The Office of the President of the Seychelles has announced the appointment of Vesna Rakić as Chief Executive Officer of the recently reactivated Seychelles Tourism Board (STB).
The reinstatement of the Seychelles Tourism Board marks a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the governance, international promotion, and long-term strategic development of Seychelles’ tourism sector.
The Seychelles Tourism Board Bill 2026, which was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday 24 March, 2026, provides the organization with a renewed legal mandate to market and position Seychelles as a premier, sustainable tourism destination, while supporting the continued growth, resilience, and competitiveness of the industry.
Ms. Rakić brings more than 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, with a distinguished career spanning destination marketing, tourism product development, industry partnerships, entrepreneurship, and tourism systems strengthening in Seychelles.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Business Administration (Marketing) from London South Bank University and has held several senior leadership positions across the tourism sector. Her previous roles include Director and Senior Consultant at Sales & Marketing Seychelles Pty Ltd, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bookseychelles, Market Development Manager at Creole Holidays, and Marketing Manager at Travel Services Seychelles Ltd, where she oversaw key portfolio entities including Desroches Island Resort and Cat Cocos.
Widely respected within the industry, Ms. Rakić is also a founding member of the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association and has played an active role in supporting tourism innovation, improving market access, and strengthening collaboration across the tourism value chain.
In her new role, Ms. Rakić will lead efforts to further strengthen Seychelles’ international positioning in an increasingly competitive tourism landscape, while ensuring the sector continues to deliver sustainable economic value and preserve the country’s unique environmental and cultural heritage
The Seychelles Tourism Board was dissolved in 2021 following a government restructuring announced by Wavel Ramkalawan. The Seychelles Tourism Board Act was repealed in June 2021, and STB’s functions, staff, assets, and liabilities were transferred to the Department of Tourism to improve operational efficiency by combining tourism policy and marketing under one government structure.
In 2026, the government moved to re-establish the Seychelles Tourism Board through the proposed Seychelles Tourism Board Bill, 2026. The re-established Seychelles Tourism Board will consequently spearhead the global marketing and promotion of Seychelles, while supporting tourism product diversification, enhancing visitor experiences, and building strong partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
Challenging year ahead but airlines are back
2026 looks actually to turn into a delicate year for Seychelles’ tourism, mainly due to the consequences of the Gulf War which disrupted the international connectivity of the island -particularly from airlines located in the Middle East. While the Seychelles recorded 398,841 total visitor arrivals in 2025, representing a 13.1% increase over 2024, the first months of 2026 point to a downturn. Year-to-Date figures (Mid-June 2026) recorded a total of 159,149 visitors, a 14.1% decrease compared to 2025’s total of 185,359.
However, demand is likely to come back as airlines are now resuming flights to the Seychelles. Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot are flying again to Victoria International Airport or are expanding services earlier than in previous years.
Qatar Airways is again present since June 16 with four weekly services on a Boeing B777, while Turkish Airlines links again Victoria International Airport to Istanbul twice a week with an Airbus A330. Aeroflot is scheduled to resume two weekly services on July 8.
