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Seychelles Tourism Board accentuates its efforts towards GCC with Emirates Airlines

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), in its ongoing marketing strategy to bring the exotic destination close to the GCC region, has conducted a meeting with Emirates Airlines on November 3, 2019 in Dubai, UAE.

The STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis alongside the STB representative in Dubai Mr. Ahmed Fathallah met with the Emirates Airlines team represented by the new Commercial Operations Regional Manager, Mr. Gaurav Pandey and Business Analysis Manager, Ms. Silvy Sebastian.

The aim of the visit was for the STB team to extend its warm welcome to the new Emirates Regional Manager, who oversees the Seychelles in addition to making sure that both teams contribute to put the right measures in order to see continued growth in the industry.

During their discussions, the two teams centered their thoughts on tourism arrivals to the Seychelles, revenues of 2019 from the GCC region as well as forecasting for 2020 and beyond.

Mrs. Sherin Francis stated that the STB as part of the tourism board’s strategy, there is constant effort aimed at reaching out to travelers from the Arab world.

The Account Manager for STB office in Dubai, Mr. Ahmed Fathallah, who mentioned that there is a constant growth from the UAE market through the direct flight connectivity provided by Emirates, reinforced the statement.
“The continuous support and collaboration with Emirates Airlines enable us to increase our reach to all our regular and potential clients by making the destination accessible throughout the world via their extensive network,” Fathallah said.

This meeting between Emirates Airlines and the representatives from Seychelles was an opportunity to strengthen the unique selling points of the destination.

It further strengthened the assurance of mutual benefits for both parties as this initiative includes deeper levels of cooperation and exchange to further boost tourism flows from the region to the destination.

With more than 32,000 visitors from the GCC last year, the GCC market remains to be one of the very important market feeders to the destination to date.

Emirates airlines has a fleet of 256 aircraft and connects Seychelles to 135 destinations and territories across six continents.

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

Another successful World Travel Market for the Seychelles

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The Seychelles islands sparkled through its strong delegation at the 40th edition of the World Travel Market (WTM), held from November 4, 2019 to November 6, 2019 at ExCel London.

Representatives from various sectors of the Seychelles tourism industry were present at the WTM, showcasing the destination in all its splendour as one of the must visit destination around the world.

Seychelles featured at this key UK event alongside the biggest countries and brands around the world

The Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley, who was present at the Seychelles stand for the opening of the fair, led the Seychelles delegation.

During the 3-day event, the Seychelles stand, which consisted of members of Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) team and trade partners working in unison to charm the many WTM visitors to the beauties of Seychelles.

Representatives from Maia Luxury Resort, Hilton Seychelles, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Coco-de-Mer hotel (and Black Parrot Suites), Eden Bleu, the H Resort Beau Vallon and Savoy Resort & Spa were present on the accommodation providers side. Representing the destination management companies were 7 Degrees South, Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel, and Satguru Travel.

The Seychellois Company Maz Million was also represented, present at WTM promoting the Maz Luxury Seychelles Tourism Lottery.

The STB team was represented by its Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis; the Regional Director for Europe, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin; the Director for UK and Ireland, Ms. Christine Vel; Senior Marketing Executive, Ms. Mavreen Pouponneau and Marketing Executive, Ms. Eloise Vidot.

While in London, Minister Dogley and Mrs. Francis conducted various meetings with travel trade professionals and interviews with high-profile media.

Commenting on the marketing mission, Mrs. Francis stated the importance of the destination’s presence at such events. 

“The destination’s participating in such fairs is not only a platform for the visibility through the media exposure throughout the events but also provides a perfect opportunity for our local partners to meet the various Tour Operators and Travel Agents in the UK to discuss their plans for 2020,” said Mrs. Francis.

STB’s Director for UK & Ireland Christine Vel expressed her satisfaction for another successful year on the market.

 ‘’The arrival figures have increased by 10% compared to the same period last year.  We expect this trend to continue and further develop our business together with the support of local Seychelles trade partners which will keep the growing confidence of the UK & Irish travel operators and agent in continuing to sell the destination and increase the sales figures,”

Since its start four decades ago, WTM London facilitates £2.8 billion in industry deals and has around 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions and more than 51,000 participants.

Last year WTM London sparked a million meetings, resulting in around £3 billion in contracts.

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

Jamaica and Panama to establish multi-destination arrangement, says Minister Bartlett

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Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has announced that Jamaica and the Republic of Panama is set to establish a multi destination arrangement, as part of efforts to strengthen tourism relations between both countries.

This announcement follows discussions with Minister of Tourism for Panama, His Excellency Ivan Alfaro, and Minister Bartlett at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London yesterday.

“Multi destination tourism is a strategy to increase the product offerings of the respective destinations but more so to enable better air connectivity between markets particularly, for long haul destinations. With this multi destination arrangement, Panama will become a hub for long haul flights and Emirates and Air China are among the two targeted carriers,” said Minister Bartlett.

The Jamaica Tourist Board and the Panamanian Tourism Authority will meet to conclude details of the arrangement by January 2020 for signing during FITUR in Spain.

“The second area of collaboration will be to explore how we can better leverage the Jamaican Diaspora that has contributed to the cultural enrichment of Panama.

The third and final area of collaboration will be resilience building in the region, which will include the establishment of a satellite Global Resilience and Crisis Management Centre at an agreed university in Panama,” added Minister Bartlett.

Jamaica has had diplomatic relations with Panama since 1966. Currently, COPA Airlines, which is the flag carrier of Panama, operates eleven (11) flights weekly into Jamaica.

The WTM is a major promotional platform for the JTB and features many Jamaican companies, creating the ideal opportunity to meet industry professionals and conduct business deals.

Minister Bartlett, who is participating in WTM as part of efforts to increase outbound travels from the UK, Northern Europe, Russia, Scandinavia and Nordic region to grow arrivals from these markets, will return to the island on November 8.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jamaica Ministry of Tourism, Corporate Communications, 64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Tel: 920-4926-30, Fax: 920-4944

Frankfurt Airport: New winter schedule features 259 destinations worldwide

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On October 27, Frankfurt Airport’s new winter schedule will become effective – in tandem with the end of daylight saving time in Germany. In winter 2019/20, a total of 88 airlines will be offering passenger flights from FRA, serving 259 destinations in 99 countries worldwide. Boasting the highest number of intercontinental destinations, Frankfurt Airport thus confirms its position as Germany’s prime international aviation gateway. The winter schedule will remain effective until March 28, 2020.

New to take off from FRA in the coming winter season are Corendon Airlines (XC) and Corendon Airlines Europe (XR) with regular flights to Izmir (Turkey) and Marrakesh (Morocco), respectively. German low-cost airline Eurowings (EW) will also start flying from FRA for the winter schedule 2019/20, in cooperation with its parent Lufthansa (LH).

Eurowings will be offering three weekly services to Barbados, Mauritius and Las Vegas (U.S.) from FRA. These routes will also be served by German leisure carrier Condor (DE). Moreover, EW is launching three weekly services to Windhoek in Namibia – complementing Air Namibia’s (SW) daily flight on this route.

Lufthansa will continue its five weekly service to Austin, Texas (U.S.), launched in summer 2019. The German flag carrier will also continue offering two daily flights to Chicago (U.S.) in the coming winter season. Moreover, LH will maintain the Frankfurt-Tampa route, offering six weekly flights to this sunny destination in Florida (U.S.). For those who prefer skiing in the Rocky Mountains in the winter season, United Airlines (UA) will continue offering six weekly connections from Frankfurt to Denver in the U.S. state of Colorado. Condor (DE) is again flying to Samana and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, thus adding two sunny Caribbean destinations to FRA’s winter schedule.

WOW Air (WW), Adria Airways (JP) and flybmi (BM) have ceased operations due to bankruptcy. These airlines previously operated on European routes to/from FRA. Azores Airlines (S4) and Ural Airlines (U6) will also no longer be flying from FRA in the upcoming winter schedule.

Fraport AG’s executive board chairman, Dr. Stefan Schulte, said: “The growth in intercontinental services further enhances the already outstanding connectivity of the Frankfurt global aviation hub. However, we are also being impacted by the worldwide economic slowdown and a number of geopolitical risks – as well as the consolidation of the European air transport market and the capacity problems at some airlines due to the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX. In this already difficult environment, the planned increase in the domestic air traffic tax will further weaken the international competitiveness of the German aviation market.”

A total of 4,130 passenger flights per week will be operating from FRA during the winter schedule 2019/20. This represents a four percent drop compared to last year. Broken down by regions, 630 of these flights will serve domestic destinations (within Germany), while 960 will be intercontinental flights, and 2,540 flights will serve other European destinations. Seat capacity will decrease by 2.5 percent year-on-year to 760,000 seats per week overall, while seat capacity in intercontinental traffic will grow by nearly 2 percent to 280,000 seats per week.

(All the above changes are in comparison to the 2018/2019 winter schedule.)

MEDIA CONTACT: Dieter-Sebastian Hulick, Corporate Communications, Press Office, 60547 Frankfurt, Germany, Telephone: +49 69 690-66249, E-mail: d.hulick@fraport.de , Internet: www.fraport.com , Facebook: www.facebook.com/FrankfurtAirport

Sands Resorts Macao Offers US Travelers an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Destination

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Sands Resorts Macao, a fully integrated and bustling resort city located in the heart of Macao that encompasses seven luxurious hotels, features excellent food and beverage options, top entertainment and a large range of retailers, offers US travelers an unforgettable destination for the Thanksgiving holiday. When visiting Macao, travelers will find that the properties at Sands Resorts Macao are must-visit destinations that provide every guest with an incredible experience and unparalleled excitement during their Thanksgiving stay.

In addition to enjoying time with family and friends, Macao has several events going on during the month of November. On November 14, Sands Resorts Macao will hold its Christmas Tree Lighting event so visitors can enjoy breathtaking and festive light display right in the heart of the Cotai strip. Additionally, the 19th Macao Food Festival, held November 8 through 24, attracts residents and visitors to enjoy local delicacies as well as Asian, European and Mainland Chinese cuisines. Visitors to Macao can also enjoy the 66th Macao Grand Prix, which will take place from November 14 through 17. The legendary Macao Grand Prix is known as the most internationally prominent event on the Macao calendar and pits the best motorcycle, WTCC and Formula 3 racers in the world against each other and the clock.

For more information about Sands Resorts Macao, please click here.

About Sands Resorts Macao – Sands China’s Integrated Resort City

Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. Sands Resorts Macao, in the glittering heart of Taipa’s Cotai Strip, is an integrated resort city and international hub providing an industry-leading array of experiences for business and leisure travelers.

Pulsating with life day and night, Sands Resorts Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao. This includes around 12,500 hotel rooms and suites, top international entertainment, duty free shopping with approximately 850 retailers and a huge range of name brands, meeting and exhibition space for Asia’s leading conferences and exhibitions, transportation offerings and over 150 dining options, with Michelin-starred restaurants, bars and lounges. Sands Resorts Macao is a must-visit destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.

Comprised of The Venetian® Macao; The Parisian Macao; The Plaza™ Macao (featuring Four Seasons Hotel Macao); and Sands® Cotai Central (incorporating the world’s largest Conrad, Sheraton and Holiday Inn hotels as well as The St. Regis Macao), Sands Resorts Macao is Asia’s ultimate destination for both work and play. The Londoner® Macao, the British-themed reimagining of Sands Cotai Central, will open progressively over 2020 and 2021.

Media contacts: Hwee Peng Yeo, Sarah Rogers, Kate Bewak, and Juliona Miller at Glodow Nead Communications, (415) 394-6500 or SandsMacaoPR@glodownead.com

The Seychelles kicks off the autumn season with the Nordic Roadshow

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) embarked on the sixth edition of the Nordic Roadshow from September 23-27, 2019. The delegation, which included hotels, Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and airlines, travelled to five Nordic cities; Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm and Gothenburg.

A strong delegation from the Seychelles attended the Nordic roadshow, making the event successful one for the destination and its partners.

The marketing mission was headed by STB’s Marketing Director for Nordics, Karen Confait, and joined by the various partners and local business representatives.

On the hotel side, Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort was represented by Crystal Abram; Devi Pentamah was present on behalf of the Hilton Hotels; Le Duc de Praslin, Valmer Resort and Castelo Beach Hotel were represented by Derek Savy; Ferruccio Tirone from Maia Luxury Resort & Paradise Sun was also part of the group.

Amanda Lang from Creole Travel Services was present to represent the DMCs alongside Amy Michel a representative from Masons Travel and Masons Hotel Group.

The Emirates Airline team consisted of Meritha Merhad, Tanya Milad and Carmen Javier; while Qatar Airways was represented by Nils Geir Askekjaer, Karin Wellington-Ipsen, Jari Nuotio, Suvi Saari, Nina Astor, Pernilla Tillas, Eunice Raila and Chantal Tabatabae.

In each city, an evening event was hosted by the Seychelles’ delegation for the local travel trade during which participants had an opportunity to network and hear more about the Seychelles as a destination through presentations made. 

Partners present from Seychelles to showcase their product build on the momentum to inspire the local players from the visited cities and motivate them to offer Seychelles to their clients as the next holiday destination.

Ms. Confait mentioned that the Nordic Roadshow generated plenty of interest and attention from agents in each of the five cities.

“Over the years, the roadshow has immensely contributed to the growth of the Nordic market as the ideal platform to provide the travel trade with increased knowledge on the destination and its products, whilst fortifying relationships between partners and I am pleased to mention that we had very good attendance from the local agents both familiar and new ones,” commented Ms Confait.

True to its nationalistic belief and its dedication to sustainability and conservations, Seychelles remains one of the destinations of choice for potential visitors from the Nordics as they seek holiday destinations that have the same environmental and sustainable awareness they do.

Ms. Confait stressed that the Nordics is a market in need of constant nurturing through events such as similar roadshow, as it holds great potential for Seychelles. Thanking the partners present on the Nordic Roadshow, she further encouraged other partners to continuously invest and keep a constant presence in the region in order to further stimulate interest in the Seychelles Islands.

With greater flight accessibility through Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines flying out of this region, the Nordic market has become more significant for the Seychelles.

For more information on Seychelles, click here.

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

Antigua launches new honeymoon registry during romance month

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The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has unveiled its new honeymoon registry, which is expected to target the growing weddings and honeymoon market. With some of the world’s most romantic and secluded locations, Antigua and Barbuda provides the ultimate setting for dream weddings and honeymoons with all the facilities and expertise available to ensure you that your wedding and/or honeymoon is seamless and stress-free. There is no better place to say “I do” to the one you love than in Antigua and Barbuda, voted the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination for the fourth time in a row by the World Travel Awards.

Browsing through the island destination’s honeymoon registry reveals a host of suggestions on all the wonderful experiences that friends and family can purchase as a wedding gift. Registry items include hotel stays, spa treatments and romantic excursions. Married and engaged couples can create their own remarkable honeymoon registry and dedicated wedding website and be on their way to the honeymoon of their dreams in Antigua & Barbuda. The registry is FREE to set up and there is a toll-free Customer Service number to help couples and their guests with any questions or concerns regarding purchases.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism & Investment, Hon. Charles “Max” Fernandez welcomed the launch of the new honeymoon registry, which reaffirms the destination’s commitment and appeal as the ideal destination for today’s discerning couple. “June is Romance Month here in Antigua and Barbuda and we’re excited at the opportunity this new honeymoon registry will bring to the destination. Not only does the registry give couples more options to experience Antigua and Barbuda, but we expect that this platform will also act as a promotional tool that will also attract family and friends to the destination,” notes Fernandez.

“For our service providers and small business operators in Antigua and Barbuda, the honeymoon registry is an excellent tool, allowing them to easily place their products at the front-of-mind of couples actively searching for destination experiences to book, which will ultimately lead to increased on-island spend.”

Antigua & Barbuda ranks among the world’s top ten destinations for weddings and honeymoons and one of its biggest appeal is that getting married in Antigua & Barbuda is easy. There is no waiting period or residency requirements for a wedding license to be issued and an array of wedding planners can make that special day relaxing, refreshing and hassle-free. The establishment of an official honeymoon registry makes it even easier for couples to capitalize on all the unique experiences and offerings available in Antigua and Barbuda.

ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. Voted the World Travel Awards  Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destination, the twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only remaining example of a Georgian fort a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the prestigious Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, and the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 17 mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.  Find information on Antigua & Barbuda at visitantiguabarbuda.com and follow on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT: Maria Blackman, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601, E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com

Seychelles Tourism Board attending ILTM Asia-Pacific Fair

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) participated in the ILTM Asia – Pacific trade fair with a 4.5 sq. metres stand. The exhibition was held in Singapore from May 27, 2019 to May 30, 2019 at Marina Bay Sand.

Mrs. Amia Jovanovic Desir, the Director for India, South Korea, Australia and South East Asia attended the exhibition on STB’s behalf and Mrs. Elsie Sinon, the Senior Marketing Executive for these territories, accompanied her.

The concept of the fair comprised of pre-planned appointments and meetings. Several agents representing potential tour operating partners to discuss and conduct business. This year 573 companies combined with 540 international buyers participated in the exhibition.

The exhibition was inaugurated May 27, with a series of activities, which kicked off a panel discussion including some tourism-marketing experts as guest speakers, such as Dr Praga Khanna-who is a leading strategy advisor- and Ms Catherine Feliciano-Chon, Founder and Managing Director of CatchOn- marketing expert who is regarded as one of Asia’s leading executives.

In the ultimate aim of keeping the tourism trade participating exhibitors abreast of the continuous changes in the requirements of the travel trend.

Additionally, great emphasis was placed on the rise in the millionaire segment across South East Asia, which would be an advantage for destinations searching for new growth in both figures and revenue. Participants present were given marketing tips on how to connect and reach this specific and particular segment.

During the fair, which was spread over three days the STB team had 60 scheduled appointments including ad-hoc requests for meetings from tour operators were conducted. The agents met through the meetings were from a cross section market, which included Australia, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan and UK.

The various meetings pointed out that some destinations had reached saturation point or Deja Vu and influencing the demands from clients for new destinations to explore. Seychelles demarcates itself as a destination of choice, which matches their demand and interest.

Information gathered from the meetings pointed out that the destination’s lush vegetation and the different island characteristics, has an added value for the agent’s clientele base.

The visitors are looking for exotic high-end resorts. Through the detailed presentation presented to them, they were reassured of the wide range of products and attractions that Seychelles has to offer to such visitors’ segments.

From the meetings held with the agents, the STB team is looking at redefining its strategy including slowly developing some of the markets in South East Asia identified as having high potential for growth.

Mrs. Amia Jovanovic Desir, the Director for India, South Korea, Australia and South East Asia expressed her appreciation towards the various trade partners on the Asian continent.

“As a small destination with limited resources, we rely greatly on the support and trust of our local partners to join us on some of the promotional events which we organise in these territories. We believe that there are potential results to be acquired from penetrating this market region. The agents are thirsty for information about our island. We need to be patient and put some trust in the market. That is why we encourage continuously training of agents, which we believe is of paramount importance if we want to keep Seychelles visible and in the mind of the consumers on some of the markets. We need time to develop the market and to build the trust and a strong relationship with the agents,” said Mrs. Amia Jovanovic Desir.

All the agents were given general brochures of the destination, as well as a copy of the list of the local Destination Management Companies, DMCs and a Seychelles brand token as souvenir.

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

Seychelles shines in all splendor as Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2019 in Mauritius

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The continuous efforts of the destination in matters of ecology is once again saluted by the international tourism industry as Seychelles is crowned Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2019 at the 26th Edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA)  held at the Sugar Beach- A Sun Resort in Mauritius on Saturday June 1, 2019. 

The World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean was held in a grandiose ceremony bringing together several hundred leading figureheads in the tourism industry in the African and Indian Ocean Region including Seychelles representatives Minister Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism Civil Aviation Ports and Marine, Principal Secretary for Tourism; Mrs. Anne Lafortune and Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive; Mrs. Sherin Francis.

The STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Francis received the prestigious award on behalf of the destination celebrating the destination’s active investment towards the environment. The WTA’s founder Graham E. Cooke was also present for the ceremony.  In view of the Seychelles’ active work towards environmental protection, the destination topped the list ahead of Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius and Reunion.

Speaking of the honor of receiving the award, Mrs. Francis reiterated that Seychelles’ would remain a pioneer in conservation.

“As a destination we are proud to be an example to the world, it is rewarding to know that our efforts contribute immensely in the protection of some of the most endangered species and their habitats. This award goes to all the people including environmentalists, NGOs, partners, lovers of nature who work effortlessly towards keeping our islands in a pristine state,” said Mrs. Francis.

WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

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

Seychelles among Best Honeymoon Destinations 2019 in Spain

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It is in a special ceremony held in Madrid earlier this May, that Grandvoyage.com travel agency delivered their awards to the best tourist destinations of 2019, which featured Seychelles nominated as best honeymoon destination.

For this first edition were selected four categories: Best big trip; Best emerging destination; Best honeymoon destination and Best resort, with six nominees per category.

A total of 11 countries were represented at the ceremony, which was attended by representatives and ambassadors of the different countries nominated, Seychelles was represented by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Senior Marketing Executive based in Madrid, Gonzalez LLinás.

During the event, the cultural and tourist wealth of the different destinations were highlighted and each countries efforts for offering quality experience to travellers were rewarded.

The aspiration of GrandVoyage.com has been to focus on the demands of the traveller and as such ranking of this first edition has been a joint selection of the traveller’s choice and the jury votes.

The jury members consisted of prominent travel trade specialists including Pepa García- travel journalist, coordinator of Etheria Magazine and PhD Tourism Journalism, Álvaro Laforet- traveller, journalist and photographer collaborator in The New York Times, El Periódico, El Economista y Cope, Carol Peña (Miss Hedwig)- travel influencer. Oliver Vegas (Ovunno) – travel and lifestyle photographer and Arvin Abarca- CEO of Grandvoyage.com travel agency.

Seychelles landed the runner-up position, in the Best Honeymoon Destination category as it followed the Maldives and preceded Bali. The category also included Cuba, Thailand and Kenya and Tanzania, which reached the final round.

Speaking of latest achievement for the destination, Mrs.  Bernadette Willemin, STB Regional Director for Europe mentioned that this award reflects the hard work put by the STB team to sell Seychelles as a destination and the efforts of the tourism trade partners in Seychelles to uphold the promise of paradise.

“It remains a great opportunity for Seychelles as a destination to be placed on big platforms as Grandvoyage.com. This award not only confirms the jury’s impression of the destination but also our visitor’s endorsement that Seychelles is one of the best destinations there is in the world,” said Mrs. Willemin.

Formed in 2012 by Arvin Abarca, Grandvoyage.com aims at providing continuity to this platform to guide travellers on the best Great Travel destinations, as well as facilitate the process with personalized packages and recommendations through experts in each of the Destinations. At present has more than 15,000 satisfied travellers who endorse the brand as the largest online specialist in large trips in Spain.

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