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Chinese Celebrity Xu Haiqiao brought diversity of Seychelles to Chinese audiences via social media

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) office in China collaborated with famous reality show actor, Mr. Xu Haiqiao, to increase the visibility of the exotic island paradise among the young Chinese audience.

“Follow Xu Haiqiao to explore the Last Eden on Earth – Seychelles” as the project was called, was shot in Seychelles between August 21, 2018 and August 26, 2018.


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The actor graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, a public university aimed towards teaching dramatic art in Shanghai, China. Mr. Xu made his name known in his homeland through roles played in television series such as ‘The Dream of Read Mansions’, ‘The Journey of Flower’ and ‘Lost Love in Times’.

The promotional videos started airing on September 10, 2018 on the Chinese celebrity’s social media account on Sina Weibo, a Chinese microblogging website. Mr. Xu has about 10.7 million fans on Sina Weibo. Followers had the chance to watch ‘Follow Xu Haiqiao to explore the Last Eden on Earth – Seychelles’ on other social media platforms such as WeChat and TikTok.

Through the vlog ‘The Orange Star Travels’, Mr. Xu shared with his audience his six-day shooting itinerary in the 115-island archipelago. For each of the six days spent in Seychelles, a themed video blog was created, each displaying a different aspect of life in the island nation. He showed the Chinese audience the beautiful nature of Seychelles, its diverse culture, adventures that can be had as well as interacted with the local people.

The audience experienced the country through six chapters: Preview – ‘Xu Haiqiao and Seychelles’, Chapter 1 – ‘Live Somewhere Else’, Chapter 2 – ‘A Nature Tour of 455square meters, Chapter 3 – ‘A tour of Adventure’, Chapter 4 – ‘Unexpected Lucky Gift’ and Chapter 5 – ‘The End of the Journey’.

Over 60million PV (page per view) were recorded after ‘Follow Xu Haiqiao to explore the Last Eden on Earth – Seychelles’ finished airing.

Commenting on Mr. Xu’s presence in the Seychelles, STB Director for the Chinese and Japanese Market, Jean –Luc Lai- Lam said that the initiative is in line with the strategy as presented by his office for the year 2018.

“This year, one of our main focus has been creating more visibility on the Weibo Chinese social media, in order to reach a greater number of audience, and this has been very successful in creating more visibility for the destination,” said Mr. Lai Lam

The project follows the one carried out this year by the award-winning Chinese actress, Ms. Dilraba Dilmurat, who showcase Seychelles through ‘Dilraba feels Seychelles’. Close to 1.53 Billion people watched the series of videos advocating the laid-back lifestyle and natural environment of Seychelles.

GVB visitor center renamed to honor Mr. Guam Tourism

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(L-R) Antonio Muña, Jr. (Vice President – GVB), Nico Fujikawa (GVB Acting Director of Tourism Research), Milton Morinaga (GVB Board Chairman), Raphael Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco), Pilar Laguaña (GVB Director of Global Marketing), Virginia Lujan Taitano Unpingco (wife of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), Iowani Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Nathan Denight (GVB President and CEO), Rose Q. Cunliffe (GVB Director of Finance and Administration).(L-R) Antonio Muña, Jr. (Vice President – GVB), Nico Fujikawa (GVB Acting Director of Tourism Research), Milton Morinaga (GVB Board Chairman), Raphael Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco), Pilar Laguaña (GVB Director of Global Marketing), Virginia Lujan Taitano Unpingco (wife of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), Iowani Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Nathan Denight (GVB President and CEO), Rose Q. Cunliffe (GVB Director of Finance and Administration).

The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) has proudly renamed its visitor center to honor one of Guam’s pioneers in the tourism industry. The Norbert “Bert” R. Unpingco Visitor Center was unveiled during a special ceremony on December 18, 2018, at the GVB headquarters along Pale San Vitores Road in Tumon.

Fondly known as “Mr. Guam Tourism,” Unpingco assisted in developing Guam’s visitor industry since the 1970s. Upon learning Unpingco received the “Discover America Award” for his work in promoting tourism in the U.S. mainland, former Governor Carlos G. Camacho asked him to return to Guam to help in promoting the island. From there, Unpingco became the first GVB general manager, also holding other key positions within the public, non-stock and non-profit membership corporation. In addition, he helped to strengthen programs such as WAVE! (Welcome All Visitors Enthusiastically), which encouraged locals to embrace tourism.

Senator Jim Espaldon authored a public law to initiate the formal change in renaming the visitor center to honor Unpingco’s work and commitment to the island community.

“I’m happy that the renaming took place to honor and celebrate Mr. Bert Unpingco – Mr. Tourism,” said Senator Espaldon. “He carried the håfa adai spirit wherever he went. The industry is where it’s at today because of him and we thank him for his decades of service to develop Guam as a world-class destination.”

Jim Espaldon (Senator of the 34th Guam Legislature), Dennis “DJ” Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Pualei Unpingco (granddaughter of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), and Dennis Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco).Jim Espaldon (Senator of the 34th Guam Legislature), Dennis “DJ” Unpingco (grandson of Bert Unpingco), Pualei Unpingco (granddaughter of Bert Unpingco), Gloria Unpingco Santiago (daughter of Bert Unpingco), and Dennis Unpingco (son of Bert Unpingco).

“When I first started as deputy general manager of the Bureau, Uncle Bert would stop by often and we would spend hours talking about tourism, as well as his ideas and contributions for Guam. His passion continues to live on in the work that we do,” said GVB President and CEO Nathan Denight. “Renaming the visitor center has a greater impact in honoring his memory and the role he played in Guam’s tourism industry.”

Unpingco passed away in 2017 at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Lujan Taitano Unpingco, his 9 children (Gloria, Bonnie, Dennis, Carlos, Therese, Jeanine, Evangeline, Billy, and Raphael), and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He resided in the village of Sinajana.

Constance Lemuria welcomes celebrity golf players for first MCB- Staysure Tournament in Seychelles

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The golf club staff at Constance Lémuria in Seychelles, the place to be this weekend as a golf enthusiast, have been on their feet making sure that all facilities and the ground of the golf course is operating perfectly as it readies to welcome participants of the final of MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season.

Having recently been awarded the “Luxury Golf Hotel” of the Indian Ocean at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, that took place in Bali on November 10, 2018, affirms the resorts capability to host an event of such caliber.

The General Manager of Constance Lémuria, Mr. Bruno Le Gac, said that the team responsible for the golf club “have been working extremely hard to ensure that we are ready for this prestigious international event, and they can be proud of what has been achieved so far.”

With the course covering about three quarter of Constance Lémuria’s property, the resort has 18 staff, whose job is to maintain the par-70, 18-hole golf course. 

Improvements on the golf course includes the construction of new professional tees on the fifth, seventh, tenth and eleventh holes. The team, led by Mr. Wilson Volcere, the head greenkeeper and Mr. Gary Pouponneau, the Golf Director, has also been working on the surface of the course, enlarging green areas where possible.

Leading up to the final tour of the MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season, Mr. Pouponneau, a professional golf player himself, said that security would be tighten within the resort during the tournament.

“Badges will be provided to people with classification of access areas for people attending and participating,” said Mr. Pouponneau.

All across the course, selective underbrush, trees and vegetation have been cleared. The Lémuria golf facility spans over about 80 hectares, with half of the course located on mountainous terrain.

Despite the challenging grounds, the course attracts many players, especially recurring clients. Mr. Pouponneau said that some clients have been coming to the hotel since its opening in 2000.

Participants in the MCB-Staysure tournament will be offered a ‘Hole in One’ prize in the 15th tee for any pro achieving a hole in one during the competition days by Constance Lemuria.

Constance Lémuria is proudly working hand in hand with the Seychelles Tourism Board, Mauritius Commercial Bank Seychelles and other local partners to provide a truly Seychellois week of entertainment. The tournament will showcase the Seychelles to a global audience, putting the destination of the Seychelles on the map of world-class golfing venues.

The only 18-hole course in Seychelles, Lémuria organizes weekly competitions for their clients. Mr. Pouponneau takes the opportunity to interact with the clients by joining in the competitions. Every now and then, he also makes it a must to take part in tournaments organized on Mahé or at the hotel itself.

Mr. Pouponneau started playing golf at the age of ten, a passion that was inspired as he lived in close vicinity to the Reef Golf Club on Mahé, the first golf course to open in Seychelles. Two years after completing his studies, Mr. Pouponneau moved to Lémuria.

“I knew by then that I wanted to make a career out of the sport. In fact I joined the hotel one year after its opening,” said Mr. Pouponneau.

Participants in the MCB Tour Championship Seychelles competition will be offered a ‘Hole in One’ prize in the 15th tee for any pro achieving a hole in one during the competition days by Constance Hotels and Resorts.  

MEDIA CONTACT: info@seychelles.travel

Seven hotels and resorts in Seychelles honored at Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony

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Once again, the Seychellois hospitality is fêted as seven establishments in Seychelles have been recognized for their excellence in the tourism industry at the Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony. The 12th edition of the award took place on November 10, 2018 at the Ayana Resort and Spa in Indonesia, Bali.

Amongst the hotels rewarded for their distinction were Eden Bleu Hotel, Cerf Island Resort, Constance Ephelia Seychelles, Constance Lemuria Seychelles, Denis Private Island, JA Enchanted Island Resort and Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles; all rewarded for their World Class facilities and service excellence provided to their guests.

Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis stated her great satisfaction to see many establishments rewarded for high quality standards.

“I do celebrate such good news with our hotel partners. Marketing the destination would not be an easy task if we could not count on the quality of their services. I do believe that it is because of their excellent work that we are able to sell Seychelles as a quality holiday destination,” said Mrs. Francis.

During the ceremony, Eden Bleu Hotel, located on Eden Island, walked away with the ‘Luxury Design Hotel’ award.

Upon winning the award, the General Manager, Mr. Manuel Policarpo, said that it was a great honor to be recognized as the continental winner in the Indian Ocean as the Luxury Design Hotel.

“There is a lot of other beautifully designed hotels around the continent which we needed to compete against. By winning this award we are also promoting Seychelles as a design and modern destination,” said Mr. Policarpo.

Other luxury hotels in Seychelles were also recognised and awarded on the night. Cerf Island Resort, a cluster of 24 spacious villas built to high standards and designed to blend into the surroundings, won the regional ‘Luxury Boutique Hotel’.

Constance Ephelia Seychelles received two continental awards for the ‘Luxury Eco/Green Hotel’ and ‘Luxury Family Resort’.

Another Constance branch in Seychelles, Constance Lemuria Seychelles, located on the second island, Praslin, was honored with the ‘Luxury Golf Resort’ award. The resort will this month be in the limelight as it readies to host the final of the MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season.

Talking about the achievement, Mr. Bruno Le Gac, Constance Lemuria General Manager mentioned the hard work and dedication the respective teams have put to achieve the standards to welcome the MCB-Staysure Tournament at the golf Resort. He dedicated the award to our entire team, and particularly to Mr. Wilson Volcere Head Greenkeeper, Mr. Gary Pouponneau Golf Director and their team members.

“Constance Lemuria is delighted to have been awarded “Luxury Golf Hotel” of the Indian Ocean at the World Luxury Hotel Awards that took place in Bali on November 10th. The timing could not be better, as we are going to host the MCB Tour Championship from December 13th to December 16th on our beautiful golf course. This is the most prestigious golf event ever to take place in Seychelles, and we feel very proud to be welcoming all the champions, VIPs and visitors for this occasion,” said Mr. Le Gac

The ‘Luxury Boutique Retreat’ and ‘Luxury Romantic Hotel’ awards were given to Denis Private Island. The resort allows their guests to unplug from the outside world, as there is no signal for mobile phones, no in-room and no cable television. It is the perfect environment to reconnect with your loved-one.

The awards provide a certain validation for the island’s ownership, Denis Private Island PR, Branding and Communications Manager Nicole St Ange said, given the leap it took in developing a unique brand of sustainable tourism on the island.

“Denis doesn’t stake its claim to being a luxury property, but we strongly believe that luxury is a concept that can be applied in many different ways,” St Ange said. “On Denis, you have an incredible freedom combined with this immersion in both nature and isolation. We believe that’s a luxury in its own right and it’s great that others agree as demonstrated by these awards.”

JA Enchanted Island Resort and Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles were awarded the regional ‘Luxury Boutique Resort’ and regional ‘Luxury Beach Resort’ respectively.

The Group Marketing Director for the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Mr. Michael Hunter-Smith, congratulated all winners for the 2018 Award Year, who through their tireless efforts and endless passion to elevate their guests experience, have received the honor.

“True luxury is not easily attained, it takes a team of highly efficient and dedicated staff willing to go the extra mile and stop at nothing to ensure that every guest feels cared for and no challenged not solved. This is the definition of luxury, this is what makes the winners shine at the World Luxury Hotel Awards event,” said Mr. Hunter-Smith at the award ceremony.

Coming out as a winner of a World Luxury Hotel Award not only inspire the confidence of guests and retain a loyal clientele in this highly competitive market, but it will also stimulate continuous growth and development of your hotel.

The 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards will be organized at Arctic Circle in Finland in October.

MEDIA CONTACT: info@seychelles.travel

Local partners and tourism industry players to assist hosting first ever international tournament in Seychelles

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As the Seychelles destination is in anticipation of the MCB Staysure Tour event to start in one week-time, local partners and service providers have rallied to ensure the event to be hosted on Praslin between December 14, 2018 and December 16, 2018 is a success.

Parallel to Constance Lemuria preparing to welcome the final of the golf tournament, the organising committee is working effortlessly to guarantee that the necessary means are put in place so that the tournament runs smoothly.

From the minute the guests set foot on Seychelles’ soil, the organising committee, with the help of its various partners, are in charge of ensuring that the guests’ stay in paradise goes without any hiccups.

Amongst the various local companies who have offered to provide their support are local destination management companies Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel and 7 Degrees South, CAT COCOS, Takamaka Rum, ISPC Seychelles and Heineken.

The 32 professional golfers together with Staysure Tour Officials, MCB partners and the international press will touch down in Seychelles on December 11, 2018, flying in on-board an Air Seychelles flight from Mauritius.

The national airline will have three twin otters lined up to facilitate the transportation of golfers and their spouses and other invited guests to the second biggest island of Seychelles – Praslin.

Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel and 7 Degrees South will be catering and making provision for the complimentary transportation of the participants between venues.

The Operations Manager at 7 Degrees South, Ms. Lindy Cadeau, said that such is in line with the company’s vision of involving new grounds.

“The resources have all been adequately allocated specifically for the event which will surely be an ideal opportunity to allow more exposure to the home of the mystical Coco De Mer fruit and Seychelles in general,” said Ms. Cadeau.

She noted that the number of golf enthusiasts’ eager to attend destination tours over the years have grown significantly.

Discussing Mason’s travel participation in providing support to the golf, Mr. Alvis, General Manager of the company talked about the importance of seizing such an opportunity for Seychelles.

“Being part of the MCB-Staysure Golf event is an opportunity for us to show our pride as a local business to support such events being hosted in our country. We believe that our contribution to this event will not only help our company to get new clients but also the country to get new business through the interest that would be generated in this event,” said Mr. Alvis.

Responsible for the transfer of the golf tournament partakers’ equipment and luggage and the Staysure delegation, CAT COCOS is making available a complimentary chartered boat to Praslin.

Speaking about the Creole Travel Services’ commitment to be part of the MCB-Staysure Golf Tournament, Mr. Eric Renard, General Manager at the company mentioned the meticulous organisation behind the project from the organisation’s part.

“It is our pleasure to provide our support to such an international event. We have an active delegated department assigned to the task, ensuring that everything that is required from us is ready when the time comes. Events such as these are ideal to attract a niche market to the Seychelles, and as a dynamic local DMC, it is our duty to encourage the further growth and evolution of the Seychelles as a tourism destination.”

IPSC Seychelles, Heineken and Takamaka Rum will ensure that food and beverage are made available to the different members of the delegation as the golf tournament rolls on.

Talking about the investment made for the event by ISPC, Mr. Alfred Alain Fourcroy, ISPC’s Chief Executive and Partner mentioned that the company is making provision to serve their best brands at the various events.  He further mentioned that ISPC would also be assisting in serving Champagne to arriving guests on board the aircraft.

“Our involvement in this event was a natural step for us. We have been actively supporting golf since 2013 via our competitions/events and more recently since 2016 being involved within the Seychelles Golf Federation. We believe this event is an amazing opportunity for Seychelles and we are delighted to be on board,” said Mr. Alfred Fourcroy.

As another regular sponsor of golf events on our shores, the Takamaka Rum local distiller company took the opportunity to add its brand to the list of partners to the event.

“Takamaka Rum is very proud to be one of the sponsors of the MCB Tour championship; we have supported golf in Seychelles for many years so it was an easy decision to make to be a part of the best golfing event ever to come to our shores. Best of luck to the all the Golfers,” said Takamaka Rum Managing Director Mr. Richard D’Offay as he spoke about their association to the prestigious MCB-Staysure Golf Tournament.

With the tourism industry being the driving pillar of the economy of Seychelles, each member of the team has a specific role to play in making the first golf tournament in the 115-island archipelago of the Indian Ocean a success.

Hosting such a high profile golfing event will secure higher visibility for Seychelles, potentially attracting more golf enthusiasts to the country – the perfect opportunity for one to relax and lay back while still doing what they love.

MEDIA CONTACT: info@seychelles.travel