La Digue’s Creole Rendezvous Event Shines as Seychelles Deepens Cultural Tourism Focus
La Digue, one of the Seychelles’ most enchanting islands, has once again demonstrated its commitment to cultural tourism with the latest edition of the Rendezvous Diguois, attended for the first time by the new Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein. Her visit on Saturday, December 6, 2025, not only underscored the event’s significance but also signaled the government’s intention to strengthen partnerships with local communities and celebrate the island’s unique heritage in new and dynamic ways.
Since its launch in September 2022 by the Tourism Department, the Creole Rendezvous series has quickly evolved into a signature platform for authentic Seychellois expression, held quarterly on both La Digue and Praslin. These gatherings are now seen as vital for uniting residents, artisans, performers, and visitors in a shared celebration of Seychelles’ cultural identity, blending music, craft, gastronomy, and community spirit in a way that few destinations can match.
The December Rendezvous Diguois took on a festive flair, running over two days and immersing attendees in both the warmth of the holiday season and the vibrancy of Creole culture. The event featured a lively programme for children, including a visit from Santa Claus, generous gift-giving, and joyful Christmas carols. Adults and families enjoyed live music, spirited moutya dance performances, and the chance to sample traditional Creole cuisine. Artisans displayed and sold locally crafted products and gifts—further reinforcing the event’s role as a marketplace for Seychellois creativity and entrepreneurship.
Minister Bernstein praised the event’s organisers, local partners, and community members for transforming Rendezvous Diguois into a powerful showcase of the island’s heritage. “La Digue is more than a destination. It is a feeling. There truly is no place quite like this island. I am proud of the efforts of all our suppliers, partners, and dedicated community members, and I am looking forward to seeing this event go from strength to strength,” she remarked, capturing the spirit that continues to draw both locals and international visitors to the island’s shores.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed a clear desire to deepen collaboration with the Diguois community, highlighting her vision for La Digue as a pillar of Creole culture and a beacon for sustainable, community-led tourism. Her approach signals greater inclusion of local voices in shaping the direction of tourism development—an approach that resonates strongly with African tourism professionals seeking to balance economic growth with cultural preservation and authenticity.
The Minister’s visit also included a series of strategic meetings at the La Digue Community Centre, where she engaged directly with tourism and cultural stakeholders. These discussions focused on reinforcing partnerships, identifying new opportunities for support, and aligning future development with the needs and aspirations of the local community. Such open dialogue is essential for nurturing the type of public-private collaboration that underpins resilient, innovative tourism sectors across Africa.
In addition to her participation in Rendezvous Diguois, Mrs Bernstein toured several of La Digue’s most important cultural landmarks, including L’Union Estate and the La Digue Library. These site visits reinforced the central role of heritage sites and community spaces in the island’s tourism proposition, and provided the Minister with first-hand insights into the ongoing work to preserve and showcase Seychellois culture for future generations.
For travel professionals and destination specialists across Africa, the success of Rendezvous Diguois is a reminder of the power of immersive, community-driven events to differentiate destinations, extend visitor stays, and create meaningful economic opportunities for local stakeholders. As the Seychelles continues to position itself as a leader in experiential and sustainable tourism, such initiatives will be increasingly important in meeting the evolving expectations of travelers seeking authenticity, connection, and cultural depth.
By embracing its roots and celebrating its living heritage, La Digue is not only strengthening its identity but also setting a benchmark for cultural tourism in the Indian Ocean region. With strong leadership, community engagement, and a clear vision for the future, the island is well on its way to consolidating its reputation as the cultural heartbeat of the Seychelles—and an inspiration for the continent’s broader tourism industry.
Originally Published at travelnews.africa
