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| L-R: Ambassador Loustau-Lalanne, Sir James Mancham, Sven-Olof Lindblad, Minister Alain St.Ange, PS Rose |
The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism has appointed Sven-Olof Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, as Cultural Ambassador of the Seychelles.
The presentation of the official document of his accreditation was made by Minister Alain St. Ange, responsible for Tourism and Culture, at a dinner held on April 11 in honor of Sven Lindblad at the residence of Sir James Mancham, the founding President of the Republic of Seychelles.
The Lindblad family was integral to tourism development in Seychelles from its inception, Lindblad Expeditions said in a release announcing the appointment. Sven’s father, adventure travel pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad, brought his expedition ship to Seychelles in the 1960s, even before the opening of the Seychelles International Airport. A deep friendship and collaboration developed between Lars Eric and Sir James, and together they worked to open up the Seychelles to travelers while ensuring that the natural environment of the area would be protected. That collaboration continues today, with Sven Lindblad and the 102-guest National Geographic Orion in the Seychelles for a series of voyages exploring the archipelago.
Sir James Mancham and Sven Lindblad have embarked on the National Geographic Orion for an expedition that will explore the Aldabra archipelago – a Seychelles World Heritage Site – and other islands of the Seychelles. Sir James will serve as a Global Perspectives Guest Speaker on the voyage, where he will share his unique insights and knowledge of the region with the guests.