From a warship to a diver's paradise: Smart tourism drives the blue economy in Seychelles  

Written by Omnia Hassan

In a move that blends environmental innovation with economic planning, Seychelles has sunk a decommissioned military patrol vessel to transform it into an artificial reef and a new attraction for diving enthusiasts.  Tourism.

The decision reflects how the island nation is utilizing its marine resources to enhance  Tourism Sustainable development and consolidating the «blue economy» model, which has become the hallmark of its development experience.

Tourism is the primary pillar of the economy.

Seychelles relies on tourism for approximately 46.6% of its GDP, making it the most tourism-dependent country in Africa and among the highest in the world.

The country received around 400,000 tourists last year, with Europe continuing as the largest source market for visitors, followed by Asia and Africa.

This tourism sector has contributed to raising per capita income and placing Seychelles at the forefront of African countries in terms of welfare and human development.

«"BS Topaz" from security tasks to environmental service

The PS Topaz has served the coast guard for more than two decades in combating piracy, drug smuggling and illegal fishing. Originally built for the Indian Navy as INS Tarmugli before being gifted to the Seychelles in 2005 as part of maritime cooperation with India, the ship underwent major upgrades in 2019, and its last notable deployment was in early 2024 on a hostage rescue mission.

Today, Topaz begins a second underwater life, where its structures are expected to become a habitat for reefs and marine life, and at the same time a major attraction for divers.

Artificial reefs that promote biodiversity

Sinking old ships after environmental restoration is a well-established practice for supporting marine life. Given the clear waters and biodiversity of the Seychelles, it is expected that reef formation around the shipwreck will accelerate, creating a new ecosystem and enhancing the appeal of the dive sites.

Africa's most powerful passport and active tourism diplomacy

Seychelles holds the strongest passport in Africa according to the Henley Passport Index, reflecting the success of its diplomacy in visa exemption agreements. This openness goes hand in hand with marketing the country as a «visa-free» destination for many nationalities, which supports the flow of tourists and enhances its international image.

A well-established Indian partnership and sustainable maritime security

India is a strategic partner in supporting Seychelles’ naval capabilities through surveillance ships and aircraft. This cooperation is not limited to security, but extends to serve a broader environmental and tourism vision, where former military assets are transformed into tools to support tourism and preserve the environment.