SEYCHELLES – INDIA DEEPEN TOURISM TIES

Direct Air Seychelles flights between the two countries to commence soon

  A high-powered delegation from Seychelles tourism and business community visited New Delhi and Mumbai to position Seychelles as a perfect holiday destination for Indian Holidaymakers and deepen tourism ties. The delegation led by the Honourable Minister of Tourism and Culture Mr. Alain St. Ange was joined by leading dignitaries including Ms. Sherin Naiken, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board; Mrs.Rose-Marie Hoareau, Director of Marketing, Seychelles Tourism Board and other officials from aviation and national carrier Air Seychelles to meet key officials in India. The Hon. Minister Alain St. Ange met his India counterpart Mr. Shripad Yesso Naik to discuss tourism cooperation between the two countries.

Hon. Minister at a press meet in Mumbai on 6th August 2014 highlighted various aspects of this cooperation and made key announcements. The India-Seychelles association goes a long way with the Seychellois citizens having a historic Indian connection. This camaraderie has a renewed focus and is set to gain further momentum as the national carrier Air Seychelles will commence direct flights between India and Seychelles in the near future. These multiple flights in a week will cover the distance in around four hours. He stressed upon India’s significance as a potential market for Seychelles Tourism Board and presented the vision to deepen the core of this co-operation over the next five years with a view to position Seychelles as an exotic and all-inclusive destination to target Indian travellers.

Hon. Minister through his address showcased how the association is expected to further boost this travel trade between the two countries.  With increased awareness as a result of targeted initiatives by the Seychelles Tourism Board, India’s travel trade community will be able to place Seychelles high on the destination list for targeted Indian travellers. The Q1 of 2014 has seen a 15% growth as compared to the Q1 of 2013 and they expect this upward trend to continue across 2014 and 2015.

 

Besides the flow of Indian tourists to Seychelles, Indian filmmakers also have a great opportunity to gain access to the stunning and unexplored filming locations of the exotic islands. An association with filmmakers is in turn going to be beneficial for positioning Seychelles as a complete holiday destination for Indian travellers.

The global tourism industry is experiencing winds of change. As the eastern world gains a higher prominence on the global travel scenario, locations like Seychelles that offer a wide array of travel experiences for aspirational travellers are at the forefront.  Specifically strengthening upon the significance of the Indian market for Seychelles Tourism Board, Hon. Minister Mr. Alain St. Ange commented, “India’s outbound tourism potential is unparallel and we are here to claim a share of this growing market. Our interaction with the Indian travel trade community and linking them to their counterparts from Seychelles reinforced their confidence that we are committed to develop India as a strong tourist source market.”

 Alongside this strategic visit, a first ever Seychelles Road show was held in New Delhi and Mumbai where tourism trade partners of India met Seychelles tourism operators to kick start a seamless working relationship.  Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi, Head Blue Square Consultants, Representative Office of Seychelles Tourism Board, who conceptualizes and implements marketing strategies for Seychelles in India expressed, “We are targeting honeymoon, luxury, adventure and experiential travellers and leveraging various mediums to reach out and engage with them. We will also be conducting road shows, destination trainings, participating in trade fairs, investing in both ATL and BTL activities and scheduling familiarization trips as a part of our strategy.”

True to its tagline, ‘Another world’, Seychelles is all set to mesmerise India with its diversity and uniqueness. A lesser-explored getaway for Indian travel enthusiasts, Seychelles has it all, from a relaxed tropical retreat, action-packed adventure tour, a rejuvenating beach experience, island hopping to a great mix of tranquillity and thrill. A melting pot of cultures and recently named the ‘Best International Destination for Relaxation’ at the Lonely Planet India Magazine’s Readers Travel Awards. Seychelles is home to the most immaculate beaches, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and state-of-the-art adventure activities. Besides, events like International Carnaval de Victoria in April and the Creole festival in October are sure to wow the seeker within every Indian traveller.

Blue Square Consultants, Representative office of The Seychelles Tourism Board in India, is responsible for implementing Seychelles' national tourism policy, promoting the destination, research, product development and monitoring of standards.