Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles based Tourism Consultant and now Presidential Candidate for the islands September 2025 elections and Air Seychelles were recognised at the PATWA Award Ceremony held during the ITB Tourism Trade Fair in Berlin last week.

Alain St.Ange is the only recipient of the Gold Award “Lifetime Contribution to Tourism”. Air Seychelles was represented in Berlin by Charles Johnson the Chief Commercial Officer of the airline. Sandy Benoiton the CEO of the airline, received the PATWA Gold Award in the Indian Ocean Region for Excellence in Aviation.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine said to the press after the Award Giving Ceremony that he was proud to have been recognised for his work in tourism.

“Tourism does not exist as an activity but rather as an industry. I have always worked with passion in tourism. I am delighted that my years of service to the industry has been recognised again” St.Ange said.

Alain St.Ange told the press he was pleased to see Air Seychelles recognized as the Airline of the year for the Indian Ocean Region. It is a great accomplishment and I salute Management and Staff for their hard work and dedication

The PATWA International Travel Award winners have been felicitated at an annual ceremony, during ITB (Internationale Tourismus Börse) Berlin, since 1999. The awardees have achieved the highest standards in their field. The PATWA International Travel Awards is one of the most coveted awards within the travel industry.

The awards are given to individuals, brands, governments, and organisations that have excelled in promoting tourism. The list includes airlines, hotels and travel agencies. It also includes tour operators, destinations, government departments, tourism ministries and other service providers.

The selection process is transparent, and it is rigorous. The PATWA International Awards Council and our Board of Directors, as well as our worldwide media members and members of the PATWA International Awards Council collect, shortlist and finalise nominations. The nominees will be evaluated according to various standards, with an extensive internal audit/ evaluation within pre-set parameters.

The PATWA International Awards Council meets every year to finalise the shortlisted nominations. The winners receive confirmation of their award.