The Office of the President of Seychelles has announced the appointment of Maria Azemia as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board, reinforcing the island nation’s leadership team as it continues to strengthen its position as one of the Indian Ocean’s premier tourism destinations.
According to the official announcement, Azemia assumed her new role on 1 July 2026, bringing more than a decade of experience in tourism leadership, destination development and strategic management across both the public and private sectors.
Experienced tourism leader
Azemia has built an extensive career in destination marketing and tourism development, having held several senior positions within Seychelles’ tourism sector. Her previous roles include serving as Director of Destination Development at the Seychelles Tourism Board, where she played a key role in shaping tourism strategies and enhancing the country’s visitor experience.
She also led the Seychelles Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, representing the island nation on one of the world’s largest international platforms and promoting Seychelles as a leading global travel destination.
Her professional experience further includes senior marketing leadership positions at both local and international levels, contributing to destination branding, tourism promotion and stakeholder engagement.
Before taking up her new appointment, Azemia served as Executive Director in the Office of the Principal Ministerwithin the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and the Blue Economy, where she gained broader experience in government administration and strategic policy implementation.
Strong academic background
Azemia combines industry experience with a solid academic foundation. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business Administration from Amity University, India, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management and Marketing from Edith Cowan University, Australia.
Her educational background complements her expertise in tourism management, international business, destination marketing and organisational leadership.
Supporting Seychelles’ tourism growth
The appointment comes as Seychelles continues to focus on strengthening its tourism sector through sustainable destination development, diversified source markets and enhanced visitor experiences.
As Deputy CEO, Azemia is expected to support the Tourism Board’s strategic initiatives aimed at promoting Seychelles globally while working closely with industry stakeholders to maintain the destination’s competitiveness in an evolving international travel market.
With extensive experience spanning destination development, international promotion and strategic planning, her appointment is expected to contribute to the continued growth and long-term sustainability of Seychelles’ tourism industry.
