioned against the packaging of cultures, warning that when a sacred dance becomes a nightly show stripped of its meaning, or a place of worship becomes a backdrop for photographs, communities can lose their identity. Authentic cultural tourism, he argued, respects community ownership and ensures that the story is told by the community itself, empowering local people and transforming places.
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To illustrate this, St. Ange pointed to instances where tourism has transformed remote villages. A road built to accommodate visitors can lead to the establishment of a school and a clinic, improving access to education and healthcare. A young woman who might have had limited options can become a guide, then a business owner, and eventually a community leader, demonstrating tourism’s potential for empowering individuals and communities.
However, St. Ange emphasized that this transformation cannot be left to chance. It requires policymakers who plan for resilience, businesses willing to share ownership and profit, travelers who choose culture over consumption, and communities empowered to tell their own stories. He argued that tourism can be one of the most democratic industries, as it doesn’t always require a degree or capital to participate. A genuine welcome and deep local knowledge can carry real economic weight.
St. Ange concluded his address by encouraging everyone to contribute to their country’s tourism industry. He said, “Let us ask ourselves – What can I do to help my country of origin. Tourism is a resource every country has, so let us all, each and everyone of us, transform this resource into jobs, into a better economy for our country, and a shared prosperity. Tourism is being built by the people who are bold enough to show up for tourism.” His call to action emphasized the collective responsibility in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for tourism.