Covid-19: Seychelles bans cruise ship tourism through 2021May 19, 2020 - 13:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Seychelles is taking the bold step of banning all cruise ship tourism through the end of 2021 as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, CNN reveals. The East Africa island nation's largest newspaper, the Seychelles Nation, reports that Didier Dogley, the country's Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, made the decision. According to the World Bank, tourism is the second biggest industry in the Seychelles after commercial fishing. The Seychelles is a popular destination for celebrities, who have enjoyed the country's private villas and bright-blue waters over the years. Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymooned there after their wedding in 2011, as did George and Amal Clooney in 2014. It's unclear whether the Seychelles will continue to allow travelers to come into the country by air. Photo. Jon Arnold / Getty Images Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |