Seychelles names Vesna Rakić as new tourism board chief executive

Bringing over 30 years of deep industry experience across destination marketing and product development, Ms Rakić takes the helm at a critical time for the country's primary economic sector.

Image source: statehouse.gov.sc
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Women's Tabloid News Desk

The Office of the President has announced the appointment of Ms Vesna Rakić as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB). The executive appointment took effect on 15 May 2026 as part of a national strategy to navigate an evolving international travel market.

Ms Rakić graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Administration (Marketing) from London South Bank University. She brings more than 30 years of local and international experience to the position, having built a career across destination marketing, product development, trade systems strengthening and private hospitality entrepreneurship within the archipelago.

Her previous corporate roles include serving as Director and Senior Consultant at Sales & Marketing Seychelles Pty Ltd. She also held leadership positions as Head of Sales and Marketing at bookseychelles, Market Development Manager at Creole Holidays and Marketing Manager at Travel Services Seychelles Ltd. Her responsibilities in those roles covered major corporate portfolio entities including Desroches Island Resort and Cat Cocos.

Alongside her corporate background, Ms Rakić remains deeply involved in active tourism operations and cross-industry engagement. She is also a founding member of the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association (SSHEA), highlighting her long-term focus on diversified local businesses. Her professional history shows a consistent track record of expanding market access, improving distribution channels and aligning commercial stakeholders across the entire tourism value chain.

The Seychelles Tourism Board handles the core marketing and global promotion of the islands as a premium, eco-friendly destination. The organisation creates national promotional strategies, manages the regional brand identity in core and emerging markets, and encourages product diversification. The statutory body also coordinates with local and international stakeholders to improve the overall visitor experience while securing economic returns that protect national environmental and cultural assets.

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