Seychelles strengthens hotel quality assurance with national assessor training program

SEYCHELLES – The Seychelles Tourism Department, in collaboration with UN Tourism, has successfully concluded a week-long Hotel Classification Assessor Training program aimed at enhancing the nation’s accommodation quality assurance.

The training, held from 1–6 September 2025 at the Savoy Resort & Spa, expanded the pool of qualified assessors supporting the National Hotel Grading Programme.

Launched in January 2024, the National Hotel Grading Programme has already assessed 52 establishments across Seychelles, setting a foundation for consistent quality benchmarks.

The recent training engaged 22 participants, comprising tourism department officials and independent assessors, combining theoretical classroom instruction with practical field assessments.

Curriculum topics spanned sustainability practices, accessibility standards, guest service excellence, and managing online reputation, key factors in modern hospitality that directly influence visitor satisfaction.

This comprehensive approach ensures assessors have the expertise to apply credible, consistent evaluations rooted in international best practices yet tailored to Seychelles’ unique tourism context.

Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, commented that the assessor training is a critical step to align local hotel standards with global benchmarks.

These efforts enhance the destination’s competitiveness by assuring travelers of the quality and reliability of accommodations.

The training program also included modules focusing on environmental stewardship and social responsibility, aligning with Seychelles’ commitment to sustainable tourism development.

The initiative actively supports the country’s strategic vision to grow its tourism sector while preserving the natural and cultural heritage that attracts global visitors.

Participants were equipped with detailed assessment protocols and tools to accurately grade a variety of properties, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and guesthouses.

The programme also emphasized transparency and fair evaluation processes that protect consumer confidence.

By strengthening the National Hotel Grading Programme, Seychelles positions itself as a trusted destination offering hospitality that meets and exceeds international expectations.

This contributes to a long-term strategy to increase tourist arrivals and economic benefits from tourism.

The partnership between the Seychelles Tourism Department and UN Tourism underscores the island nation’s commitment to quality assurance, sustainability, and global competitiveness in the evolving tourism market.

With this enhanced cadre of trained assessors, Seychelles is well positioned to elevate its hospitality standards and attract discerning travelers from around the world.

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