Seychelles Tourism and Culture Ministry Strengthens Leadership with New Appointment, Here’s All You Need to Know

On November 6, 2025, Mrs. Nicola Amanda J. Bernstein was officially sworn in as the new Minister for Tourism and Culture in Seychelles, making her the second woman ever to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment not only reflects the trust placed in her vast experience in diplomacy, communications, and the private sector, but it also demonstrates the growth and development in the country’s tourism sector. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, under the guidance of Bernstein, will continue to enhance the islands’ reputation as a foremost global tourist destination, engraining the Seychelles brand further into the world’s consciousness through deftly handled international tourism and culture diplomacy.

A Rich Career Background in Diplomacy and Communications

Before assuming the role of Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Bernstein built an impressive career in both the diplomatic and private sectors. Born and raised in Seychelles, she pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Journalism from Kingston University and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Studies from the renowned School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London.

Her career began with the International HIV and AIDS Alliance in the UK, where she worked as a Liaison Officer for the Commonwealth HIV and AIDS Action Group. In this role, she developed strong expertise in advocacy, communications, and international collaboration on global health issues, skills that she would later carry with her throughout her diplomatic and commercial careers.

Upon her return to Seychelles, Mrs. Bernstein joined the Department of Foreign Affairs as a Press Attaché, where she worked closely with the Ministry’s office and local stakeholders to enhance Seychelles’ international profile. She played a key role in advancing public understanding of the department’s work and helped position the country as an active participant on the global diplomatic stage. Her time in this role provided a solid foundation for her later diplomatic assignments.

Leadership in Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Representation Abroad

Following her tenure as Press Attaché, Mrs. Bernstein advanced to the role of Principal Counsellor at the Seychelles Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In this capacity, she was instrumental in establishing the Seychelles’ diplomatic mission in the region, which contributed to strengthening the country’s relationship with the African Union. Mrs. Bernstein’s ability to navigate international diplomacy and foster strategic partnerships was a crucial asset to Seychelles’ foreign relations during this time.

Upon returning to Seychelles, she continued her work as Principal Counsellor in the Consular Division, where she coordinated with consuls around the world and worked to assist Seychellois citizens living abroad. Her deep understanding of global diplomacy, international cooperation, and cultural exchange has equipped her with the tools to foster global partnerships that will undoubtedly benefit Seychelles’ tourism and cultural sectors.

Private Sector Expertise: Strengthening Seychelles’ Economy Through Business and Finance

In addition to her diplomatic career, Mrs. Bernstein brings extensive experience from the private sector, particularly in the banking and financial services industry. Having held senior positions at Barclays Bank (now ABSA), she was involved in one of the bank’s largest rebranding initiatives, a project that played a crucial role in repositioning the brand and expanding its customer base. Her work at Barclays also focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the bank maintained strong relationships with its clients and contributed to the communities in which it operated.

Mrs. Bernstein’s experience in strategic planning, project management, and community engagement will be valuable assets in her new role, as she seeks to further integrate the tourism sector with the broader economic and social development goals of Seychelles. Her ability to bridge the gap between the public and private sectors will be essential in driving sustainable tourism development that benefits both local communities and international visitors.

Tourism and Cultural Growth: A Vision for the Future

As the new Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Bernstein is committed to positioning Seychelles as a leading global tourism destination that offers not only beautiful beaches and resorts but also rich cultural experiences. In her presentation to the National Assembly, she expressed her dedication to leveraging her diverse background to contribute to the growth of Seychelles’ tourism industry. She emphasized her willingness to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in the tourism, hospitality, and cultural sectors to create innovative solutions that enhance Seychelles’ reputation as a premier destination.

The Seychelles’ tourism sector is integral to the country’s economy, providing employment for thousands of citizens and contributing significantly to GDP. Mrs. Bernstein’s focus will be on promoting sustainable tourism that aligns with Seychelles’ environmental goals and global trends in eco-tourism. This includes enhancing destination branding to highlight the islands’ unique cultural heritage, biodiversity, and commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability and Innovation in Tourism

With a focus on sustainability, Mrs. Bernstein is expected to prioritize green tourism initiatives that preserve the natural beauty of Seychelles while fostering long-term economic growth. As a tourism hub in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles has a responsibility to protect its environment, and Mrs. Bernstein’s efforts will be geared toward ensuring that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the islands’ natural resources.

In addition to sustainability, innovation will be a key theme under her leadership. The rise of digital technologies in the travel and tourism industries has reshaped how tourists interact with destinations. Mrs. Bernstein will focus on promoting digital solutions to enhance visitor experiences, streamline travel logistics, and showcase the rich cultural and natural offerings of Seychelles.

Expanding Cultural Tourism and Heritage

One of Mrs. Bernstein’s key goals is to strengthen the connection between tourism and culture in Seychelles. This will include promoting the country’s vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and the unique traditions that define the Seychellois way of life. As a tourist destination, Seychelles offers much more than its idyllic beaches. Its cultural heritage, shaped by its diverse communities and history, is a rich and untapped resource that can attract visitors seeking authentic and immersive experiences.

By working with local communities, cultural institutions, and tourism operators, Mrs. Bernstein aims to create a tourism ecosystem that celebrates Seychelles’ history and culture, while ensuring that local residents benefit from the economic opportunities tourism provides.

A New Chapter for Seychelles’ Tourism Industry

Mrs. Bernstein’s decades-long career in diplomacy, the private sector, and community engagement will allow her to effectively balance the sustainable and innovative integration of socioeconomic development and tourism within masks of culture. As the second woman to serve in the office of Minister for Tourism and Culture, her tenure will be etched in the chronicle of Seychelles Tourism. It will be a privilege to be a partner to transform the Seychelles branding, which will showcase tourism and culture dividends, socio-economic gains integration, and socio-cultural sustainable development.

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