Seychelles tourism will unlikely be affected following the shark attack of a 45-year-old French tourist while swimming at night early this month at a popular tourist destination in the Indian Ocean off East Africa.
The attack happened during Seychelles’ high tourist season at Amitié Beach in Praslin, the second-largest island in the archipelago known for its pristine beaches, secluded islands.
The French Ambassador, Dominique Mas was quoted by local media as saying that the female tourist was seriously injured on one arm and was taken to a hospital where she underwent an operation.
Shark attacks are very rare in Seychelles.
The country’s maritime safety administration has since placed a ban on the area where the attack occurred.
It also warned tourists to avoid swimming in the area as the Praslin’s relatively cool waters could attract sharks during breeding.
Seychelles’ tourism employs about 26% of the labor force and accounts for more than 55% of GDP.
The archipelago last reported two horrific shark attacks in August 2011 when two tourists were killed.
The local tourism was not negative effect on tourism in Seychelles despite scary stories in British tabloids, according to Ventures Africa.
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