AGP Executive Report

Tourism & Travel: Seychelles confirmed it keeps a visa-free entry policy for citizens of all recognised countries, with travellers getting a visitor’s permit on arrival after meeting standard checks and completing online immigration procedures; the only stated exception is Kosovo, which Seychelles does not recognise. Visa Rules Round-up: Spain published its 2026 visa-waiver list for overseas travel, with Seychelles among the African nations granted visa-free access (up to 90 days within any 180-day period), while most other African travellers must apply for a Schengen visa. Cruise Season: Seychelles marked a strong 2025-26 cruise run, with over 40 cruise ship calls—up sharply from just six in 2024-25—plus maiden calls and a push toward smaller, premium expedition vessels. Sports: Real Maldive won the 2026 Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer Cup final, bouncing back from two goals down to beat Club Stormy Taka 8-5. Coaching Development: 15 local volleyball coaches began an Olympic Solidarity Level One technical course in Roche Caïman to modernise training. Yachting & Luxury: Emerald Cruises & Tours announced two new 13-day Seychelles and Indian Ocean adventure sailings on the Emerald Kaia for November 2026. Marine Conservation: A new study warns drifting fish aggregating devices can interact with and strand inside marine protected areas, exposing a gap in how MPAs handle mobile gear. Policy Watch: The 2026 National Sports Forum ended without an approved new National Sports Policy, leaving the sector operating without an updated long-term framework. Food & Drink: Fregate Island is set to reopen later this year after major renovations, including an on-site distillery turning surplus island produce into rum and gin as part of its circular economy plan.

Cruise Season Boost for Seychelles: Seychelles wrapped up the 2025-26 cruise season with a closing ceremony at Port of Victoria, reporting over 40 cruise ship calls—up sharply from just six in 2024-25—plus eight maiden calls and a push toward smaller, premium and expedition vessels aligned with the islands’ sustainability goals. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Seychelles also marked its 50th Independence anniversary with major national celebrations, while cultural groups continue to represent the country abroad, including dancers taking part in the WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship. Sports Policy Gap: The 2026 National Sports Forum ended with stakeholders still waiting for an approved National Sports Policy, despite ongoing activity led by the National Sports Council and federations. Ocean Protection Reality Check: A new study warns that drifting fish aggregating devices can interact with and strand inside marine protected areas, exposing a weak spot in how MPAs handle mobile gear. Regional Mobility for Seychellois Travellers: Spain’s 2026 visa-free list includes Seychelles among only eight African countries, and Germany’s 2026 visa-free list also names Seychelles.

Marine Protection Watch: A new Science Advances study warns that drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) can cross marine protected area boundaries, interacting with 53% of the global MPA network and stranding in 174 protected areas, turning reserves into cleanup hotspots. Seychelles Tourism: Officials marked a strong 2025-26 cruise season, with over 40 cruise ship calls to Port of Victoria—up sharply from just six in 2024-25—plus eight maiden calls and a push toward smaller, premium and expedition vessels. Sports Policy: The 2026 National Sports Forum ended with Seychelles still waiting for an approved National Sports Policy, despite ongoing activity by the National Sports Council and partners. Culture & Youth: Seychelles’ dancers are set to shine again as the WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship returns for its 4th edition, with record local participation and international teams. Independence in Motion: Autosport Seychelles delivered the country’s first motorsport festival during National Show celebrations, blending racing, esports, heritage and community events.

Cruise Tourism: Seychelles wrapped up a strong 2025-26 cruise season with over 40 cruise ship calls at Port of Victoria, up sharply from just six in 2024-25, including eight maiden calls and new operators, with officials pointing to a shift toward smaller, premium and expedition vessels and a new Cruise Tourism Strategy in validation. Local Business & Hospitality: A beachfront venue story highlights how a property was transformed after being taken over with only two weeks’ notice, showing fresh momentum in Seychelles’ visitor-facing sector. Culture & Youth on Stage: Seychelles’ dancers are set to represent the country as cultural ambassadors in the WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship, with the 4th edition drawing record local participation and international teams, backed by key national institutions. Motorsport for Independence: Autosport Seychelles delivered the country’s first true motorsport festival as part of National Show celebrations, blending racing, grassroots events, esports, heritage and community spirit at Champions Park Raceway. Sports Spotlight: The Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer Cup final is set for tomorrow at Roche Caïman, with Club Stormy Taka taking on Real Maldive after winning their semifinals. Regional Links: India’s BJP says PM Modi’s visits to Seychelles and other Indo-Pacific stops strengthened maritime, defence, energy and investment ties—an angle that keeps Seychelles firmly in the wider Indian Ocean conversation. Finance Tech (Regional): Bank of Ceylon in Sri Lanka launched a mobile wallet tap-and-pay solution, underscoring fast-moving digital banking trends across the region.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: BJP says PM Modi’s Seychelles, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand visits delivered “10 steps, 10 strengths,” boosting India’s Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific ties, defence and maritime cooperation, critical minerals, energy security, investment, culture, digital public infrastructure, education, sports and people-to-people links. Seychelles Tourism & Culture: A travel feature argues Seychelles is more than honeymoons, highlighting quieter discoveries like cycling around La Digue and deeper cultural experiences beyond the beaches. Seychelles Independence & Heritage: A Seychelles-focused piece reflects on the islands’ 50th anniversary celebrations and how tourism, culture and identity are being woven together. Local Sports: Seychelles Football Federation beach soccer cup final set for Roche Caïman Beach Soccer Arena, with Club Stormy Taka facing Real Maldive. Youth & Arts: WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship returns for its 4th edition, with Seychelles dancers again representing the country on the international stage. Environment: Scientists from 21 African countries, including Seychelles, meet in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Business/Tech: MEXC launches VVIP Futures Loss Coverage Program 2.0 in Victoria, Seychelles, with a 1,000,000 USDT prize pool.

Visa & Travel Links for Seychellois Readers: Pakistani passport holders can access 30 destinations visa-free/VOA/ETA as summer travel peaks, with Seychelles listed among visa-friendly options. Tourism & Culture: A Seychelles-linked reflection on the country’s 50th anniversary and how tourism is being shaped through culture and identity. Sports: The Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer Cup final is set for tomorrow at Roche Caïman, with Club Stormy Taka taking on Real Maldive after winning their semifinals. Local Culture & Youth: WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship returns for its 4th edition, with Seychelles dancers again stepping up as cultural ambassadors. Environment & Science: Seychelles is among 21 African countries meeting in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal waters. Business & Tech (Local): MEXC launched its VVIP Futures Loss Coverage Program 2.0 in Victoria, Seychelles, with a 1,000,000 USDT prize pool. Independence & Community Events: Autosport Seychelles delivered a motorsport festival as part of National Show celebrations, blending racing, heritage, esports and road-safety outreach.

Seychelles Culture & Youth: The WADF All African Artistic Dance Championship returns for its landmark 4th edition, with Seychelles’ young dancers stepping up as cultural ambassadors and a record local turnout joined by international teams from Poland, Hungary, South Africa and Botswana. Sports & Community: Elite Dance Competition Team from Seychelles dominated in South Africa, winning 9 golds and earning full eligibility to compete at nationals and potentially qualify for the World Championship. Motorsport Spotlight: Autosport Seychelles delivered a first-of-its-kind motorsport festival during the 50th Independence celebrations, blending grassroots racing, classic car heritage, esports and road-safety community events at Champions Park Raceway. Environment & Science: Seychelles is among 21 African countries meeting in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols, aiming for comparable coastal data and stronger evidence-based marine protection. Tourism & Travel: Hapag-Lloyd says its Hanseatic nature will shift from polar to Indian Ocean routes, including visits to Madagascar, the Seychelles and Mauritius. Local Business/Finance: MEXC launched its VVIP Futures Loss Coverage Program 2.0 in Victoria, Seychelles, with a 1,000,000 USDT prize pool.

Seychelles Sports: The Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer Cup final is set for tomorrow at Roche Caïman, with Club Stormy Taka taking on Real Maldive after both won their semi-finals. Seychelles Culture & Community: The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II introduced Nana Ama Bonsu to the Kumasi Traditional Council as the new Asantehemaa, with her formal role expected to follow next week. Local Business & Jobs: Seychelles Reinsurance Global (SeyRe Global) has promoted Vanida Pillay to Chief Executive Officer. Environment & Oceans: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols for coastal waters, using nuclear and isotopic techniques. Tourism & Travel: Seychelles is among visa-free destinations highlighted for travellers in 2026, including for Nigerian passport holders. World News (Seychelles-linked): A report on PM Modi’s Seychelles honour has sparked scrutiny over the award’s rushed details and spelling errors.

Seychelles Sports: The Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer Cup heads to its final at Roche Caïman Beach Soccer Arena tomorrow, with Club Stormy Taka set to face Real Maldive after both won their semi-finals. Local Football & Cycling: Jahdel Gabriel defended his 2026 national cycling crown, winning both the time trial and road race to retain the overall title. Music Spotlight: Seychellois producer and songwriter Xtra Big has released his ninth album, “Tangaz,” launched on June 16. Environment & Science: GAEC is hosting scientists from 21 African countries in Accra to harmonise microplastics monitoring protocols, including Seychelles among the participating states. Business & Finance: SeyRe Global has promoted Vanida Pillay to CEO, bringing more than 30 years of re/insurance experience to the Barbados-domiciled reinsurer. Travel & Tourism: Hapag-Lloyd will shift its “Hanseatic nature” expedition ship to Indian Ocean routes, including a first winter season call in the Seychelles. Global Context: A young neo-Nazi, Alfie Coleman, was jailed in the UK for plotting a mass gun attack after an MI5 sting.

Microplastics Monitoring: Scientists from 21 African countries met in Accra to harmonise coastal microplastics testing using nuclear and isotopic techniques, aiming for comparable data to guide marine protection. Seychelles Tourism & Culture: World Rum Day spotlights Takamaka Rum at La Plaine St. André, where sustainability is built into sourcing, recycling and reuse. Business Leadership: Seychelles Reinsurance Global (SeyRe Global) promoted Vanida Pillay to CEO, bringing more than 30 years of re/insurance experience. Sports: Jahdel Gabriel defended his title at the 2026 National Cycling Championships, winning both the time trial and road race. Music: Xtra Big launched his ninth album, “Tangaz,” a self-produced milestone. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Taiwan urged partners to draw clearer lines against China’s “gray-zone” pressure, while a separate report says Beijing is increasingly obstructing Taiwan’s everyday international engagement. Travel Buzz: A new “traveller’s alphabet” challenge is trending online, with the letter X proving impossible.

Seychelles Diplomacy & Culture: Seychelles’ top civilian honour “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” for Indian PM Narendra Modi is back in the spotlight after reports of misspellings in the award citation, with critics calling it a “rush job” and questioning the credibility of engineered honours. Local Leadership: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will today introduce Nana Ama Bonsu as the new Kumasihemaa (15th Asantehemaa) at Manhyia Palace, ahead of her formal enstoolment next week. Business & Finance: Seychelles Reinsurance Global (SeyRe Global) has promoted Vanida Pillay to CEO, citing her 30+ years across underwriting, claims and reinsurance broking. Sports: Jahdel Gabriel defended his 2026 national cycling crown, winning both the individual time trial and road race. Arts & Entertainment: Seychellois producer-songwriter Xtra Big has launched his ninth album, “Tangaz.” Regional Security: Maritime experts at SPAS 2026 urged African states to build stronger, indigenous naval and coast-guard capabilities instead of relying on external partners. International Politics: Taiwan says Beijing is increasing “gray-zone” pressure through everyday tactics, urging democratic partners to draw clearer lines.

Seychelles Diplomacy & Tourism: Seychelles marked 50 years of diplomatic ties with Russia, with Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein praising the Russian contingent at the independence parade and highlighting the Black Sea Fleet Song and Dance Ensemble performance in Victoria, alongside renewed Aeroflot flights. Seychelles-India Links: India’s PM Narendra Modi received Indonesia’s top civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, bringing his foreign awards tally to at least 35; Seychelles previously honoured him with the Guardian of the Blue Horizon for environmental leadership. Local Business Leadership: Seychelles Reinsurance Global (SeyRe Global) promoted Vanida Pillay to CEO, citing her 30+ years across underwriting, claims and reinsurance broking. Sports (Youth): The Seychelles Chess Federation sent young players to the World School Team Championship in Cape Town (July 6–12). Travel & Lifestyle: A Seychelles-focused travel piece also promoted deposit-free car rental options for visitors, while a separate global list again put Seychelles among the world’s best beach destinations. Global Security (Not Seychelles): UK neo-Nazi Alfie Coleman was jailed for 13½ years after an MI5 sting over a planned mass gun attack.

Seychelles-Tourism & Diplomacy: Seychelles’ tourism minister Amanda Bernstein says Russia’s participation in the 50th independence celebrations and the Black Sea Fleet Song and Dance Ensemble performance helped build bridges through culture and professionalism, while also highlighting renewed Aeroflot links and continued ties. PM Modi & Seychelles’ “Guardian of the Blue Horizon”: Indonesia has awarded Narendra Modi its top civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, adding to his growing list of foreign awards; Seychelles previously honoured him with the Guardian of the Blue Horizon for environmental conservation and sustainable development. Tourism & Growth: Seychelles ends a successful cruise season with premium tourism and sustainability front and centre, as the country looks to keep momentum in visitor flows. Regional Anti-Corruption Push: Seychelles features in wider African efforts to tackle corruption in the fisheries sector, with calls for joint investigations, intelligence sharing and cross-border asset recovery. Local Sports: Seychelles Chess Federation sends young players to the World School Team Championship in Cape Town, running July 6–12. Visa Scam Warning: Cambodia denies a viral claim that African nationals face a May 31 exit deadline, saying the circulated document is fake. Travel Deals & Access: UAE updates visa-free entry rules for 70+ nationalities, while Seychelles travel guides highlight easier planning for UAE visitors and deposit-free car rental options.

Tourism & Travel: Seychelles expects more Russian visitors after Aeroflot resumes regular flights from 8 July, with two weekly services from Moscow and a fully booked incoming flight anticipated. Diplomacy & Culture: Seychelles marked 50 years of diplomatic ties with Russia through a Russian contingent at the independence parade and a Black Sea Fleet Song and Dance Ensemble performance in Victoria, with the Tourism Minister praising the cultural bridge for young Seychellois. Environment & Leadership: Seychelles last month honoured Indian PM Narendra Modi with its top environmental distinction, “Guardian of the Blue Horizon,” and now Indonesia has added its highest civilian award, “Bintang Adipurna,” lifting Modi’s international honours tally to 35. Tourism Policy: Seychelles’ cruise season ends on a high note, with Port Victoria welcoming 41 calls and industry leaders saying the focus is shifting to attracting the right cruise lines. Regional Anti-Corruption: EACC urges African countries to set up joint corruption probes, intelligence sharing and cross-border asset recovery to tackle fisheries-related graft. Travel Convenience: A guide highlights deposit-free car rentals in Seychelles for travellers who don’t want large credit-card deposits frozen, with full insurance and clear pricing.

PM Modi’s Seychelles honour in the spotlight: India hit back at Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif after he questioned the legitimacy of PM Modi’s Seychelles “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” distinction, with Indian sources calling Asif “mentally unstable” and dismissing his comments as envy-driven. Tourism and travel links: Seychelles expects more Russian visitors after Aeroflot resumes regular flights from 8 July (twice weekly), with the tourism minister saying Russia was already the top source market earlier this year. Local governance and finance: The Central Bank of Seychelles presented its 2025 Financial Stability Report to the National Assembly, outlining key risks and regulatory measures, including plans for electronic submission. Aviation support: Chapman Freeborn backed the Seychelles Air Force Dornier 228 ferry to India for maintenance, highlighting the role of women in aviation. Sports (Seychelles): Seychelles’ chess federation marked the country’s independence anniversary with a Victoria tournament where young Russian Alexander Sitkin won silver in the Under-14 category. Cruise tourism: Seychelles closed its 2025–2026 cruise season at Port Victoria, stressing growth focused on the “right” premium visitors.

Tourism Outlook: Seychelles expects more Russian visitors after Aeroflot resumes regular flights from 8 July, with the tourism minister saying Russia was already the top source market earlier this year. Cruise Economy: Seychelles wrapped up its 2025–2026 cruise season at Port Victoria, highlighting 41 calls and a shift toward attracting the “right” ships, not just more of them. Local Finance: Central Bank of Seychelles Governor Caroline Abel presented the 2025 Financial Stability Report to the National Assembly, outlining key risks and regulatory measures for the financial system. Protected Seas at Stake: Seychelles voters head to the polls amid controversy over a proposed hotel near a marine reserve, with conservationists warning of damage to fragile ecosystems. Diplomacy & Awards Row: India and Pakistan trade barbs over PM Modi’s Seychelles “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour, as Seychelles says a leaked citation was only a draft and a corrected version replaced it. Sports: Seychelles and Mauritius beach volleyball teams won titles at the CAVB Zone 7 Tour (Stop 1).