Seychelles has announced key leadership appointments in tourism and aviation, naming veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić as CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board while re-appointing Capt. François Jackson as Chairperson of Air Seychelles and the appointment of Jean Laporte as Vice-Chairperson, signaling a renewed strategic focus on tourism growth and aviation connectivity.
The Government of Seychelles has announced two major leadership developments for the country’s tourism and aviation sectors, appointing veteran tourism professional Vesna Rakić as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board while also confirming new board leadership appointments at Air Seychelles.
The appointments come at a strategic moment as Seychelles continues strengthening its global tourism position while enhancing aviation connectivity and long-term sector sustainability.
The former Director General for Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles, Mrs Bernadette Willemin, became a board member of Air Seychelles.
Vesna Rakić Appointed CEO of Seychelles Tourism Board
The Office of the President announced that Ms. Vesna Rakić will officially assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board effective May 15, 2026.
A respected figure within Seychelles’ tourism industry, Ms. Rakić brings more than three decades of experience spanning destination marketing, tourism product development, hospitality operations, tourism systems strengthening, and strategic consulting.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Business Administration (Marketing) from London South Bank University and has built a career deeply connected to the growth and evolution of Seychelles’ tourism sector.
Throughout her professional journey, Ms. Rakić has held several influential leadership positions, including Director and Senior Consultant at Sales & Marketing Seychelles Pty Ltd. She also served as Head of Sales and Marketing at Bookseychelles, Market Development Manager at Creole Holidays, and Marketing Manager at Travel Services Seychelles Ltd, including oversight of portfolio entities such as Desroches Island Resort and Cat Cocos.
Her broad industry experience combines expertise in market access, tourism distribution systems, product development, and stakeholder collaboration — key areas considered essential for the next phase of Seychelles’ tourism development.
Ms. Rakić is also widely recognized for her contribution to industry advocacy and tourism entrepreneurship. She is a founding member of the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association (SSHEA), which represents small and medium-sized tourism establishments across the islands.
Strategic Focus on Sustainable Tourism Growth
The Seychelles Tourism Board remains the country’s lead agency responsible for marketing and promoting Seychelles internationally. Its mandate includes strengthening the national tourism brand, expanding into emerging source markets, diversifying tourism products, and supporting sustainable development within the sector.
In her new role, Ms. Rakić is expected to focus on enhancing Seychelles’ competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global tourism environment. Her appointment reflects a strategic emphasis on innovation, sustainability, stronger stakeholder partnerships, and improving economic returns from tourism while preserving Seychelles’ unique environmental and cultural assets.
Tourism continues to serve as the backbone of the Seychelles economy, contributing significantly to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and national development.
Air Seychelles Announces New Board Leadership
The government also confirmed new leadership assignments for Air Seychelles as part of continued efforts to strengthen the national carrier’s governance and long-term strategic direction.
According to the announcement from the Office of the President, Capt. François Jackson has been re-appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Air Seychelles, while Mr. Jean Laporte has been appointed as the airline’s new Vice-Chairperson.
The other board members are:
- Ms. Irene Croisee
- Ms. Nathaniel Soomery
- Ms. Daphne Hoareau
- Mrs. Bernadette Willemin
- Ms. Georgette Capricieuse
- Captain Richard Young
- Mrs. Doreen Zelia
- Capt. Sandy Benoiton
The Board Members have been appointed for a period of 3 years, effective from 1st May 2026.
The appointments reinforce continuity in the airline’s leadership during a period of ongoing transformation and recovery within the global aviation industry.
Air Seychelles plays a critical role in supporting the country’s tourism-dependent economy by connecting the archipelago with regional and international markets. The airline operates domestic inter-island services alongside international routes linking Seychelles with destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and other key markets.
Industry observers say the latest board appointments demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening corporate governance, operational resilience, and strategic oversight at the national carrier.
Tourism and Aviation: A Shared National Strategy
The simultaneous announcements by the Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles underscore the close relationship between tourism development and aviation connectivity in island economies such as Seychelles.
Strong air access, coordinated destination marketing, and collaboration between public and private stakeholders remain essential to sustaining tourism growth and maintaining Seychelles’ competitive position in the international travel market.
With experienced leadership now taking charge across both tourism promotion and aviation governance, Seychelles appears poised to intensify efforts to diversify visitor markets, strengthen international partnerships, improve visitor experiences, and advance its reputation as a premium and sustainable island destination.