New strategy and leadership for St Helena Tourism

Jonathan Passaportis has been appointed Head of Tourism, taking over from Matt Joshua, and Sebastian Stent has been appointed Senior Marketing Manager for the St Helena Government.

Passaportis and Stent plan to work with operators and agents to develop packages and itineraries that appeal to travellers and showcase the island. The six-pillar strategy will focus on:

• History and Heritage: Visitors can learn about Napoleon’s exile on St Helena, the island’s connection to King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo and the Zulu uprising against the British, the Boer War, the abolition of slavery, and centuries of colonial and maritime history.
• Nature: St Helena is home to 502 endemic species and is perfect for nature lovers, birders, and those fascinated by the volcanic geology.
• Culture: St Helena blends Creole and maritime English, bringing 17th-century seafaring traditions into contemporary island culture. Travellers can immerse themselves in the food, language and history of the island.
• Hiking: The volcanic topography provides hiking experiences for all ages and fitness levels with diverse ecosystems, including semi-desert, woodlands and cloud forest.
• Aquatic pursuits: The island offers eight ‘diveable’ shipwrecks, crystal-clear water, sea temperatures between 19°C and 25°C, water activities and rich marine life.
• Adventure: Alongside walks, hikes and e-bikes, the St Helena Tourism Board is developing adventure tourism, including trail runs, marathons, climbing and mountain biking.

Passaportis is a tourism entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience in tourism, agriculture and sustainable development across Southern Africa and Argentina. He is the founder and MD of Bushman Rock Safaris in Zimbabwe.

“There is a perception that St Helena appeals to an older generation of traveller – history buffs who want to learn more about Napoleon’s time on the island. And while this is true for a number of visitors, the island holds broader appeal for adventure tourists, nature lovers, and those who want authentic, cultural immersion in a community,” said Passaportis.

Stent has a background in journalism and filmmaking and now combines his tech experience at Naspers, Meta and Opera with community-focused technology and the implementation of sustainable development initiatives.

“We're targeting strategic partnerships with operators who want to offer their clients something completely different and who understand the draw of sustainable, regenerative tourism, focusing on extended-stay experiences,” said Stent.

Airlink operates a weekly service between Johannesburg and St Helena, with seasonal flights direct from Cape Town between December and March.

Issued on TourismUpdate | https://www.tourismupdate.com/article/new-strategy-and-leadership-for-st-helena-tourism