FITUR 2026: Seychelles Advances Strategic Engagement with UN Tourism in Madrid
Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Amanda Bernstein, along with the Special Advisor for Tourism, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, held a meeting today 21 January 2026 with the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais to discuss Seychelles’ tourism priorities and continued collaboration with the organisation. This meeting according to a report from Tourism Seychelles, marks the first high-level engagement of the Seychelles delegation at FITUR 2026.
The meeting reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to multilateral cooperation and provided an opportunity to exchange views on key areas of engagement for 2026. Discussions focused on sustainable tourism development, destination resilience, human capital development, and Seychelles’ active participation in regional and global tourism initiatives.
“We value Seychelles’ long-standing and constructive relationship with UN Tourism,” said Minister Amanda Bernstein. “This engagement allows us to align our national tourism objectives with global priorities while ensuring that small island destinations continue to have a strong and effective voice at the international level.”
As a key outcome of the meeting, both parties signed an agreement confirming Seychelles as the host of the 69th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), scheduled to take place in Seychelles from 2 to 4 July 2026. The event will be held under the theme “Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth” and is expected to bring together tourism ministers and senior officials from across the African continent.
Madrid’s role as the home of the UN Tourism Headquarters provided an opportune setting to further strengthen institutional relations and ensure alignment between Seychelles’ national tourism objectives and broader continental and global priorities.
The meeting and agreement signing mark the start of a series of high-level engagements planned by the Seychelles delegation during FITUR 2026, underscoring the country’s proactive role within the international tourism community.
