Seychelles present at 25th Edition of International Mediterranean Tourism Market

Destination Seychelles makes a first footprint on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea as the Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Mr. Didier Dogley met with His Excellency Yariv Levin, Minister of Tourism in Israel at the 25th Edition of the International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) Tel-Aviv, Israel.

IMTM is Israel’s prime rendezvous for trade professionals to present their products and meet potential clientele. The 25th edition of the fair attracted 1,870 exhibitors from over 55 countries. 26,800 visitors came to the two-day long event.

The event also comprises of various organised conferences, events and presentations at which the tourism professionals present were given an opportunity to discuss and discover more about eco-tourism, wellness or cultural tourism, beach holidays or city breaks, package deals or tailor-made trips.

Minister Dogley was one of 20 tourism ministers present for the two-day IMTM fair in mid-February this year and was accompanied Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Deputy Chief Executive Ms. Jenifer Sinon to represent the destination.

The discussions with the Israeli Minister for Tourism focused on growing business opportunities between the two countries, especially by increasing the number of visitors from Israel. Discussions also oriented towards eventualities of have more flight connection between the two countries.

Commenting on the importance of the mission for the destination, STB Deputy Chief Executive Ms. Sinon explained that the trip has been decisive in reviewing the destination’s strategies on the Israeli market.

“With few chartered flights per year, Israel is already one of the markets on our current visitor’s list. This visit has been very insightful to review our marketing strategy; we are now aiming at enhancing our presence in this area of the glob and we are looking forward to work alongside the Israeli tourism trade professionals to increase awareness about the destination,” says Ms. Sinon.

According to statistics, Israelis travel abroad more than any other nation in the world, per capita, they are also identified as visitors who make high budget trips per year.

About 5-7 chartered flights land at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue every year. The two next coming charters from Israel are expected in April.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, [email protected]  www.seychelles.travel