A tourism development model based on sustainable tourism the Seychelles : a unique archipelago in the tropics

Abstract

The archipelago of the Seychelles in the tropics (Africa) is one example of a tourist destination which directs its tourism policy to a development model based on a concept of sustainable tourism, that is quality tourism. It consists in reviewing and increasing the quality of tourism services and restricting the quantitative capacity, mainly of the tourist accommodation, taking into account the host population, the economy and the environment. Although imbedded in the history of policy, it was principally a reaction to the pressure on the environment due to the tourism and economic development of the Seychelles. This paper will analyse the tourism development of the Seychelles. It examines the presents strenghts, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of tourism in the Seychelles and gives recommendations for a better appraisal of sustainable tourism.