The Seychelles bans cruise lines until the end of 2021

The Seychelles has announced an 18-month ban on cruise ships, effective immediately.

Within efforts to prevent another wave of coronavirus infections, the country will close its Port Victoria to cruise liners before end of 2021, says Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine.

The move has been met with acceptance from tourism stakeholders, regardless if it really is understood that it'll affect the country’s already struggling tourism industry.

The cruise industry is a major catalyst where the Covid-19 has spread across the world

“The Seychelles Ports Authority appreciates the fact that the federal government has made a prudent decision to mitigate the impact that Covid-19 may have in the medium term. It really is to be noted that the cruise industry has been a major catalyst where the Covid-19 has spread throughout the world,” Ronny Brutus, leader of the authority told the Seychelles News Agency.

“It is important to recognise the fact that the risk factor of a resurgence of the Covid-19 in Seychelles far outweighs the ability cost of failing to have cruise port demands the next two years.”

As well, Dogley outlined a number of measures to aid the tourism industry, including wage guarantees until June, favourable loan agreements and tax holidays for all those in the industry.

The island nation has announced plans to reopen its airport to commercial flights on Monday, June 1, but stressed that strict control measures and travel advisories would be put in place.

In line with the Seychelles News Agency, the country’s public health commissioner, Jude Gedeon, has said that the united states would gradually lift restrictions and does not expect tourism to rebound immediately.

"We are planning that with the existing situation, we won't see tourism relaunched in an easy manner in June. We are considering maybe July or August.

"That is why the opening of commercial procedures of the airport does not necessarily mean you will have a lot of movement of individuals. Control measures which were set up will be reinforced," he said.