Seychelles Tourism Board Reborn: Vesna Rakić Appointed as New CEO

Victoria, Seychelles – In a significant move to revitalize the nation’s tourism governance, the Office of the President has announced the appointment of Vesna Rakić as the Chief Executive Officer of the re-established Seychelles Tourism Board (STB). The appointment takes effect immediately as of May 15, 2026.

This leadership change coincides with the formal reinstatement of the STB, a pivotal step in the government’s strategy to enhance the international promotion and strategic development of Seychelles’ tourism sector.

A Renewed Legal Mandate

The appointment follows the passage of the Seychelles Tourism Board Bill 2026 by the National Assembly on March 24, 2026. This legislation restores the STB’s independent status, granting it a renewed mandate to market Seychelles as a premier sustainable destination. The bill aims to foster resilience and competitiveness within the industry while ensuring long-term growth.

“The re-established Seychelles Tourism Board will continue to spearhead global marketing and promotion… while supporting tourism product diversification, enhancing visitor experiences, and building strong partnerships,” the government statement noted.

Veteran Leadership Returns

Vesna Rakić brings over 30 years of experience to the role, with a career deeply rooted in Seychelles’ tourism ecosystem. Her expertise spans destination marketing, product development, and systems strengthening.

Rakić holds a BA (Hons) in Business Administration (Marketing) from London South Bank University. Her extensive background includes:

• Director and Senior Consultant at Sales & Marketing Seychelles Pty Ltd
• Head of Sales and Marketing at Bookseychelles
• Market Development Manager at Creole Holidays
• Marketing Manager at Travel Services Seychelles Ltd, where she managed key assets like Desroches Island Resort and Cat Cocos

A founding member of the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association, Rakić is widely respected for her work in supporting tourism innovation and strengthening collaboration across the value chain.

Context: From Dissolution to Reinstatement

The STB’s return marks the end of a five-year hiatus. In 2021, under the administration of President Wavel Ramkalawan, the Board was dissolved as part of a restructuring effort. Its functions, assets, and staff were merged into the Department of Tourism to streamline policy and marketing under a single government structure. Consequently, former STB CEO Sherin Francis transitioned to become the Principal Secretary for Tourism.

The 2026 legislative move to re-establish the Board signals a strategic pivot, aiming to separate marketing agility from policy administration to better navigate an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape.

Future Focus

In her new capacity, Rakić will lead the charge in:

• Strengthening Seychelles’ international positioning.
• Ensuring the sector delivers sustainable economic value.
• Preserving the country’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.

With Rakić at the helm and a renewed legal framework in place, the Seychelles tourism sector is poised for a new chapter of focused growth and global engagement.