At a Glance
- Herminie halts Qatari-backed Assomption resort to reassess its environmental impact and transparency.
- Move sparks optimism among conservationists but uncertainty for investors and tourism stakeholders.
- Seychelles weighs balancing eco-protection with sustaining tourism-driven economic growth and jobs.
After winning October’s runoff, Patrick Herminie’s swift pledge to halt and review the controversial Assomption Island resort has placed conservation at the center of Seychelles’ tourism debate, pleasing environmentalists and many citizens, but raising short-term concerns for investors, airlines and the country’s economic outlook.
A campaign promise that landed in the capital
When Patrick Herminie returned to power after October’s runoff, it wasn’t just a political victory, it marked a shift in national priorities. Within days, he ordered an immediate review and possible suspension of the Qatari-backed resort planned for Assomption Island, a project long criticized for its environmental risks and limited public disclosure.
The announcement rippled across Victoria. Environmental groups welcomed it, while many Seychellois, protective of the country’s delicate ecosystems, felt reassured. Still, the move raised a broader question: how can Seychelles protect the natural beauty that draws visitors while sustaining the investments that power its economy?
Where the tension comes from
Tourism is the backbone of Seychelles’ economy. The industry has rebounded strongly through 2025, with official data showing arrivals up 20.3 percent year-on-year in the second quarter. It brings in foreign exchange, supports public spending and keeps thousands of islanders in work.
That’s why uncertainty over large projects can have quick effects. A pause or review may satisfy environmental advocates, but it also makes investors, airlines and hotel operators wary of shifting policies.
Assomption: the project at the eye of the storm
The Assomption resort plan — a luxury development linked to overseas investors and major infrastructure upgrades on a remote atoll near the UNESCO-listed Aldabra — has divided opinion for years. Scientists warn construction could harm tortoises, nesting turtles and marine habitats. Critics say the earlier approval process lacked transparency and credible oversight.
Herminie’s review is both political and practical — it echoes public sentiment while giving his administration time to demand deeper assessments. Investors, though, see rising uncertainty that could slow financing and delay construction.
What this means for business, short and medium term
In the near term, the government’s move may cool investor appetite. Developers prefer predictability; sudden pauses can raise borrowing costs and stall local jobs. Over time, however, a clear and transparent review process could strengthen confidence and attract higher-quality, sustainability-focused investors.
An opening for a new tourism model
If handled well, Seychelles could reposition itself as a premium, environmentally conscious destination, one that earns more from fewer visitors while protecting its reefs and beaches.
That model favors smaller, locally owned lodges and eco-adventure ventures that spread income more evenly across communities.
Local voices and livelihoods
For many residents, the issue is about livelihoods as much as land. Big resorts create jobs and infrastructure; unchecked development risks long-term damage. Local operators are split, some see a chance to preserve Seychelles’ identity, others fear the pause will hurt seasonal earnings.
Herminie’s early move has turned a long-running development dispute into a test of national direction.
Seychelles must now prove it can balance conservation with growth. How the government handles the Assomption review will shape not just its tourism policy, but its credibility on the world stage.
