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Seychelles’ Youth Shine as Lospitalite Tourism Club Awards Inspire New Standards in Hospitality Seychelles’ Youth Shine as Lospitalite Tourism Club Awards Inspire New Standards in Hospitality

The 3rd Lospitalite Tourism Club Awards 2025 unfolded in a vibrant celebration at the Savoy Resort & Spa in Beau Vallon, spotlighting the next generation’s commitment to Seychelles’ renowned culture of hospitality. Hosted by the Tourism Department on 20th November, the event brought together a dynamic mix of students, educators, and tourism partners, all united by a shared vision: nurturing a future where service excellence and cultural pride are at the heart of the nation’s tourism industry [[1]](https://eturbonews.com/3rd-lospitalite-tourism-club-awards-celebrate-youth-talent-and-commitment/).

This year’s awards recognised the remarkable achievements of school clubs, young tourism ambassadors, and adoptee businesses that have gone above and beyond in promoting the values that underpin Seychelles’ global appeal. The ceremony was graced by key figures, including the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Amanda Bernstein, and the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Mr. David Pierre, alongside senior officials from both ministries. Their presence underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of tourism in the archipelago [[2]](https://nation.sc/articles/28305/young-tourism-ambassadors-celebrated-at-3rd-lospitalite-tourism-club-awards).

Since their inception in February 2022, the Lospitalite Tourism Clubs have become a cornerstone of youth engagement in Seychelles. Operating across 32 schools on Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, the programme now boasts 40 active clubs, reaching young people aged 7 to 17. The clubs are designed to deepen understanding of tourism’s role in national development, while instilling values of service excellence, sustainability, and cultural identity. This approach is already bearing fruit, as evidenced by the creativity and confidence displayed by participants throughout the awards ceremony.

Minister Bernstein, in her address, lauded the dedication and ingenuity of students, educators, and parents. She emphasised that Seychelles’ culture of hospitality is one of its greatest assets, and that the young participants are learning to carry this legacy forward with pride. “Their projects and performances show that when we combine cultural identity with a genuine spirit of service, we strengthen our tourism product and ensure its long-term sustainability,” she remarked, highlighting the critical link between cultural pride and the enduring appeal of Seychelles as a destination.

The awards spanned a diverse range of categories, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the tourism industry. Competitions included a tourism-based quiz, tour guiding, table setting, mocktail preparation, and bed making with towel folding. This year also saw the introduction of a Public Speaking competition, where students delivered compelling speeches on the theme “Service Excellence: The Key to Transforming Tourism.” Judges were unanimous in their praise for the high standard of performance and the poise demonstrated by the young speakers, many of whom are already emerging as future leaders in the sector.

Minister Pierre took the opportunity to commend the programme’s growth and its transformative impact on students’ learning experiences. He stressed that education must extend beyond the classroom, and that initiatives like the Tourism Clubs are vital in fostering confidence, leadership, and career ambition among young people. “This partnership between the education and tourism sectors gives our students the chance to discover their potential and understand how they can contribute to the country’s development,” he noted, reinforcing the value of experiential learning in preparing youth for the realities of the tourism industry.

Looking ahead, Minister Bernstein reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to expanding the programme and diversifying the range of activities available to club members. This forward-thinking approach is designed to keep pace with the evolving needs of the tourism sector, ensuring that Seychelles continues to produce a pipeline of skilled, passionate ambassadors who can uphold and enhance the nation’s reputation for hospitality.

The Lospitalite programme stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. Many schools have benefited from the support of industry partners, gaining access to resources and mentorship that enrich the learning experience. However, the event also highlighted the ongoing need for broader patronage, with some schools still seeking the backing required to fully participate and thrive. Strengthening these connections will be essential to ensuring that all young Seychellois have the opportunity to develop their talents and contribute to the sector’s future success.

This year’s awards serve as a testament to the Tourism Department’s unwavering commitment to youth engagement and the cultivation of a generation that not only understands but values the pivotal role of tourism in Seychelles’ national development. For Africa’s tourism professionals, the Lospitalite model offers valuable insights into how targeted youth programmes can drive service excellence, foster cultural pride, and secure the long-term sustainability of the industry. As the continent’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, such initiatives will be instrumental in shaping a workforce that is both skilled and deeply invested in the success of their destinations.

By celebrating the achievements of its youngest ambassadors, Seychelles is setting a benchmark for the region—demonstrating that the future of tourism lies in empowering youth, nurturing talent, and building a culture of hospitality that resonates far beyond its shores.