Learning Through Tourism Case Studies: the Seychelles
Learning through Tourism Case Studies: The Seychelles
Moving up the Value Chain:
What’s the Recipe for the Perfect Policy & Product Mix?
Dr. Hannah Messerli,
Finance and Private Sector Development, World Bank
Tourism is growing globally---in developed and emerging markets. Thesector now employs directly and indirectly1 of every 11 people. The destinations to be visited, itineraries to be experienced and products offered are expanding for all age groups.Winning at getting travelers to stay longer and spend more requires innovation andthe right mix of attractions, services and experiences.
Some destinations are just stepping into the tourism pool. Others are advanced in the complexity and diversity of their offerings. What is really needed for a destination to move forward in tourism or “up the value chain)? What are the ingredients for the perfect policy and product mix? Is it better data and analysis? Improved or diversified tourism offerings? Or just better economics and responding efficiently to increasing demand?Overall, how can the public and private sectorsbest collaborate to encourage and enable new tourism products to be developed and delivered in a sustainable manner?
Purpose: The purpose of this session is to consider the case of the Seychelles. Through analyzing opportunities, constraints and strategies, participants will learn (i) about the role and economic position of the tourism sector; (ii) to critically consider value chain and product development options; and (iii) about public and private sector approaches to tourism policy and product development.
Determination of current challenges will be discerned through critical analysis in an interactive session.
Participants areasked to read and review 1 case study prior to the session. The approaches and strategic choices of a successful (or unsuccessful…?) tourism destination will be considered. Participants will be asked to consider the Seychelles’ options as well as to apply their analysis and findings to other destinations in which they have or would like to work.
Timing: This is a 1.5 hour session. Given the interactive content and format, participants are to be fully prepared at the start of the session. Completion of 2-3 hours of preparation beforehand will be required in order to participate in the session productively.
Facilitator: Dr. Hannah Messerli is a Senior Private Sector Development Specialist in Tourism at the World Bank. Her analytical work considers tourism competitiveness and strategic opportunities at regional, national and local levels. She has worked throughout Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Africa to support governments and private sector operators to develop sustainable tourism. With a focus on nature-based and cultural heritage tourism, she supervises tourism-specific lending operations in countries across Africa. Other areas of focus include: analysis of regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity; policy scenarios and recommendations; and strategic analysis. In addition to previously serving on the faculty of New York University, her academic credentials include a PhD in tourism planning from Cornell University; a Masters degree in tourism policy and development from George Washington University; and a Masters degree from Cornell in hotel management.
Instructions for Participants:
Welcome to LEARNING THROUGH TOURISM CASE STUDIES: THE SEYCHELLES---an opportunity to learn through case analysis and to think differently about tourism. Here are a few guidelines for making the most of the seminar: Moving up the Value Chain: What’s the Recipe for the Perfect Policy & Product Mix?
- 2-3 days prior to the session:
To fully benefit from this session, it iscrucial that you read the case prior to the seminar. This will take about 2-3 hours. Reading a few days before is best as this will give you a chance to reflect on your reading. You are encouraged to print out the reading materials and bring them---complete with your notes and comments---to the session or prepare similarly on your laptop through commenting as you read. You will need to be ready to both ask and answer questions.
The Seychelles Tourism Value Chain Analysis is a comprehensive document and one which enables you to consider tourism development from a variety of perspectives. It begins by presenting the sector in economic terms followed by a value chain analysis. It closes with specific recommendations and related examples. Consider the following as you read:
Tourism development needs to be tackled from different perspectives, and general awareness of tourism’s potential for poverty reduction is a challenge. Maximizing the local economic impacts of tourism is constrained by a variety of factors. What are these and how do the consultants recommend they be addressed? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Can tourism offerings be diversified in the Seychelles? The case presents issues and possible approaches for addressing challenges. Are these realistic and appropriate? How would you advise the government to proceed?
Pay particular attention to sections #4 and#5. As you read, consider the options which are being considered? Do you believe they are the best and most effective?
- The Day of the Session:
Come well-rested, on-time and prepared to listen. Be sure to bring your questions. The session will be highly interactive (with minimal powerpoint) and will enable to share your ideas and apply the group’s findings to your planed projects. The objective will be to provide you with a positive learning environment and a rare opportunity to engage and be engaged!
If you have questions prior to the seminar, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at
Bonus question: What is the most important page in the Seychelles report? Why?
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