Seychelles Tourism Academy and Club Med Join Forces to Elevate Hospitality Training and Career Pathw

In a significant development for Seychelles’ tourism sector, the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) has formalised a strategic partnership with Club Med Seychelles, aiming to bridge the gap between academic training and industry demands. This collaboration is set to enhance the quality of tourism education, foster staff development, and provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences for aspiring tourism professionals in the island nation.

The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place on Monday, 5th August 2025, at the Botanical House in Mont Fleuri. The agreement was signed by Mr Richard Mathiot, Director of the Seychelles Tourism Academy, and Mr Lionel Kupper, Director of Operations for Club Med Indian Ocean, marking a milestone in public-private cooperation within Seychelles’ tourism landscape.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, including student and staff exchange programmes, structured work-based attachments at Club Med resorts, and the participation of Club Med personnel in specialised training courses offered by STA. Both parties will also engage in joint professional development initiatives and cultural enrichment activities, while sharing educational resources and insights into evolving global tourism trends.

Mr Mathiot emphasised the tangible benefits of this partnership, noting that many STA learners have already gained valuable work experience through Club Med placements, with numerous success stories emerging. “This event today marks an important partnership. Club Med has taken many of our learners on work-based experience, and we have many success stories. The Academy will continue to create opportunities through our growing partnerships,” he said, underscoring the Academy’s commitment to real-world learning.

Club Med Seychelles has committed to providing STA trainees with comprehensive support during their internships, including accommodation, clearly defined internship agreements, weekly rest periods, and on-site soft skills training. This holistic approach ensures that trainees develop not only technical expertise but also the interpersonal skills essential for success in the hospitality industry.

The MoU, valid for five years, incorporates a mechanism for ongoing review and continuous improvement, with designated coordinators from both institutions tasked with overseeing its implementation. This dynamic framework ensures that the partnership remains responsive to the evolving needs of the tourism sector.

Mr Kupper expressed pride in formalising what he described as a long-standing relationship between Club Med and STA. He highlighted that training is central to Club Med’s identity, with a strong focus on multiculturalism, skills development, and international mobility. “Training is the DNA of Club Med. We believe in developing local talent, helping them grow and eventually lead our global resorts,” he stated, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing Seychellois professionals for leadership roles within the global hospitality arena.

This collaboration also aligns with the Seychelles Tourism Department’s broader strategy to strengthen ties between academic institutions and the private sector, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a competitive, quality-driven destination. By fostering a skilled and adaptable workforce, Seychelles aims to sustain its appeal amid shifting global tourism dynamics.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the national significance of such partnerships. He praised the Academy’s role in building confidence, career pathways, and international exposure for young Seychellois. “This collaboration is about giving young people the confidence to dream, to believe that they can grow and succeed—not just locally, but globally. It’s our duty to guide and support them on that journey,” he remarked, underscoring the transformative potential of the initiative.

For African tourism stakeholders, this partnership exemplifies how targeted public-private collaborations can elevate workforce capabilities, enhance service quality, and ultimately boost destination competitiveness. As Seychelles continues to invest in sustainable tourism development and human capital, such initiatives offer a blueprint for other island and continental markets seeking to align education with industry realities and future-proof their tourism sectors.