Vesna Rakić named CEO as Seychelles Tourism Board is reinstated
Vesna Rakić, STB CEO
In her new role, Rakić will lead efforts to further strengthen Seychelles’ international positioning.
The Office of the President has announced the appointment of Vesna Rakić as Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), effective May 15, 2026.
The Seychelles Tourism Board Bill 2026, which was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday March 24, 2026, provides the organisation with a renewed legal mandate to market and position Seychelles as a premier, sustainable tourism destination, while supporting the continued growth, resilience, and competitiveness of the industry.
Rakić’s previous roles include Director and Senior Consultant at Sales & Marketing Seychelles Pty Ltd, Head of Sales and Marketing at Bookseychelles, Market Development Manager at Creole Holidays, and Marketing Manager at Travel Services Seychelles Ltd, where she oversaw key portfolio entities including Desroches Island Resort and Cat Cocos.
In her new role, Rakić will lead efforts to further strengthen Seychelles’ international positioning in an increasingly competitive tourism landscape, while ensuring the sector continues to deliver sustainable economic value and preserve the country’s unique environmental and cultural heritage
The Seychelles Tourism Board was reportedly dissolved in 2021 following a government restructuring announced by Wavel Ramkalawan. The Seychelles Tourism Board Act was repealed in June 2021, and STB’s functions, staff, assets, and liabilities were transferred to the Department of Tourism to improve operational efficiency by combining tourism policy and marketing under one government structure. Former STB CEO, Sherin Francis subsequently became Principal Secretary for Tourism.
In 2026, the government moved to re-establish the Seychelles Tourism Board through the proposed Seychelles Tourism Board Bill, 2026. The re-established Seychelles Tourism Board will continue to spearhead the global marketing and promotion of Seychelles, while supporting tourism product diversification, enhancing visitor experiences, and building strong partnerships with local and international stakeholders.
