Seychelles

(Dive Travel Business News - Feb 20, 2012) -- Recent political turmoil in the Maldives have triggered global tour operating companies to look into alternatives for their tourist clients.  The mutiny by sections of the country’s police on Feb 6, facilitated a coup d'etat and the ousting of elected President Mohamed Nasheed, causing international concern. Other Indian Ocean islands, like Mauritius and the Seychelles, are ready to accommodate tourists initially booked for the Maldives or intent to book their holiday there, should the political situation worsen and compel tour operators to seek safe alternatives.

The day after the coup, the people of Maldives rallied en-masse around deposed President Mohamed Nasheed in a peaceful demonstration in Malé. The police and the army violently repressed the demonstration by beating civilians, women, and the elderly, including members of leaders of the opposition, parliament, and the media.   read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - June 6, 2011) -- In January 2012, Zegrahm Expeditions will operate two diving- and snorkeling-focused voyages to the Seychelles aboard the 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey. Throughout their Ultimate Seychelles and Classic Seychelles journeys, divers and snorkelers will encounter over 150 coral species and some 850 species of rainbow-hued fish, as well as manta rays, spinner dolphins, hawksbill and green turtles, and hundreds of giant clams. Highlights on both itineraries include:

Aldabra Atoll - The world's second largest atoll is a World Heritage Site comprised of four major islands separated by channels. Enjoy an exhilarating drift-snorkel through a narrow pass into a lagoon populated by turtles and eagle rays, plus glimpse the giant Indian Ocean tortoises - estimated at over 100,000 - who roam wild on shore.

Astove Atoll - Along the atoll's vertical reef wall, divers and snorkelers will delight in the crystal clear waters populated by turtles, clouds of tropical fish, and colorful corals. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - October 27, 2010) -- Kantilal Jivan, or Kanti as he is better known, father of Nature Seychelles Dr. Nirmal Jivan Shah, passed away suddenly at Victoria Hospital, Mahe, Seychelles on Thursday, October 21, 2010. As a Seychellois of Indian origin, he went beyond his career as a successful businessman, protecting the natural heritage of the Seychelles and influenced many people both in Seychelles and overseas.

Kanti was the first Seychellois to have received the Seychelles National Tourism Trophy and served as the Chair of the Seychelles Small Hotels and Guesthouse Association for many years He has been featured in more than two hundred magazine and newspaper articles, TV interviews and films. He starred with Omar Shariff in the film "Return to Eden" and was included by Ian Fleming as a character in a story in the James Bond novel "For Your Eyes Only." He wrote many articles about the Seychelles and was a prolific international speaker.   read more »