Seychelles Cruise Strategy Links Growth With Port Improvements
The 2026-2033 plan seeks greater economic benefits while addressing pressure on communities, ecosystems and maritime infrastructure.
Seychelles is implementing a national Cruise Tourism Strategy for 2026 to 2033 that aims to increase economic benefits while limiting adverse effects on local communities and fragile island ecosystems, according to publicly available documents. The strategy was validated in 2025 with technical support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Tourism updates said the 2025-2026 cruise season began in October 2025 with more ships and port calls than the previous year. The expansion follows approximately 40 calls recorded during the 2023-2024 season. Port Victoria, managed by the Seychelles Ports Authority, is the country’s only international commercial port and its principal cruise berth.
Government transport and finance documents describe a multiyear Port Victoria project that would extend the berth beyond 600 metres and deepen access channels. Completion is projected around 2027, while scheduling is being reconsidered to improve the sequencing of commercial vessels, yachts and cruise calls.
On La Digue, La Passe serves as the main inter-island ferry gateway and a landing point for many cruise excursions. Planning and budget documents identify seawall construction, dredging and jetty extensions there as priority projects. Carrying-capacity studies cited in a 2025 cruise impact analysis found that rising cruise arrivals and inter-island traffic had increased congestion at locations including La Passe.