US, Oct. 16 -- Raymond Michael De Speville Mason, known as Mickey Mason, helped build Seychelles' tourism industry alongside his wife Kathy, while making conservation a central part of his life's work.

Seychelles has lost one of the pioneers who helped shape its modern tourism industry. Raymond Michael De Speville Mason, affectionately known as Mickey Mason, died on Friday, October 16, 2026, according to the tribute provided to eTurboNews. Born on May 20, 1944, he was 82.

Together with his wife, Kathy Mason, he established Mason's Travel, helping turn a young island tourism industry into an internationally connected business. His legacy extends from boat excursions and hotels to the forests, rare birds, and conservation projects of Den...