Seychelles conquers well-frequented Irish bridal show

The Seychelles Islands made a big impact at the Wedding Journal Show in Belfast.

The destination stood out as the sole honeymoon destination to be exhibiting at the event, which took place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre September 29-30, 2018.

The autumn Wedding Journal show returned with an increased number of wedding and honeymoon products and services all under one roof to help newly engaged visitors plan their big day.

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) was represented by Mrs. Eloise Vidot, Marketing Executive in the STB London Office together with hotel partner for the show, Mr. Ash Behari of the Hotel Coco de Mer.

Speaking of the show Mrs. Vidot mentioned that it is important for Seychelles to feature in such exhibitions as it increases the destination’s market presence.

“The Irish market has been steadily growing over the past couple of years, and although the numbers are still relatively low, the interest is definitely there.  It is events like this, which helps to raise awareness of the destination, and it is always a pleasure to see the sheer number of people who want to stop and talk about the destination at such events.  We are optimistic, given this level of interest and increased awareness that the numbers of visitors from this part on the UK market can only continue to grow,” said Mrs. Vidot.

The UK office also worked alongside Irish based Tour Operators Mahlatini who provided special show offers to entice visitors to consider the destination for their weddings and honeymoons.

The highlight of Seychelles’ appearance at the Wedding Journal Show was its participation in the much-coveted “Win Your Dream Wedding Competition.”

The destinations’ participation to the competition was as part of the marketing strategy from the STB Office in UK to enhance the coverage of the Seychelles at the show.

The winning prize comprised of a wedding and honeymoon package worth £35000. The winning couple received wedding dress by Divinity Bridal; Grooms wear by Remus Uomo; wedding venue by Charm Wedding Studios; Flowers by Ferguson Flowers; photography by Gavin Sloane.

They also received a luxury honeymoon to the Seychelles with first class seats on Ethiopian Airways; a five-night stay at the Raffles Hotel; and excursions and transfers sponsored by the STB.

The destination featured in a promotional DVD shown on the main stage at the show three times a day before the main catwalk shows. It also received extensive promotion throughout the event. Online coverage, including mentions at the Wedding Journal stand right at the entrance to the exhibition Centre.

Additionally, Ireland’s Q Radio Station covering the event, also advertised the competition ahead of the show as well as during, culminating in a live interview with Mrs. Eloise Vidot on the Seychelles stand.

Speaking of the honeymoon features Mrs. Vidot, STB marketing executive commented on the beauty of Seychelles as a honeymoon destination.

Asked what the couple could expect from their honeymoon Mrs. Vidot said, “The lucky couple will be honeymooning in some of the most beautiful islands on earth.  They will be surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty, some of the most stunning beaches and clearest waters they are likely to ever see.  All this whilst staying at a truly beautiful property on the exquisite island of Praslin.  They are really very lucky indeed.”

Launched 19 years ago, The Wedding Journal’s autumn and spring shows are held each year in Belfast and Dublin, with Cork having been added to the calendar in January 2016.  The shows are considered as Ireland’s leading bridal exhibitions with each show attracting over 10 000 visitors in the two-day events.  Completing the successful Wedding Journal brand, the show complements Wedding Journal magazine and WeddingJournalOnline.com by providing couples with the opportunity to plan their wedding via face-to-face encounters with leading weddings suppliers.

The Belfast prizewinners will be travelling within the next year and their wedding and honeymoon will be featured in the Wedding Journal Magazine and weddingjournalonline.com.

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