Four Seychelles tourism professionals have been awarded a fully funded internship in the Maldives through the Hospitalite Service Excellence Awards. The initiative, led by the Seychelles Tourism Department in partnership with Universal Resortshighlights ongoing efforts to strengthen skills, service quality, and international exposure in the tourism sector.
The Seychelles Tourism Department has officially sent off four outstanding tourism professionals to participate in a prestigious international internship program in the Maldives, reinforcing the island nation’s commitment to service excellence and workforce development.
The ceremony, held at Botanical House, honored winners of the 2025 Lospitalite Lafyerte Sesel Service Excellence Awards under the Best Tourism Employees category. The initiative is spearheaded by the Department’s Industry Human Resource Development Section and Service Excellence Unit.
International Exposure Through Strategic Partnership
The fully funded internship program is made possible through a collaboration with Universal Resorts, one of the Maldives’ leading luxury resort operators. Additional travel support is provided by Air Seychelles, covering flights between Seychelles and Colombo, while onward travel to Male is facilitated by the Tourism Department.
Running from May 2 to May 13, 2026, the program will immerse participants in daily resort operations across some of the Maldives’ most renowned properties. The structured experience includes six working days per week, offering hands-on learning and direct engagement with international hospitality standards.
Recognizing Excellence in Seychelles Tourism
The four selected professionals represent a cross-section of Seychelles’ hospitality industry:
- Josianne Toussaint – Restaurant Hostess, assigned to Kuramathi Resort
- Kareen Rita Bristol – Sales & Reservation Supervisor, assigned to Milaidhoo Resort
- Franco Cafrine – Operations Manager, assigned to Velassaru Resort
- Nicolas Louys – Deputy General Manager, assigned to Baros Resort
Speaking at the event, Paul Lebon, Director General for Destination Planning and Product Development, highlighted the importance of such collaborations in elevating service standards.
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“This initiative ensures that service excellence remains at the forefront of our tourism industry. Participants will gain invaluable experience while also sharing their own expertise with international teams,” he said.
A Platform for Growth and Knowledge Exchange
For participants, the opportunity represents more than professional recognition. Nicolas Louys, Deputy General Manager at North Island, described the internship as a milestone in his 17-year career.
“This experience will allow me to expand my horizons internationally, gain new insights, and continue progressing toward my career goals,” Louys noted, encouraging fellow professionals to embrace opportunities with patience and positivity.
Fellow awardee Franco Cafrine delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the group, emphasizing their commitment to representing Seychelles with integrity while learning from global industry leaders.
Strengthening Seychelles’ Tourism Future
The internship program stems from the Service Excellence Awards held in November 2025, where top-performing individuals and businesses were recognized for their contributions to the tourism sector.
By investing in international exposure and skill development, the Seychelles Tourism Department continues to position its workforce for success on a global stage. The initiative also highlights the importance of partnerships in driving innovation and maintaining competitiveness in the ever-evolving travel and hospitality industry.
As these professionals embark on their journey to the Maldives, they carry with them not only their personal ambitions but also the broader goal of enhancing Seychelles’ reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
