President Wavel Ramkalawan received the reigning Miss University Africa Tourism 2021, Gabriella Gonthier at State House this morning. Ms. Gonthier claimed the crown of Miss University Africa Tourism 2021 after taking part in the Miss University Africa 2021 which took place December 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The President congratulated her on such accomplishment in bringing an international crown to Seychelles for the first time and expressed how she has made Seychelles proud by making history in becoming the first candidate to win Miss University Africa Tourism in the pageant's 12 years’ history. The President extended his full support to Ms. Gonthier as she spearheads her projects.

“Congratulations on your achievements, you have no doubt raised the Seychelles flag to a new level by winning the Miss University Africa Tourism crown, an international title which has not only brought great pride to us as a nation but as an inspiration for other youths of Seychelles. Well done and I wish you the very best during your reign and in implementing your project” said the President.

During their discussions, Ms. Gonthier shared with the President her journey thus far as well as her plans and targets.

By profession, Ms Gonthier is the senior monitoring and evaluation officer at the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy and is also responsible for international cooperation for the department of the Blue Economy. During the pageant, Ms. Gonthier was judged on her project which focused on certain aspects of the Blue Economy, her character/personality, her performance for cultural dance, production of a video amongst other criteria.

Speaking to the media after the courtesy call on the President, Ms. Gonthier said that among her projects as the Miss University Africa Tourism 2021, she will be focusing on promoting sustainable tourism here locally as well as on the African continent. She underlined that Seychelles has many opportunities in different forms and aspects such as of eco-tourism, sustainable and cultural tourism which can

Ms. Gonthier was accompanied at State House by the Country Director of the Miss University Africa for Seychelles, Mr. Terry Carolla