Golden Rehla Awards 2026: Alain St. Ange Bags Prestigious Golden Flag
Dubai ceremony honour Seychelles’ Ambassador at Large and global tourism icon with highest distinction for transforming smaller destinations
Dubai, UAE — Alain St. Ange, former Minister of Tourism and Culture of Seychelles and one of Africa’s most prominent international tourism figures, has been honored with the “Golden Flag Award,” the highest distinction presented at the Golden Rehla Awards 2026.
The award recognizes St. Ange’s long-standing career marked by influence and leadership in the tourism sector, as well as his role in developing regional cooperation concepts and strengthening the global presence of smaller destinations. The honor was presented in the presence of Mrs. Amanda Bernstein, the Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture.
A Pinnacle of Recognition
The Golden Flag Award is presented to an individual or entity demonstrating exceptional influence in tourism development, backed by vision, achievements, and a sustainable legacy that extends beyond the institution or destination they represent. It represents the pinnacle of recognition within the Golden Rehla Awards, focusing on long-term impact, leadership, innovation, and the ability to drive genuine transformation in the industry.
St. Ange’s selection reflects a career closely tied to Seychelles and the wider Indian Ocean region. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board before being appointed Minister of Tourism and Culture from 2012 to 2016, later assuming responsibility for the portfolios of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Affairs. He played a prominent role in the international promotion of Seychelles, linking tourism with local culture and identity, and helping drive the destination toward a global presence that extended beyond its traditional image as a beach destination.
Championing Regional Cooperation
St. Ange was also among the prominent founding figures of the Vanilla Islands Organization in the Indian Ocean and served as its first president. The initiative brought together several regional destinations under a shared tourism framework aimed at marketing the Indian Ocean as an interconnected region while promoting multi-destination travel and cooperation among the islands.
Following his ministerial career, his influence extended into the broader international tourism arena. He participated in various tourism initiatives and organizations and ran for the position of Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization. His name continued to be associated with discussions surrounding sustainable tourism, cooperation among destinations, and the role tourism can play in building relationships between communities. In April 2026, he was appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of Seychelles, reflecting the continued value of his experience in tourism and international relations.
Leadership Beyond Titles
Mahmoud Al Jishi, Editor-in-Chief of Al Rehla Newspaper, said the recognition reflected more than professional success.
“The Golden Flag is not merely an award for a successful professional career; it is a recognition of an impact that extends far beyond positions and titles. Alain St. Ange is one of the figures who contributed to changing the way destinations are promoted, proving that a destination that is geographically small can have a major global presence when it possesses vision, identity, and the ability to tell its story to the world.”
Al Jishi added that the selection process prioritizes lasting impact over temporary achievements.
“This award represents the highest level of recognition within the Golden Rehla Awards. Therefore, the selection of its recipient is linked to the legacy they have left in the industry, as well as their ability to inspire others and create an impact that extends beyond the borders of their country or organization.”
Dr. Saleh Al Makhdoum, Director General of Al Rehla Newspaper, described St. Ange’s career as a clear model of tourism leadership that brings together marketing, culture, and diplomacy.
“He was among the early voices advocating cooperation among Indian Ocean destinations, and contributed to establishing the idea that tourism is built not only around the product, but also around identity, people, culture, and integration among destinations.”
Al Makhdoum concluded:
“Presenting him with the Golden Flag Award is a recognition of a career that has created a lasting impact, and of a vision that has continued to influence the industry even after his official responsibilities came to an end.”
Celebrating Industry Excellence
St. Ange’s win was announced during the Golden Rehla Awards 2026 ceremony, attended by a distinguished gathering of leaders, decision-makers, and influential figures from the tourism, travel, hospitality, culture, and aviation sectors.
The ceremony concluded an evening celebrating the presentation of Al Rehla’s highest honors to a figure who devoted a significant part of his career to advancing the tourism industry and strengthening its international presence.
