Seychelles Gears Up for Beach Soccer World Stage and more
Seychelles makes history with FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup; South Africa reopens TTOS; sustainable tourism gains traction; education seen as tourism's cornerstone in Africa.
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Seychelles hosts Africa’s first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
- Trusted Tour Operator Scheme reopens for Indian and Chinese visas
- Seychelles launches structured sustainable tourism certification
- UNWTO urges deeper investment in tourism education across Africa
Seychelles 2025: FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup – A Nation’s Historic Moment
Seychelles is stepping onto the global stage as the first African nation to host the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, set for May 1–11, 2025, in Victoria on Mahé island. With sixteen international teams competing, the tournament is more than just a first for African soil—it’s a transformative moment for a nation that’s ready to welcome the world.
The event is loaded with both symbolic and practical significance. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the tournament’s environmental commitment by repurposing a stadium from Dubai, and local leaders are rallying around the occasion as a source of unity and national pride. President Wavel Ramkalawan emphasized its role in showing the world a Seychelles that is resilient, capable, and world-ready.
Beyond the pitch, the Seychelles Tourism Department is leveraging the event to expand the country’s appeal with curated experiences in Creole cuisine, marine conservation, and eco-tourism. With volunteer programs and private sector partnerships already in motion, Seychelles 2025 aims not just to score goals but to leave a lasting legacy.
Faster Visas for Chinese & Indian Tourists: TTOS Application Window Reopens
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has reopened applications for the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), a key move that simplifies visa access for Chinese and Indian travelers. The program, which launched its improved digital system in February, is designed to process visas within hours—cutting down on delays that once hampered travel planning. Tour operators now benefit from an AI-driven vetting process that ensures reliable and secure participation.
The impact has been immediate. According to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, the country has already seen over 2,000 additional tourists from India and China since the system upgrade. Operators from the first round report noticeably faster processing speeds and a more seamless experience for their clients. The overall sentiment across the MICE and tourism sectors is positive, with leaders praising the scheme as a meaningful step toward economic growth and increased global engagement.
This second round of applications opened on April 4th, and operators interested in joining have 30 days from the gazette’s publication date to apply. All applications must be submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website. The TTOS offers a practical solution to longstanding visa challenges, giving international tour operators a reliable platform to increase visitor flow and business travel to South Africa.
Seychelles Sets New Standard for Sustainable Tourism Certification
Seychelles is taking a bold step in redefining sustainable tourism across Africa with the Sustainable Seychelles Recognition and Certification (SSRC) Program. Launched during a ceremony at Eden Bleu Hotel, the program now honors hotels, restaurants, and tour operators who commit to responsible environmental and social practices. It moves beyond a symbolic eco-label into a structured, multi-tier system with Blue, Bronze, Silver, and the coveted Platinum Certification. Constance Ephelia stands as the first to reach this landmark, setting the pace for others in the hospitality industry.
The program doesn’t stop at recognition—it emphasizes continuous improvement. Certified businesses undergo reassessment every two years, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability. In the latest review, six properties retained their status, pushing the number of fully certified businesses to 25. Another 69 have been recognized, demonstrating growing sector-wide participation. This initiative reaches beyond hotels to restaurants and tour operators, reflecting a whole-industry approach to sustainable development.
Support is central to the program’s success. The SSRC offers resources, expert guidance, and incentives to help businesses progress, while aligning efforts with global standards such as Series 10-Certification and the Slow Life Experiences movement. By creating an inclusive platform, celebrating every step of progress, and setting high benchmarks, Seychelles has positioned itself not only as a leader in Africa but as a model for global tourism sustainability.
UN Chief: Education Key to Africa’s Tourism Boom
The 3rd Travel, Hospitality & Tourism Education Summit in Lusaka brought sharp focus to a critical issue: Africa’s tourism cannot thrive without serious investment in education. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stressed that the continent’s young population—60% under the age of 25—is an enormous opportunity waiting to be unlocked. But without relevant and inclusive education systems that connect young people to long-term tourism careers, this potential will remain untapped.
Current data shows that only 4.9% of African employment is in travel and tourism, an underwhelming figure considering the continent’s rich cultural assets and growing global interest. Pololikashvili called for a complete overhaul of Africa’s education structures, urging governments and institutions to align curricula with the real demands of the tourism industry. He praised the Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality as a model of how to build real capacity, and pushed summit participants to shift from theory to implementation.
With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) promising stronger regional integration, tourism stands as a pillar industry for both economic growth and job creation. Zambia, through institutions like ZITHS, is positioning itself as a hub for tourism education in the region. The summit echoed a clear message: without strong collaboration between governments, educators, and the private sector, Africa will miss its chance to lead in a sector ripe with opportunity.
That’s it for today.