The Seychelles is banning cruise ships until the end of 2021 as it looks to prevent the spread of Covid-19. 

According to the island nation’s national newspaper, Seychelles Nation, the country’s tourism department has announced a two-year ban on cruise ship calls at Port Victoria. 

Didier Dogley, minister for tourism, civil aviation, ports and marine said the ban was effective immediately and would last until the end of 2021. 

He said the pandemic had already taken a heavy toll on the tourism sector but insisted the government had taken measures to help businesses survive until the tourism sector picks up. 

Tourism is the second biggest industry in the Seychelles after commercial fishing.