In a significant move that underscores the new government’s focus on its economic pillar, Nicola Amanda J Bernstein has been appointed and sworn in as Seychelles’ 15th Minister for Tourism and Culture. This appointment is particularly noteworthy as she becomes only the second woman to hold this pivotal ministerial position in the country’s history.
Minister Bernstein will now oversee two of the nation’s most crucial sectors. Tourism is the unquestioned engine of the Seychellois economy, and the ministry’s policy decisions directly impact national employment, foreign currency earnings, and infrastructure development. Her mandate is to usher in a new chapter for the industry, ensuring it remains competitive on the global stage while simultaneously adhering to the country’s stringent sustainable tourism principles.
Her experience, which includes prior collaboration with national stakeholders to enhance Seychelles’ international profile, is expected to be vital. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture also plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving the nation’s unique creole heritage. This dual responsibility means the new minister will be tasked with balancing high-end tourism growth with cultural authenticity, a key challenge as the industry expands towards record arrival figures. Her swearing-in signals the new government’s commitment to reinforcing the connection between the nation’s natural beauty and its rich cultural identity.
