Seychelles Cruise Sector: The Cost Benefit Analysis (2026-2033) report was officially handed over to the Tourism Division at a ceremony held on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The project was made possible through a strategic partnership between the Tourism Bureau and the United Nations Economic Commission on Africa (UNECA).
The report, which took place over a 10-month period from April 2024 to February 2025, provides a detailed assessment of the economic, environmental and social aspects of Cruise Tourism in the Seychelles. Based on large-scale stakeholder consultations and robust data analysis, this report now serves as the basis for the development of a national cruise tourism strategy.
At the handover ceremony, Mrs. Sherin Francis, Director of Tourism, noted that the report demonstrates the importance of data-driven planning in ensuring the future of the sector.
“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to managing cruise tourism in ways that benefit the economy while maintaining the environment and respecting our communities.”
“The findings provide a clear pathway to a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
The handover ceremony also reaffirmed the strong collaboration between the Department of Tourism and UNECA, highlighting the tourism sector's common commitment to long-term sustainability and resilience.
The next phase of the project will focus on developing a dedicated cruise tourism strategy aimed at guiding long-term development and ensuring a balanced approach to growth.
Cruise tourism, along with land tourism and yachting tourism, is one of the three core pillars of the local tourism industry. The sector has shown resilience in the face of past chaos, from the pirates between 2009 and 2014 to the Covid-19 outages from 2020 to 2022. The cruise season is seasonal, with most operations taking place between October and May. In 2024, the Seychelles welcomed 40,185 cruise passengers on 41 port calls, with a capacity range of 184 to 2,700 passengers.

Seychelles Travel – Seychelles Official Tourist Website
Take inspiration. All the experience the Seychelles have to devote from our untouched waters to exquisite flora and fauna.
Seychelles' Cruise Division: Cost Benefit Analysis (2026-2033) report provides access to the Tourism Division website.
Seychelles Cruise Analysis Document
Tourist Seychelles
Tourism Seychelles is the official destination marketing organization for the Seychelles Islands. Committed to showcasing the island's unique natural beauty, cultural heritage and lavish experiences, the Tourist Seychelles play a pivotal role in promoting the Seychelles as the best destination in the world.