From China to ATM and Indaba
by STB

Seychelles’ tourism has been on the move at three important events this month, with appearances in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

A Presidential delegation attended the opening of the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai where Seychelles is set to benefit from this promising market.  Several talks were held on how both countries can further develop their tourism and possible air links between the two.

The Seychelles’ director of tourism marketing, Alain St Ange, who formed part of the delegation to China, has said that the visibility of Seychelles in that market is continuously increasing and the destination will get important and valuable exposure from Expo 2010.

Seychelles has a pavilion at the Expo and it is promoting the country in its entire splendor with paintings of the great assets of the destination such as the white sandy beaches as well as the world famous Coco-de-Mer.

From China, delegates from the tourism trade met at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, where an aggressive PR campaign was in place to further promote Seychelles.

The Middle East market is an important one for Seychelles and like usual, a strong delegation comprising local tour operators and hotels were present.

Whilst the trade were conducting their business on the stand, the Seychelles Tourism Board also had a series of meetings, including one with Emirates Airlines where it was confirmed that a plane had already been earmarked for the seventh frequency to Seychelles.

The Middle East remains a region with the biggest growth potential for Seychelles because of the excellent air access, the proximity of the Seychelles Islands to the region and the favourable flying time between the two, which is but four and a half hours.

Indaba in South Africa was the last stop and Seychelles has again commended all efforts being made in this market to increase visitor arrivals as well as from the Americas.

The Seychelles Tourism Board has said it remains optimistic that the market would continue to grow and at a faster rate than in the past years.

“Tour operators are confident that Seychelles is now the new destination for the South African travelers and we will now work to turn this strong interest in solid bookings,” said Mr St Ange, adding “we have the support on the ground through our two offices in South Africa and we have partners who are willing to make this happen.”