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Public generosity called upon to “Swim for a Cause” – A Seychelles Open Water Challenge initiative

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With only 15 days to go until Beau Vallon Beach, reignites the sparks from the first FINA events held on our shores in 2018.

The excitement is mounting, as the organising committee is fine-tuning its plan to make sure the event is a success. 

On Saturday, May 11, one day prior to the Marathon Swim World Series 10 km race, the Seychelles Open Water Challenge will warm up the scene with eight races comprising of four distances where the public are invited to participate.

In the aim of drumming up interest for the event and in the spirit of raising awareness on the various issues touching our country, the organisers are calling on swimmers who may have a cause at heart to take the opportunity to raise funds and awareness by swimming for the cause at the Open Water Challenge.

‘Swim for a Cause’ is an opportunity for anyone taking part in the Seychelles Open Water Challenge to dedicate their race to a cause and raise funds for it in the coming days leading to the event. The targeted recipient of the funds can be an individual or a family who requires assistance or an organisation whose mandate supports a particular cause.

Swimming is considered by many to be one of the best sports in terms of its health and fitness benefits. In this light, ‘Swim for a Cause’ goes a step further and provides a great work out and a good dose of nature. In other words, swimmers get to make a difference while improving their own health and having fun!

Swimmers will battle out in four distances, 500M, 1000M, 3000M and 5000M in the event. With the exception of the 500M race, where only swimmers aged 13 and under can participate, the other races are open to all ages. There will be a men’s and a women’s race for each distance. Monetary prizes are already being given out for the first eight winners in each race.

Participants are advised to get in touch with the organisers to discuss their ideas and to have the support in their fund raising quest and publicity.

Contact person: Marie-France @ 2512477

Seychelles receives honor of hosting FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019

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The excitement was palpable at Beau Vallon Beach on Saturday, April 13, 2019, almost a month before the Seychelles hosts for the second consecutive year the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019.

This year’s event is being held in collaboration with Chinese based company CNSG and Seychelles is once again the second leg in the series of eight.

The organizing committee’s partners including the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), officials and local swimmers gathered at Beau Vallon Beach where a trial run was organized to test out the facilities, the technical requirements and of course, the local swimming talents.

Principal Secretary for Sports, Fabien Palmyre present at the trial run mentioned his satisfaction to see that the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is materializing with the support of all local partners.

“I am excited to again, be part of such an event. I am proud of all our young swimmers who have made an effort to be present today. I am grateful to all the partners and volunteers and I am definitely looking forward to this year’s event,” said PS Palmyre.

15 swimmers competed in the Beau Vallon waters in three main races, 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km. According to the Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA) officials, the reasoning behind the distances selected is to enable the swimmers to test out their abilities to see which category would suit them best for the May 11, 2019 event, which will be opened for the public and other swimming enthusiasts.

The 2019 Mass Open Water event will take place on Saturday May 11, one day prior to the Elite event.

The May 11 Mass event will comprise of four distances, Group A (500 m), Group B (1 km), Group C (3 km) and Group D (5 km). The only age restriction will be for Group A where students aged 13 years and under can participate. The others will be open to all ages and there will be two races, a male and a female race for each distance.

“Mass participation is crucial in making the Mass event a success and the Seychelles Swimming Association is calling on all swimmers to register for the event,” said David Vidot, SSA Chairperson.

Mr. Vidot indicated that the forms for registration are available on the SSA Facebook page and website. The deadline to return the registration form to the Swimming Association is May 1, 2019.

The Seychelles is honored this year to have four Seychellois swimmers qualified to take part in the Elite 10 km race, which will take place on Sunday May 12, 2019.

Joining the 2018 swimmers, brothers Bertrand and Damien Payet, will be Matthew Bachmann and Alain Vidot, both of whom completed the 7.5 km race finishing second and third consecutively behind Damien who crossed the finishing line on Saturday first.

The Elite event which is broadcast to a global audience via the FINA network, exposes Seychelles in another light, similar to that of the annual Eco-Marathon event, which strengthens Seychelles’ potential as a Sports Tourism destination.

“It is such a privilege to be hosting the event again on our shores; as announced earlier this year, STB is committed to promote Seychelles as an ideal sports destination. Our collaboration with Seychelles Swimming Association and other partners for FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is an ideal platform for us to showcase our beautiful destination and its pristine waters,” said Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive.

In May 2018, open water swimming made its debut in Seychelles, as the small island nation became the second host in the FINA World Cup Series 2018. The iconic Beau Vallon beach was the chosen venue to launch Seychelles in the open water swimming world, making it the first country in Africa to host an event of this caliber.

As part of the FINA mandate, the host country is required to host a mass event alongside the elite 10k m event, in order to encourage and mobilize the local community to appreciate and take part in the sport.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Seychelles receives honor of hosting FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019

by

The excitement was palpable at Beau Vallon Beach on Saturday, April 13, 2019, almost a month before the Seychelles hosts for the second consecutive year the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019.

This year’s event is being held in collaboration with Chinese based company CNSG and Seychelles is once again the second leg in the series of eight.

The organizing committee’s partners including the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), officials and local swimmers gathered at Beau Vallon Beach where a trial run was organized to test out the facilities, the technical requirements and of course, the local swimming talents.

Principal Secretary for Sports, Fabien Palmyre present at the trial run mentioned his satisfaction to see that the FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is materializing with the support of all local partners.

“I am excited to again, be part of such an event. I am proud of all our young swimmers who have made an effort to be present today. I am grateful to all the partners and volunteers and I am definitely looking forward to this year’s event,” said PS Palmyre.

15 swimmers competed in the Beau Vallon waters in three main races, 2.5 km, 5 km and 7.5 km. According to the Seychelles Swimming Association (SSA) officials, the reasoning behind the distances selected is to enable the swimmers to test out their abilities to see which category would suit them best for the May 11, 2019 event, which will be opened for the public and other swimming enthusiasts.

The 2019 Mass Open Water event will take place on Saturday May 11, one day prior to the Elite event.

The May 11 Mass event will comprise of four distances, Group A (500 m), Group B (1 km), Group C (3 km) and Group D (5 km). The only age restriction will be for Group A where students aged 13 years and under can participate. The others will be open to all ages and there will be two races, a male and a female race for each distance.

“Mass participation is crucial in making the Mass event a success and the Seychelles Swimming Association is calling on all swimmers to register for the event,” said David Vidot, SSA Chairperson.

Mr. Vidot indicated that the forms for registration are available on the SSA Facebook page and website. The deadline to return the registration form to the Swimming Association is May 1, 2019.

The Seychelles is honored this year to have four Seychellois swimmers qualified to take part in the Elite 10 km race, which will take place on Sunday May 12, 2019.

Joining the 2018 swimmers, brothers Bertrand and Damien Payet, will be Matthew Bachmann and Alain Vidot, both of whom completed the 7.5 km race finishing second and third consecutively behind Damien who crossed the finishing line on Saturday first.

The Elite event which is broadcast to a global audience via the FINA network, exposes Seychelles in another light, similar to that of the annual Eco-Marathon event, which strengthens Seychelles’ potential as a Sports Tourism destination.

“It is such a privilege to be hosting the event again on our shores; as announced earlier this year, STB is committed to promote Seychelles as an ideal sports destination. Our collaboration with Seychelles Swimming Association and other partners for FINA CNSG Open Water World Series 2019 is an ideal platform for us to showcase our beautiful destination and its pristine waters,” said Mrs. Sherin Francis, Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive.

In May 2018, open water swimming made its debut in Seychelles, as the small island nation became the second host in the FINA World Cup Series 2018. The iconic Beau Vallon beach was the chosen venue to launch Seychelles in the open water swimming world, making it the first country in Africa to host an event of this caliber.

As part of the FINA mandate, the host country is required to host a mass event alongside the elite 10k m event, in order to encourage and mobilize the local community to appreciate and take part in the sport.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

“Seychelles Discovered Roadshow” marches north in the UK

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UK-based travel agents are now better equipped to attract clients as they learn more about destination Seychelles through the Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) “Seychelles Discovered Roadshow” hosted from March 12, 2019 to March 14, 2019.

The group, led by STB Director for UK and Ireland, Ms. Christine Vel, took to Chester in the north of England, and Glasgow and Aberdeen in Scotland, to promote the tropical island nation. Onboard the team was also Marketing Executive, Ms. Eloise Vidot and other local partners.

The three-city roadshow, saw the presence of 115 agents, all interested in learning more about the destination famously know for its beaches and sustainable tourism.

Few of the agents present have already visited Seychelles and are actively selling the destination; the three-day roadshow was the perfect opportunity to provide the agents with as much information about the Seychelles islands.

A networking cocktail was organised at the start of the evening, in each city, allowing the local partners to go around and chat to the agents before taking them on a journey of the amazing Seychelles islands and its products.

Some lucky winners also won a week’s holiday in the Seychelles sponsored by the various hotel partners represented on the tour.

Representing Coco de Mer hotel & Black Parrot suites was Mr. Ash Behari, Crystal cruises saw the presence of Mr. Jon Schofield, from Denis Island & Carana Beach, Ms. Bessie Etienne, The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach was represented by Mr. Sherif El Mansoury.

Ms. Rizwana Hamayun represented Kempinksi Seychelles, Mr. Gerhard Louw was from Maia & Paradise Sun and representing The Hilton Seychelles hotels were Ms. Devi Pentamah and Mr. Anthony Smith.

Ms. Vel mentioned her satisfaction to see that the destination remains very popular on the UK market; she commended the active participation of the Tour Operators and Travel Agents present at the events.

“Once again this year we had an amazing turn out of agents wanting to broaden their knowledge of our destination,” said Ms. Vel.

‘Seychelles Discovered Roadshow’ is held twice annually in March and October. The next edition for 2019 will be held between October 28 to October 31.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Seychelles to take over Berlin in a tropical storm as strong tourism delegation hits ITB in March

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Destination Seychelles will have a strong presence in the German capital, Berlin, as a 42 strong member delegation gets ready to attend the 53rd edition of Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) travel trade show, which will take place from March 6, 2019 to March 10, 2019.

Staged annually in Berlin, the ITB is the one of the world’s leading travel show and is a-must attend business-to-business event; providing a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to Germany and international travel professionals.

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The show provides a unique opportunity for the entire global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business.

Destination Seychelles be featured alongside over 180 countries and some 10,000 companies and organisations, all fitted in 26 halls in the biggest marketplace of the international travel industry.

The exotic and breath-taking paradise of Seychelles will have its own destination stand covering a space of 180sqm from which the delegation will be actively selling the charms of the destination during the four days of the fair.

The Seychelles delegation will be headed by the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley, who will be accompanied by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis, and will comprise of representatives from hotels, airlines and DMCs in Seychelles.

The marketing wing of the Seychelles destination will be further represented by the presence at the Seychelles Stand of the Regional STB Director for Europe, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, and the Director for Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Ms. Edith Hunzinger. Marketing Executive, Ms. Winnie Elisa and Senior E-Marketing Executive Randy Rosalie from headquarters will assist them all well equipped to sell the destination as one everyone deserves to tick off their personal bucket list.

In anticipation of Seychelles’ presence once again in Berlin STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned the importance of the destination’s attendance adding on to the visibility of the destination.

“Seychelles presence in ITB is irrefutably some valuable exposure for the destination. Our selling tactic by attending major trade fairs as a tourism board is to make our destination as tangible as possible.

We are look forward to marketing Seychelles means selling the destination ‘sea-sun-sand’ alongside our other features like our creole culture and hospitality. Our presence in major trade fairs adds on to the value of the experience and our partners”, said Mrs. Francis.

Thousands of senior travel industry professionals, Government Ministers, and international press visit ITB each year in March to network negotiate and discover latest trends and industry opinions.

Representatives of hotels include Mr. Fabrice Collot and Ms. Patricia de Mayer from Banyan Tree Seychelles, Ms. Wendy Tan of Berjaya Hotels Seychelles, Mrs. Foram Varsani from Cerf Island Resort and Ms. Ekaterina Gritsenko of Coral Strand Hotel and Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa.

Other tourism establishment representatives are Mr. Ash Behari from Coco De Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites, Mr. Alan Mason representing both Denis Private Island and Carana Beach & Indian Ocean Lodge, Mr. Manuel Policarpo and Ms. Rui Oliveira of Eden Bleu Hotel, as well as Mr. Anthony Smith, Mr. Andre Borg and Mr. Daniele Fabbri of Hilton Seychelles.

Representing Kempinski Seychelles Resort & Spa will be Ms. Agata Sobczak and Mr. Masami Egami. Le Duc de Praslin and Valmer Resort will have a presence at the fair through Mr. Derek Savy and Mr. Robert Payet. Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove will be represented by Mr. Marc Wozniak and Mrs. Jenny Seraphine.

Other hotel representatives are Ms. Devi Sumayna Budhoo of Le Relax Management, Mr. Ferruccio Tirone and Ms. Samia Sedgwick of Maia Luxury Resorts & Spa and Paradise Sun, Mr. Eddie D’Offay of Pure Seychelles Hotels, Ms. Ernestina Bertarini and Ms. Sylvia Fletcher  of Raffles Seychelles and Mr. Sherif El Mansoury from the H Resort Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles.

Mr. Konrad Tarasiewicz from Coco Charter, and Mrs. Lucie Barone and Mr. Jonathan Loeffel will be representing VPM Yacht Charter Seychelles as DMCs.

DMCs also include Mrs. Anna Butler Payette and Ms. Dorina Cedras of 7° South, Mr. Lenny Alvis and Mrs. Elza Frichot Dahoo from Mason’s Travel as well as Mr. Guillaume Albert, Mr. Eric Renard, Mr. Philippe Cornaille, Ms. Amanda Lang and Ms. Luisa Mehl from Creole Travel Services.