STB presents tourism figures to partners during annual marketing meeting

The tremendous efforts in marketing by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) bears fruit as the exotic island nation ends the year with a three percent increase in terms of tourism arrival.

The growth of the country was outlined during the STB’s end-of-year marketing meeting held at Savoy Resort and Spa located in Beau Vallon.

The meeting presided by STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis saw the attendance of the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Mr. Didier Dogley, Principal Secretary for Tourism Mrs. Anne Lafortune and STB Deputy Chief Executive Ms. Jenifer Sinon.

In addition, the meeting was attended the STB’s representatives from the 17 overseas offices, STB Destination Development Department led by Director Maria Azemia, Amia Jovanovic- Desir and Ms. Stephanie Lablache.

The STB Digital Marketing Team led by Chris Matombe and other STB Staff as well as members of the private sector including DMCs, hotels and guesthouse.

During her presentations, Mrs. Francis mentioned that data collected from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that from the start of 2018 to date, 334,719 visitors set foot in Seychelles as compared to 323,885 for the same period last year. This translates to a 15 percent increase in tourism earnings of over $520 million as recorded by the Central Bank of Seychelles.

“The performance of three percent increase in tourism arrivals and 15 percent in tourism earning is very satisfactory of us. We must keep in mind that in 2017 the country performed extremely well, recording a 16 percent increase. It is always a challenge to match such a success the following year,” said Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB’s Chief Executive.

She added that finding ways to generate more revenue from our visitors, and as such increase the overall tourism yields, remains the main priority for STB.

As is customary for Seychelles, European countries remain the main leading markets. Mrs. Francis said “this region received the largest chunk of resources from the tourism board and one of the major contributing factors to the success has been the excellent air connectivity between Seychelles and Europe.”

Overall, visitor arrivals from Europe increased by 8 percent over the period of January to November 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. The figures show significant increases with Austria is showing an increase in 23 percent.

Topping the list is Germany with a record of 56,185 visitors disembarking in Seychelles. STB’s director for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Edith Hunzinger, said that the 18 percent increase has surpassed her expectation.

“Since 2014, we started a new strategy where we went back to attending public exhibitions. The concept is to look for consumers before we go to trade partners. Germany is already a mature enough market and we want the consumers to have already decided that they are going to Seychelles before going to their tour operators,” said Mrs. Hunzinger.

France follows Germany closely with 41,452 visitors. UK Northern Ireland is in third position with 24,878 visitors, while United Arab Emirates is settled in fourth place with 23,572 ahead of Italy with 22,793 visitors, and Switzerland is the six-leading market with 12,781.

Other STB overseas representatives also made presentations on their respective markets during the meeting. They outlined their strategies to promote the Seychelles as a tourist destination for 2019, with the aim of enhancing the destination’s presence across all markets, through roadshows, promotional projects, sales calls and trainings.

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