Seychelles Mourns Tourism Pioneer Mickey Mason, 81
SEYCHELLES – Seychelles mourns the death of Raymond Michael De Speville Mason, also known as Mickey Mason, who died at the age of 81. The tourism pioneer and conservationist dedicated his life to establishing Seychelles as a premier destination for visitors, yet he never compromised his commitment to preserving the island’s natural treasures.
Mickey Mason was born in Plaisance, Seychelles and along with his wife, Kathy Mason (née Michel), of Les Mamelles, started to develop the tourism sector in Seychelles. They started Mason’s Travel.
Education and Early Tourism Development Involvement
Mickey completed his studies at Seychelles College and then went on to take his forestry course in the United Kingdom. Back in Seychelles he joined the Forestry Department in the Ministry of Agriculture before deciding to venture into his own tourism business.
Mickey and his wife Kathy started out by taking day trips to Cerf Island under the banner of TFC Tours (which later became Mason’s Travel). Later, at the airport, the company arranged meet-and-assist services, as well as local bus tours on Mahé and boat rides on the surrounding waters.
Mickey Mason also founded the boat trips company to Praslin and La Digue, Le Cerf.
Contributions to Development of Seychelles Tourism and Hospitality Industry
The network of tourism businesses was built up under the umbrella of Mason’s Travel Group by Mickey Mason and his wife Kathy, and included the Indian Ocean Lodge on Praslin, Auberge Club at Bel Ombre, Carana Beach and Denis Island.
Furthermore, the tourism pioneer and conservationist started Mason’s Air Travel, then created general sales agent companies for the transportation industry, including ticketing agencies.
Mickey Mason in this way played a major role in the development of the tourism industry of the Seychelles. He played a key role in expanding the range of services offered to tourists.
Diversification of Tourism Products and Initiatives for Sustainable Development
Later Mickey and Kathy decided to make Denis Island their home as well as develop his travel business. They invested their resources in the sustainable development of this island and turned it into a self-sufficient paradise for thousands of rare endemic birds.
For example, on the territory of Denis Island a network of greenhouses was created to grow fresh products. Local farms also supplied the inhabitants with meat and other products. Solar panels now provide the island with electricity through the efforts of Mickey Mason, with generators serving as alternative sources of power.
These measures have helped reduce the impact of carbon emissions from the fuel on the local environment as previously the transportation of fuel to Denis Island was complicated.
Furthermore, Denis Island was the only place in Seychelles where it was possible to see all the four species of endemic Seychelles birds in a morning walk. Mickey Mason’s work, caring for conservation and translocation programmes, has saved the fody, magpie-robin, paradise flycatcher and warbler from extinction.
The conservationist also started work to restore native vegetation and habitats including breeding giant tortoises. At the same time a new colony of seabirds was founded on Denis Island.
Mickey Mason was a keen sailor and fisherman and remained passionate about the sea his whole life. During his free time he enjoyed snorkelling in the beautiful waters of Denis Island. Mickey Mason’s pioneering spirit and his unique contribution to the tourism sector was moulded by his interest in the Seychelles environment and marine life.
Family Members & Legacy Surviving
He is survived by his wife Kathy, four children – Alan, Allison, Michael and Elizabeth, and grandchildren. His legacy is very much alive in Seychelles in terms of both tourism sector and natural environment.
Mickey Mason has been a major player in the growth of Seychelles as a top tourist destination, building local tourism businesses through a wide network of local catering and hospitality business establishments.
Thanks to his work, Denis Island has also become an important centre for the conservation and breeding of rare species of flora and fauna, including endemic birds.
So, when Seychelles loses one of its tourism pioneers, the legacy of Mickey Mason will continue to live on in the local environment and nature reserves.
