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Seychelles Tourism Board signs agreement with UK flag carrier airline in London

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It is earlier this month during the Seychelles participation at the 40th edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) that the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis, and  British Airways representative (BA), Mr. Juan C Giraldo, signed the agreement fastening future collaborations between the two companies for the coming year.

The newly signed agreement follows the contract signed in 2017, prior to the start of direct flight to the Seychelles route including joint promotional activities between the two companies.  

As a result of the signature of this agreement, Seychelles was heavily featured across the campaign, which ultimately lead to a great first year of operation on the UK/Seychelles route for the airline.

On the Seychelles’ side, Mrs. Francis mentioned that with STB’s participation to the 2020 January sale partnership with the airline the destination is anticipating another successful campaign next year as the sale is also supported by a large media campaign.

She further mentioned that the STB’s commitment to the project is also an investment to ensure the Seychelles Islands as a holiday destination stands out in the market at a time when other travel brands are also on sale. 

“This agreement reinforces the collective business rapport between STB and British Airways. Since the airline has started flying again to Seychelles in 2018 the arrival numbers for the UK, market has been increasing consistently to our mutual satisfaction. Our partner investment will definitely up-weight the campaign, which will provide an add-on to our image as a destination,” said Mrs. Francis.

The campaign runs at a peak booking period on the UK and Irish markets.  As such, many airlines, Tour operators and tourism boards including the STB choose to advertise heavily at this time to ensure we are at the forefront of the consumer’s minds as they plan and book their holidays for the year ahead.

The event, which was part of the engagements of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis during her business trip in London also focused on the collaboration of the two companies, their respective strategies.

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

The Seychelles Tourism Board takes the Seychelles to Los Angeles

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) recently conducted a ‘Seychelles product & destination training’ for a group of 45 Los Angeles based tourism professionals.

The session was conducted by the STB Regional Director for Africa and the Americas, Mr. David Germain, who presented the products and services available in the Seychelles for the North American travelers visiting the island paradise.

Held at the Il Fornaio Restaurant on Manhattan Beach, the training saw the participation of tourism professionals from the Southern Region of Los Angeles, most of which are familiar with the Middle Eastern and African market.

The training provided the industry players present with updated information about the Seychelles and its products and services. Participants were also informed about the different flight schedule and airlines available from North America to Seychelles, providing several options, which could be made available to their customers. They were also given the opportunity to have their enquiries about the Island destination answered

Mr. Germain mentioned that training is an important part of STB’s marketing efforts to obtain results in North America, and a very essential distribution strategy for our islands in that part of the world.

“Travel Agents help people plan, choose and arrange their holiday, they also advise, and at times give their opinion where to go, they are thus very important and essential partners for Seychelles in North America, especially, as there are thousands of them who works from home,” he added.

Other trainings also take place whenever STB takes place in major exhibitions in North American cities, these help to, as much as possible; boost North American Trade Partner’s knowledge on the Seychelles Islands.

Aside from training programmes, STB also organizes familiarization trips to the Seychelles for North American agents in collaboration with the various airlines and trade partners, allowing the agents to understand the destination they are selling to their clients.

The North American market is increasingly becoming more significant to the Seychelles. According to statistics, 9,152 visitors from North America visited Seychelles until the end of September this year, an increase of 7% more visitors than last year, 2018.

For more news about Seychelles, please click here.

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

Seychelles captures the Italian tourism market at the TTG Travel Experience

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The Italian Exhibition Group gave the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and its trade partners exposure to three international exhibitions dedicated to the travel industry from October 9 to 11, 2019 at Rimini Expo Centre.

The event brought together the 56th edition TTG Travel Experience, 68th edition of SIA Hospitality Design and 37th SUN Beach & Outdoor Style, exhibitions which gave the delegation from Seychelles significant insights into the Italian market as well as other tourism related topics.

The delegation from the small island nation was headed by the STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis and comprised of the Director for Italy, Turkey, Israel, Greece and the Mediterranean, Mrs. Monette Rose and two STB Marketing Executives, Ms. Rolira Young from the Head Office and Mrs. Yasmine Pocetti, based in Rome.

The Seychelles trade partners present in Italy were hotel representatives Mr Bertrand Moussa with the Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort team, Miss Wendy Tan representative from Berjaya Resorts Seychelles, Miss Serena Di Fiore on behalf of Hilton Hilton Seychelles Resorts and Miss Anastasia Zelkova representative from Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles. On the DMC team were 7° South represented by Mrs Anna Butler Payette and Mrs Amanda Lang from Creole Travel Services.

This year’s event saw a significant international presence with representatives from 130 destinations including Seychelles and industry players from 85 countries worldwide.

The Seychelles stand presented vibrant displays of island scenery, with its delegation of STB officers, hotels and DMCs.

A special presentation organised on the first day, gave the Seychelles Islands more visibility at this event, showcasing the destinations’ products to the international delegations present.

Mrs. Francis, the STB Chief Executive seized the opportunity to update the Italian Tourism sector on recent developments and upcoming events in the Seychelles, such as 250th Anniversary celebrations and the increased national focus on sustainable tourism.

A series of business-to-business meetings with tour operators and media were also held at the stand, giving the delegation the chance to brainstorm ideas and discuss upcoming projects. 

Mentioning the presence of the STB at the trio-event in Italy, Mrs. Monette Rose mentioned the prominence of the events and the evident increase in exposure for Seychelles and its participating partners.

‘We are very satisfied on how the fair went, with an 11% increase on visitors, this is a sign that the Italian market is still very active and interested in Seychelles, one of the top tropical destination in the Italian holidays dreams. TTG is the true gateway to the Italian tourism market’, said Mrs. Monette Rose, commenting on the exhibition.

She further mentioned that the TTG Travel Experience contributes importantly to the benefit of the tourism industry players in the Seychelles as it is a platform to not only market the destination, but also increase knowledge on the recent developments within the Italian trade.

During this year, a special project was dedicated to the main African Tourism Boards, uniting them all under one village at the trade fair.

For more news about Seychelles, please click here.

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

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

Seychelles Tourism Board France rolls out its autumn-winter outdoor advertising campaign

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) launched an above-the-line advertising campaign in France aimed at reaching out to potential holidaymakers on that market.

The advertising campaign ran from September 11 to the 24 in the French capital of Paris, where visitors were able to get a taste of Seychelles through various displays of the Island paradise that were set up around the city.

The campaign exposed the Parisians to the tropical charms of the illustrious Seychelles Islands and the diversity of the activities it has to offer all its visitors. This presented the Seychelles as a holiday destination for the locals during the winter holidays, which are fast approaching.

With the assistance of JCDecaux, a leading French company of outdoor advertising worldwide, visuals were designed and strategically installed around Paris and other suburban areas.

To maximize the exposure of the Seychelles in Paris, 161 panoramic adverts were set up in kiosks in busy zones close to commercial areas such as the Champs Elysees, some libraries, city hall, boulevard Haussmann. Outdoor billboards were also placed in key locations in the Parisian suburbs.

The Parisian Open Tour buses, 100% green energy buses which offer sightseeing tour of the capital, also gave the Seychelles exposure by displaying its tropical landscapes on several buses between the September 11 and 24. These buses circulate the most emblematic neighborhoods and the most well-known monuments of the capital, on a daily basis. Around 40% of the active high purchasing power Parisians frequent these routes, and were therefore exposed to these remarkably stunning pictures.

The STB Paris office is continuously increasing Seychelles visibility on the French market through digital media, which at the moment is especially dedicated to diving before the international dive show in Paris in January 2020. Also, through print, STB Paris is promoting the Seychelles lush tropical environment, turquoise waters, sandy beached and vibrant marine life, as well as the creole culture to the French public.

The Seychelles Tourism Board Director for Europe, Bernadette Willemin, said: “The communication plan was aimed at being present in the heart of the capital and the nearby suburbs, which are affluent areas with great potential for our destination.”

Mrs. Willemin added that “the outdoor campaign will go a long way in making Seychelles more visible on the French market and reach even more potential holidaymakers that may not necessarily have the chance to visit trade fairs and workshops conducted on the market.”

France has long been a major tourist market for Seychelles, currently it is the second largest market for Seychelles, after Germany. After closing the year 2018 with an increase in the number of visitors by 6%, France continued to show positive signs at the beginning of this year 2019. Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) records show that as of September 22, 2019, 30,310 visitors were from France.

The advertising campaigns completed other ongoing and upcoming activities for consumers and tourism trade partners for the Autumn/Winter 2019-2020 season.

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

The Seychelles Islands’ stand highly appreciated during the consular celebrations in Lyon

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The 18th edition of “les fêtes consulaires” were held between September 14 and 15, 2019 in Lyon, the second largest city in France. Les Fêtes Consulaires is a friendly gathering for different consulates based in Lyon, where they can promote their respective countries to the 23,000 visitors who attend the event.

Amongst the 50 consulates present was the newly re-opened Consulate of Republic of Seychelles represented by Mrs. Virginie Mathieu, the new appointed honorary Consul for Seychelles in the region Auvergne Rhône Alpes.

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Office in Paris represented by STB marketing executive, Ms. Valerie Payet, had the honour to be present alongside Mrs. Mathieu to showcase Seychelles as a must-visit destination.

The Seychelles corner displayed some of the islands most distinguished features, namely the tropical forests filled with a vast variety of flora and fauna, as well as the prominent beaches.

Over the two days of festivities, the Seychelles consulate’s stand attracted individuals of all ages with its vibrant presentations of the Seychelles Islands. Ms. Payet present on site had the opportunity to interact with numerous visitors to promote the destination and its several wonders.

Together with the Consulate and the STB team in Paris, Club Med representatives was also present at the event and took the opportunity to promote their upcoming property in Seychelles, a five Trident Exclusive Collection Resort on Sainte Anne Island, set to open its doors in 2020.

During the official opening of the village, the STB team was honored by the presence of Mr. Gérard Collomb, Mayor of Lyon.

Visitors of the Seychelles stand included His Excellency Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Seychelles Ambassador in France, Mr. Ralph Agrippine, Minister’s Advisor at the embassy and Mr. Jean-François Noaro, Honorary Consul for Seychelles in Monaco.

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

The Seychelles captures the Israeli market at Trade and Media Events

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Successful marketing mission held by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and its local trade partners has showcased the Seychelles Islands’ pristine beauty to the Israeli city of Tel- Aviv during a two-day event on September 11 and 12, 2019.

The event opened with a press meeting held in Tel Aviv Centre, where approximately 18 tourism journalists and leading bloggers were present.

During her presentations to the press Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive elaborated on the privilege of having Seychelles as one of the preferred destination to the Israeli market.

On his part the Air Seychelles CEO, Mr. Remco Althuis, talked about the upcoming flights between Seychelles and Tel Aviv while STB Director for Europe, Bernadette Willemin, provided detailed information about the diverse offers the Seychelles has for visitors through a destination presentation.

Mrs. Francis also took the opportunity to discuss the Seychelles’ close-to-heart ecological positions and green policies. Her interventions also updated the press about the Seychelles debt to nature swap as well as the Blue Bond project- a pioneering financial instrument designed to support sustainable marine and fisheries projects,- whilst sharing the initiatives taking place in the Seychelles in terms of environment conservation.

The press meeting was followed by trade presentations and workshop at The Setai Hotel located in the Old City of Jaffa.

This event, was attended by the Seychelles Honorary Consul of Israel, Mr. Arie Goldstein, as well as 120 participants representing 55 different companies made up of Tour Operators, Travel Agents from both Free Independent Travellers (FTI) and Meetings, events and Incentive Travel Market (MICE).

STB Chief Executive once again emphasised the honour of counting the Israelis amongst the regular visitors in Seychelles, whilst highlighting the fact that the Air Seychelles flights will provide regular connections to the Islands increasing the opportunities for more visitors to enjoy the beauty of our pristine destination.  

Commenting on the importance of the Tel-Aviv marketing mission, Mrs. Francis mentioned that whilst a handful of agents and tour operators in Tel- Aviv were already selling the Seychelles, most had not yet seen its potential and now were keen on promoting it.

“We have received a very warm welcome from our partners in Tel- Aviv, from the feedback received on grounds, we are confident that, this two-day event has been an additional support to our marketing efforts to promoting the destination. We have definitely highlighted the philosophy of Seychelles as a pristine and green- must visit destination for one to tick on their bucket list,” said Mrs. Francis 

Aside from presentations by the different local partners present, exhibiting their products and companies, there were also business-to-business workshops, which gave way to one on one meetings.

During the two-day event, a dinner cocktail was held by the STB, where partners were given a chance to network with invitees.

The STB delegation and partners seized the opportunity, whilst in Tel Aviv, to set up appointments with key market players; there were meetings with major tour operators as well as Ethiopian airlines and Turkish airlines.

Mrs. Francis further mentioned her satisfaction and gratitude to the participating companies who collaborated with the STB team to make the event a success.

The trade partners consisted of DMCS including Creole Travel Service, Mason’s Travel and 7-Degree South and hotels establishments namely Four Seasons Seychelles, Frégate Island Private, Avani Seychelles, The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach, Constance Hotels & Resorts and Raffles were present to market their services for the two days. The team were also accompanied by the national airline Air Seychelles with representative Christine Ozouf.

Aside from Mrs. Francis, the STB Team was represented by Ms. Bernadette Willemin – Regional Director for Europe and Ms. Monette Rose Director for Italy, Turkey, Greece and the Mediterranean.

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

Seychelles key collaborators on the Brazilian market receive a taste of the islands following recent visit of the head of Seychelles Tourism Board

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The Seychelles multicolored flag was held high on the South American continent as the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis held an official mission visit in Brazil from June 16, 2019 to June 18, 2019.

Mrs. Francis’ visit, which was her first on the territory, was mainly purposed as a fact-finding mission and an opportune chance to meet the STB team as well as the travel trade there.

As part of her mission in Brazil, the STB Chief Executive met with key partners on the market specially in São Paulo in order to understand the Brazilian market dynamics better and to find ways to grow the business further.

On the first day of her visit, Mrs. Francis conducted a training seminar for 13 tourism professionals at Teresa Perez, one of the most important luxury travel company in the region.  The meeting was an opportune time to also answer various questions on the destination.

A similar session was conducted at Copastur Prime; the presentation was held in front of a live audience and was recorded so as it could be broadcast to all their employees. Mrs. Francis provided answers to the questions from their team regarding Seychelles and she explained some best strategies for sales.

Seychelles represented by Mrs. Francis was also featured on a live broadcast talk show for the benefit of all the sales team from Primetour- a company focused on high-end clients-, Primetour’s travel professional and its accredited agents.

On the second day of her visit, the STB Chief Executive met with representatives from four airline companies-including Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways and Turkish Airlines- all connecting Seychelles to Brazil. During her meetings, Mrs. Francis invited the airline companies to participate in a campaign to increase sales to the archipelago and discuss other strategies to promote flights to the destination.

The pinnacle of this official mission was a special event organised by the STB team in Brazil for 11 journalists and digital influencers during which Mrs. Francis offered a cooking workshop to the media professionals.

The STB Chief Executive showed the media guests attending the event how to create a few authentic creole dishes, such as chicken curry, papaya and mango chutneys and lentils, as she engaged them in a Q&A  session during which she provided some interesting facts and information, about the Coco De Mer and the destination.

The media professional attending the session had an opportunity to experience a taste of the Seychelles Islands and shared photos and videos of their Creole lunch on social media to their huge network of fans and followers.

The event was also broadcasted live on Instagram. Global Vision Access, STBs representative on the Brazilian market, recorded several short videos, which will be used for future promotion on social media throughout the year and for training seminars.

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

Four countries, 4 days, 1 destination: Seychelles Eastern European Roadshow 2019

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On May 27, 2019, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) set off for its annual Seychelles Dedicated Roadshow in Central and Eastern Europe.

The event lasted for 4 days during which representatives of hotels and DMC companies from the Seychelles Islands had an opportunity to meet potential trade partners in 4 countries including Poland (Warsaw), Czech Republic (Prague), Slovakia (Bratislava), and Hungary (Budapest).

The events organized by the STB aimed at reinforcing the presence and image of the destination as well as providing a refined business platform for partners to meet with the leading tour operators and agents in these four countries.  

Ms. Karen Confait, Director Scandinavia, Russia /CIS & Eastern Europe and Ingrid Laurencine, Marketing Executive from Headquarters represented STB, during this intensive Seychelles promotion.

A group of eight partners representing the Destination Management Companies and hotel establishments accompanied them.

DMC partners on the Eastern Europe roadshow included Creole Travel Services represented by Eric Renard, 7° South represented by Marta Kalarus (Warsaw, Prague and Bratislava) and Krisztina Miklos (Budapest) and Mason’s Travel represented by Gerhard Bartsch.

On the hotel establishment sides, Marie Kremer represented Four Seasons Resorts Seychelles, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, was represented by Maria Eremina, Agata Sobczak was present on behalf of Kempinski Resort Baie Lazare, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino & Berjaya Praslin Resort, represented by Wendy Tan and finally representing Savoy Resort & Spa and Coral Strand Hotel, was Svetlana Davydkina.

In Warsaw, the evening took place at the newly opened and stylish luxury Raffles Europejski Warsaw that opened its doors with brand new conference facilities.

While in Prague, the well-known luxury Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa was chosen to host the event, in Bratislava the dinner was hosted on a Danube River in the picturesque River’s Club venue with the beautiful view over the Bratislava Castle. The final stop of the Roadshow was celebrated in the Corinthia Hotel Budapest in a historic Grand Ball room.

In the four cities, the STB team opted for the train and dine format, which included a welcome mingle, followed by B2B meetings-during which all partners had a chance to present their products and discuss business opportunities with the tour operators and agents.  Events in all four cities were attended by over 200 agents, most of which specialises in leisure and some on in MICE travel. The dinners ended with a raffle, where guests had a chance to win prizes from the partners. The prizes included stays in the various hotels in Seychelles, transfer and excursion as well as memorable gifts from the Seychelles Islands.

The workshop format, which was added last year in addition to the presentations, has proved to be ideal as it provides partners more time for in-depth one to one discussion.

Speaking about the Seychelles dedicated roadshow, STB Director Scandinavia, Russia /CIS & Eastern Europe, Ms. Karen Confait, stated her satisfaction to see new partners attending every year.

She added that the event is also the perfect platform to catch up with current partners and to refresh their minds about the destination but also motivate them to sell. Through the various presentations, STB and the Seychelles partners are able to showcase the immense diversity and variety the islands have go offer, in terms of its people, culture, islands and properties and services available.

“Eastern Europe is a growing market for Seychelles and our dedicated roadshow over the past 5 years has been key in growing Seychelles share of the business. The two largest market in the region, Czech & Poland has shown a significant increase of 45% & 19% respectively for Jan to April 2019 compared to the same period last year. So far, the figures are very encouraging, and I believe that together with the local partners, STB can further develop this region, which has immense potential for Seychelles. Furthermore, the roadshow’ success could not have been possible without the support of the hotels and DMCS,” said the Director of Scandinavian, CIS & Eastern European Markets.

On their part, the travel trade in the four countries confirmed that the destination is growing, with the economy doing well people are looking for destinations like Seychelles for their holidays.

The Seychelles dedicated roadshow, a well-established event since its start over five years ago is now a highlight on the Central and Eastern European market.

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

Seychelles Tourism Board exhibits alongside Dnata Travel at the ADIB Roadshow

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The Seychelles was prominently seen at the ADIB staff travel day roadshow event alongside Dnata Travel and seven other exhibitors on April 22, 23 & 25 2019.

As Dnata Travel and the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) continue their effort to enhance the great strategic partnership that exists between the two organizations, Dnata offered Seychelles the opportunity to join them for the first time at a travel exhibition in Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank.

The STB was represented by its Tourism Attaché in Abu Dhabi Ms. Aliette Esther, who was present at the event as the face and voice of the destination.

STB’s participation in the in-house travel exhibition offered Seychelles an ideal platform to meet with the staff, bankers, their clients and other visitors that were at the ADIB head office during the event.  The footfall during the travel exhibition is approximately 2000-3000 visitors with a fixed budget.

Dnata being the official exclusive Tourism Management Company for ADIB, it was a definite occasion for the destination to be part of this prestigious event and to place itself closer to its clients including big corporate partners.

Visitors were presented with the chance to learn more about the beautiful islands of Seychelles, the attractions and activities one can participate in.

The STB representative present at the event mentioned that the strategy for the STB’s participation in the event included slowly shifting potential clients’ perception that Seychelles is just for honeymooners and couples.

She stressed that as a tourism board, the STB has been enhancing clients’ knowledge about the destination including the fact that Seychelles also has many activities catering to families and groups.

Ms. Esther also mentioned that as the Holy Month of Ramadan and the school holidays are approaching, it was a perfect time to be promoting Seychelles at ADIB.

“As our clients are getting ready for the holidays, they need to be reminded that Seychelles is a multifaceted destination and that it is very diverse with each island having its own distinct scenery, flora, and fauna.  The fact that it is easy to visit two or three islands in one day was pressed on all the visitors, and evidently, the visa-free policy created a lot of interest”. “Seychelles will continue to strengthen its brand Seychelles Islands-another world in the market while we continue to expand our partnership with key travel trade partners across the UAE,” commented Ms. Esther, STB Tourism Attaché in Abu Dhabi.

Those who visited the Seychelles/Dnata Travel stand did not leave the event empty-handed, and they certainly left with a smile on their faces and a head full of dreams of pristine waters and swinging hammocks in between the coconut trees.

Ms. Esther mentioned that through STB’s participation in the event, she has received various inquiries for the Eid packages to Seychelles.

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