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Seychelles Key Sectors meet in view of preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai

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Key partners representing various sector of the Seychelles economy met at the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Headquarters, Botanical House at Mont Fleuri, for a video conference call with the Expo 2020 team in Dubai.

The meeting saw the presence of Ambassador Jean-Claude Adrienne, head of the Seychelles’ mission in the United Arab Emirates, who is also the Commissioner General for the Seychelles at Expo 2020, who was accompanied by members of the Expo team.

The participants attending the meeting on Seychelles’ side were the STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis; Creative Industries and National Events Agency (CINEA) CEO, Mr. Galen Bresson; Enterprise Seychelles Agency (ESA) CEO, Ms. Angelic Appoo and Mrs. Sybille Cardon Chairperson of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA).

Various representatives including members of the STB team, Air Seychelles, the Seychelles Investment Board (SIB), the Seychelles International Financial Services Association (SIFSA), the Department for Tourism, the Department for Blue Economy and the Seychelles Chef Association were also present.

The meeting consisted of a presentation to the participants about the Expo 2020 concept, explaining the site including the facilities available for the visitors and the expectations of the visitor’s experience throughout the 6-months of the Expo.

Each representative present also had a clearer insight about the various opportunities to be made available to Seychelles as a country aside from the widespread opportunity for visibility as a country.

Discussions were also held on the various collaborations between the different organizations within the country.

The spearheading team for the Seychelles participation at Expo 2020 has mentioned that further discussions will be conducted with other organizations, including ministries and department’s agencies and private sectors, in the coming months.

Taking place from 20 October 2020 until 10 April 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai will be first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

For six months, the Seychelles will be represented through the participation of various national entities and NGO has to showcase the country’s natural lush environment, the opportunities for investment and its achievements towards Sustainability and Nature conservation.

The first world expo took place in 1851 in London and has since been a platform for countries to showcase their achievements and culture to the rest of the world. Expo 2020 Dubai is expecting to welcome25million visits over its 173 days of operation, with 70 per cent of its visitors anticipated to come from outside the United Arab Emirates.

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

Seychelles Tourism Board launches Expression of Interest for Destination Representation for three key markets

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) invites reputable Destination and PR companies to submit interest to act as its Representatives in India, the Middle East and Russia (covering also the CIS and Eastern Europe).

The appointed company will share STB’s vision of marketing and promoting the Seychelles, as the preferred tourist destination. The companies/applicants will undertake marketing activities including, but not be limited to; trade relationships – negotiating and managing collaborative marketing campaigns with key distribution and other industry partners; training in destination awareness for wholesalers and retailers; Consumer marketing – this includes both STB initiated marketing activities and consumer marketing activities undertaken with industry partners; Digital marketing – inclusive of online campaigns to consumers and the travel industry. Airline relationships – managing joint marketing agreements with specific airline partners and Media and public relations activities – both trade and consumer media to maximise exposure for Seychelles.

All interested parties are invited consult the STB corporate Website on the following link: https://www.seychellestourismboard.travel/ for further information including the  pre-qualification notice and relevant tender documents to be submitted for consideration.   

Submissions must be received no later than Wednesday, February 5, 2020 4:00pm. (Seychelles Time).

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

Seychelles Tourism Board Partners with Esquire Middle East Awards to Celebrate the Industry’s Best

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In line with its marketing strategy to increase the destination’s visibility, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) collaborated with ITP’s Esquire Middle East, the leading men’s magazine in the Middle East, for their ninth annual Esquire Award held at the One & Only Royal Mirage’s Arabian Court in Dubai.

The STB Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Sherin Francis, and STB Representative based in Dubai, Mr. Ahmed Fathallah attended the award, which is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of men and women across the Middle East over the past year.

The One & Only Royal Mirage’s Arabian Court provided a magnificent ambience and picturesque views for the event, from the photo ops, to the center stage, and to the dinner, which successfully added a glamourous factor to the event.

Observed as one of the most stylish awards nights of the Arab region, the ceremony was filled with star-studded award winners, and for sure, some of very prestigious invitees on the Middle East region. 

“As the GCC region continuously provides positive reception to Seychelles as a destination, it was only natural for us to come onboard this project, which not only supports the region in their endeavors for expanding their horizons but also provides a center-stage for our holiday paradise. Events like this prove and celebrate that as time goes by, the region starts to be more well-known and flourish for the creative potential of Arab creators, visionaries and innovators – which opens doors for more collaborations in the future and of course more exposure,” mentioned Mr. Fathallah, who worked closely with the event organizers.

The STB Representative in Dubai Ahmed Fathallah was given the honor to present three of the prestige Esquire awards, namely the ‘Humanitarian Award’ to Kashif Siddiqi and Bacary Sagna, “Comedian of the Year” to Ahmed Helmy, and Comeback of the Year to Anthony “The Mooch” Scaramucci.

The Esquire Middle East Awards event acknowledges the brilliance of creative talents in art, film, music, fashion, and literature in the region, as well as the newcomers in the said fields.

With the fantastic food and drinks from the One & Only Royal Mirage, and the great music and atmosphere, the attendees agreed it was a wonderful night to never forget.

More news about Seychelles.

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

The Seychelles Tourism Board Brings Island Paradise to Turkey’s Travel Trade Fair

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) was present at the 13th edition of the Travel Turkey Izmir Tourism Fair, one of the most significant tourism fairs in Turkey, Fuarizmir, on November 5, 2019.

Alongside numerous global tourism players, the STB was represented by its Director for Italy, Turkey, Israel and the Mediterranean, Mrs. Monette Rose and Marketing Executive and Ms. Gretel Banane, showcasing the attractions and services the archipelago has to offer its visitors.

In line with its marketing strategy to increase the destination’s visibility, the STB’s participation to the Travel Turkey Izmir Tourism Fair provided an ideal occasion to meet the potential holidaymakers in Turkey and to showcase Seychelles as a unique holiday destination.

This year’s fair featured the idea of “Alternative Tourism,” focusing on tourism activities such as water sports, rafting, underwater, culture-arts, nature-adventure. This trendy concept encourages tourists to interact with the local environment and communities, making holidays more personal and authentic. With its vibrant culture and unique aspects to offer visitors, alternative tourism is the ideal concept for the Seychelles.

Additionally, the fair successfully provided the platform for the Island to receive exposure, with the Seychelles stand sparking vast interest. Additionally, the audience, consisting of Turkish trade and the general public, gained more knowledge on the destination through a stage presentation.

The international event also gave the STB team the opportunity to extend their knowledge of the Turkish market on matters such as trends and recent developments.

Speaking after the event, the STB Director for Italy, Turkey, Israel and the Mediterranean, Mrs. Monette Rose commented that the event was a successful one for STB, as it gave the destination a boost on the market.

“Turkey has a great potential, especially because there is a direct flight by Turkish Airlines and Seychelles can definitely plan a more expansive presence on this market,” said Monette Rose, “It is the first time we attend this travel fair in the touristic region of Izmir and it was a great success.”

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

Seychelles Tourism Board Strengthens Relationship with its Partners in Singapore

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Partners on the Singapore market met with the designated Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) representative for their region for a series of meetings earlier in December.

The sales call conducted by Mrs. Amia Jovanovic- Desir, the Director for India, Australia and for South Asia, is in line with the STB’s marketing strategy to increase the destination’s visibility through the training of partners.

Mrs. Jovanovic- Desir met with several tour operators on the market including representatives from Fuzzie Pte Ltd, Zipan Resort Travel Pte Ltd, Fascinating Holidays Pte Ltd, UOB Travel and Luxury Retreats and carried an extensive series of meetings and destination training sessions to better equip to sell Seychelles to their clients.

Speaking of her work mission in Singapore, the Director for India, Australia and South Asia mentioned that she is very happy to have had the opportunity to showcase Seychelles as the ultimate tourist destination everyone must encounter in a lifetime.

“This visit to the Singaporean partners is so we remain consistent with our strategic approach to continuously train our partnering agents and to keep Seychelles visible on the different markets, thus positioning it both in the mind of the consumers and trade,” said Mrs. Jovanovic- Desir.

To conclude the training sessions participants received Seychelles destination brochures, materials, which contain information about the 115- islands paradise and a special Seychelles local/branded gifts as a souvenir.

During her time in Singapore, the STB Director for India, Australia and South Asia had the opportunity to be introduced with Mr. Hanif Nomanbhoy, the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Singapore.

The meeting was the perfect occasion to initiate discussions on future joint collaboration between the STB and the office of the Honorary Consul in Singapore to increase destination awareness to both the tourism trade, consumers and media, about the uniqueness of Seychelles in Singapore.

Mrs. Amia Jovanovic- Desir also met with Ms. Alis Shehdek, the Senior Sales Executive of/ GSA for Srilankan Airlines LTD and Ms. Crystal Sim, the CEO of Albatross World Travel and Tours Pte, who was recently in Seychelles on an educational trip familiarization.

With the growing interest for unspoiled nature-based destination and the demand from the diverse market segments, Seychelles will slowly increase its market share from the Singaporean market, added Jovanovic-Desir.

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

Seychelles Tourism Board joins forces with Turkish Airlines in Montreal, Canada

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) alongside its partner Turkish Airlines brought some sunshine from Seychelles to a group of tourism professionals in Montreal, Canada in November 2019 through a joint marketing initiative.

The destination training and product awareness sessions, which took place at the Turkish Airlines head office in Montreal were held for two consecutive days, on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, and saw the participation of 36 tourism professionals from the cities of Montreal and Quebec respectively.

The session provided an opportunity for the participants to learn more about Seychelles as a destination and the various offers available for travelers through the Turkish service provider network including Turkish Airlines, and Turkish DMC, Turkish Concepts.

Mr. David Germain, STB Regional Director for Africa and the Americas, was present in Montreal for the event to represent the destination. Whilst on the Turkish Airlines side Mr. Ibrahim Hakki UNAL, the Sales & Marketing Manager of Turkish Arline’s in Montreal, and Ms. Maryam Rezaie, the airline marketing representative represented the company.

Mrs. Duygu Kuskulu, the Managing Director of Turkish DMC, Turkish Concepts, was also present and gave a destination presentation about Turkey and the services of Crystal Concepts.

As part of the joint efforts, updated destination information about Seychelles and Turkey were provided to the participants, as well as the flight schedule available with Turkish Airlines for travelers from Montreal, Canada, to Turkey and thereafter to Seychelles.

Speaking about the collaboration with Turkish Airlines, Mr. Germain mentioned that the airline proves to be a valuable and key airline partner for Seychelles, serving the archipelago from its hub in Istanbul three times a week.

“Such joint marketing collaboration and partnership are essential, a collective marketing initiative with the potential of increasing the attractiveness of Turkey and Seychelles in the marketplace. A combined (two countries) package option, as a “choice” holiday destination for the Canadian Traveler” said Mr. Germain.

He further mentioned that the project executed with the collaboration with Turkish Airlines is in line with the STB’s mandate to promote the destination and increase visibility for the destination.

Seychelles Tourism Board joins forces with Turkish Airlines in Montreal, Canada

Some Montreal and Quebec based Canadian Tourism professionals will have the chance to visit Turkey and Seychelles in 2020, as participants in agent’s familiarization visits being organized jointly by the Seychelles Tourism Board, Crystal Concepts and Turkish Airlines.

The project also promotes the creation of packages for Canadian travelers to consider exploring two countries as a one-holiday option, which will consist of visiting Turkey and Seychelles, with Turkish Airlines as the airline carrier.

Seychelles continues to obtain a consistent increase in yearly visitor arrivals to the archipelago from North America, with an 8% increase in arrivals, as of October this year, compared to the same time last year.

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

Seychelles Tourism Board Present at the Fifth Edition of the “Penalty Shoot Out”

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) through its office in Abu Dhabi participated at the 48th UAE National Day celebrations in style as its presence was noted at the 5th edition of the “Penalty Shoot Out” hosted by Al Ethihad Sports Academy on Saturday, November 30, 2019.

“Penalty Shoot Out,” a sports event spearheaded by Al Ethihad Sports Academy under the supervision of its founding CEO Mr. Arakkal Kamarudheen, seeks to groom young talents to be professional athletes.

Bringing together over 150 youths from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, the event provided an opportunity to the promising players to showcase their athletic abilities through friendly matches at the prestigious American International School Abu Dhabi.

The Academy further encourages the development of sport skills in youngsters, giving them opportunities to be selected to train at international academies such as Barcelona FC Academy and even tour countries such as India to gain experience.

Supporting the initiative through its office in Abu Dhabi, the STB was represented the Tourism Attaché, Ms Aliette Esther, who conducted the mission successful alongside Seychelles based DMC Vision Voyages, also sponsored the event.

Recalling the fabulous experience at the ‘Penalty Shoot Out’ Ms. Esther stated that assisting the Al Ethihad Sports Academy with the event has been a means to increase visibility for the destination and expressed that STB’s involvement in such events are beneficial to the Seychelles.

“There has been talk about a much-needed shift in diversifying tourism in the Seychelles,” said Ms. Esther, “and this event fits right into it as it can create opportunities for sports tourism in the Seychelles.”

“What is most encouraging,” Ms. Esther continue, “is Al Ethihad Sports Academy’s keen interest in tapping into young players’ potential in the Seychelles. We have swimmers, footballers and cricketers in the country, so a lot of young people could benefit from such a venture. Team exchanges between the 2 countries would not only help develop youth sports in the Seychelles but also open them up to more cultural experiences and boost their confidence. Players going to the Seychelles would be accompanied by their families, therefore contributing to our tourism and economic sectors.”

Ms. Esther further stated her satisfaction to execute side-lined collaboration with her various Abu Dhabi partners as they consolidate the relationship between the two countries.

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

Spectacular Seychelles stuns golfers yet again for the second edition of the MCB Tour Championship

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Seychelles could not have been more magnificent as the country held the 3-day competition of the second edition of the MCB Tour Championship at the Constance Lemuria on Praslin.

The competition, which closed on Saturday, December 7, saw the participation of 48 golfers from 16 different nationalities.

After an interesting Pro-Am event on Wednesday December 4, where the celebrity golfers played alongside Seychelles local golfers, they teed off for some serious business on Thursday December 5, under a perfectly sunny day.

Aside from the picture-perfect weather, Seychelles did not fail on providing the best play conditions for the golfers as they enjoyed a flawless course manned meticulously by the Constance Lemuria team under the supervision of Gary Pouponneau.

Seychelles, pristine paradise is an amazing archipelago in the Indian Ocean formed of 115 islands and is home to a beautifully diverse creole population. 

The country’s strong actions and constant avant-garde stands as a conservation pioneer in the region and around the world is also part of its renown.

Speaking at the tournament, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis commented on her absolute pleasure to have witnessed a successful second edition of the MCB Tour Championship in Seychelles.

She commended the organizers and the various sponsors including MCB Seychelles, Constance Lemuria, Staysure Tour, ISPC Seychelles, Hugo Boss, Cat Cocos, Takamaka Rum and Seybrew for their efforts.

Mrs. Francis mentioned that this second edition was definitely to place the destination in perspective as a place where nature prevails above all.    

“We keep on hearing amazing comments about the golf course, the views specially the one up Tee 15 which looks down to Anse Georgette is spectacular, this is definitely the kind of the images we want people to see as it shows  that our destination is truly another world of amazing fauna and flora,” said Mrs. Francis 

Mrs. Francis further mentioned that as part of its marketing strategy, the STB supports various national and international events throughout the year to increase the destination’s visibility.

While the first round ended with Gary Orr heading the scoreboards, recording an opening round of 64, six under par.

The second day saw the rise of South African, James Kingston at the head of the scoreboards, who carded a four under par round of 66.

The third competition day saw the crowning of Australian Peter Fowler who after three days of competition made it up the scoreboards.

MCB Group CEO Mr. Pierre Guy Noel and Deputy CEO Mr. Raoul Gufflet presented the MCB Tour Championship Seychelles trophy alongside Seychelles minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. Didier Dogley.

The prize giving ceremony was conducted in the presence of Bruno Le Gac, General Manager for Lemuria; Mrs. Sherin Francis STB Chief Executive; Mark Aspland, Head of the Staysure Tour European Tour; Bernard Jackson, MCB Seychelles Managing Director; Captain Guy Adam Chairperson for Constance Seychelles and Jean-Jacques Vallet, CEO Constance Hotels Resorts and Golf.

Speaking about his victory on the Constance Lemuria course today, Fowler mentioned that this third day of the competition has been favorable to him as he started on a good start, which helped in his scores.

“It is absolutely great to be back in the Seychelles, I have been swimming and doing my exercises outdoors every day, I am looking forward to coming back in 2020,” said Fowler.

The tournament also received the support of local destination management companies Mason’s Travel, Creole Travel Services, 7 Degree South and Summer Rain Tours.

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

The Seychelles Islands Excels at the Ninth Edition of Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards

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In the ninth edition of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards, The Seychelles Islands won the runner up award for the Favorite Emerging Overseas Country.

Held at the ITC Maurya, New Delhi- India on November 19, 2019, the ceremony was hosted by the esteemed Bollywood actress, Bhumi Pednekar, and attracted the likes of industry leaders, influencers and recognized names in the travel and tourism industries as well as government bodies.

As an increasingly popular tourist destination, Seychelles situated in Indian Ocean region is a promise of pristine paradise and beautiful adventure. The Seychelles islands, absolutely another world, as its brand would say it, is an ultimate holiday destination of some colorful 115 islands sprinkled with warm browns, striking turquoise and other hues found in the color spectrum.

Speaking about the latest recognition received by the destination, Mrs. Sherin Francis Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive mentioned that it is an honor for the destination to have been voted by the readers of the Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

“The task of creating visibility for such a small destination is not always an easy one, this is why being recognized as the Favorite Emerging Overseas Country is even more significant for us. It is a collective effort on our part as the tourism board and on the part of our trade partners and usual collaborators.

We strive to demarcate our destination by its uniqueness and it is rewarding to see that our efforts have not gone unnoticed,” said Mrs. Francis.

Rewarded by the Readers’ Travel Awards, Seychelles has been chosen through a readers’ voting process spanning over two months sans any nominations. The Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards also recognizes the best in the travel industry, namely hotels, destinations, airlines, spas, websites, apps, cruise lines and more. 

Several eminent personalities present at the ceremony included; Mr. Alexander Laloo Hek, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Meghalaya, Shri-Ram Gau-riya, Member of Legislative Assembly, Nagaur, Rajasthan, Shri Sampath Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Ms. Sanme Marak, Additional Resident Commissioner, Meghalaya, His Excellency Mr. Thomas Selby Pillay, High Commissioner of Seychelles, Mr. John Madew, Minister, Commercial and Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner, Austrade, Mr. Sanjay Pandey, Additional Director, Rajasthan Tourism, Mr. Deniz Ersoz, Culture and tourism Counsellor, Turkey Embassy, Mr. Fabio Subia, Second Secretary and Head of the Consular Section and Cultural Attaché, Embassy of Peru to name a few. 

Since its establishment in 1989 in the United States of America, the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards has set the benchmarks in the hospitality and travel industry worldwide.

The Readers’ Travel Award 2019 winners will be featured in Condé Nast Traveller India’s December 2019 — January 2020 issue.

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

Seychelles present at the fourth edition Abu Dhabi Travel Trade Event

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), in partnership with the Cerf Island Resort in the Seychelles, braved the unusual cold weather of Abu Dhabi on November 21, 2019 to attend the 4th edition of Abu Dhabi Travel Trade Event (ADTTE).

The event, organised by Mr. Conrad Caeiro of Razzmatazz 360°, was held at the Splash garden at the Aloft Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Having been a big supporter of the last three editions of the ADTTE, the STB participated to the event as a platinum sponsor this year.

The outdoor set-up at the Splash garden was perfect for the occasion and provided to the 300 attendees present an opportunity to network with the 22 exhibitors including the Seychelles delegation.

The event’s program indulged the invited guests to some attractive raffle draws, give-aways and enjoyed a lavish dinner while pursuing their networking and shopping for their next holiday.

The STB and its sole partner Cerf Island resort being a prime sponsor for the ADTTE 2019 were placed at a strategic position allowing the two Seychelles representatives to maximize on their position to provide information about the destination as a prime holiday.

In order to entice the Abu Dhabi visitors the team offered extensive information about the destination as an island hopping paradise, promoting the various other attractions including the product and services available on Cerf Island.

Speaking about the STB’s participation at the ADTTE 2019 event, the STB representative in Abu Dhabi and Tourism Attaché Ms. Aliette Esther stated the prominence of the event creates an ideal platform for the promotion of the destination, which is in line with the STB marketing strategy to increase the destination’s visibility.

“ADTTE is now a signature event and is already being looked forward to by the travel trade professionals,” said Ms Esther.  “It gives the Seychelles maximum exposure and it is worthwhile attending. 

“We had many visitors at our stand who are dreaming of going to Seychelles and we managed to convince some of them to buy the ticket and go.  Others had already been to the Seychelles and were really happy with their trip, expressing the wish to go back once more.”

Aside from the networking aspect, the event also included music entertainment and an Egyptian tanoura dancer who dazzled everyone with his entrancing whirls and brightly lit costume. There was also a special cake ceremony, which was cut by the H.E. Ambassador, Ricardo Laverie of the Embassy of Panama Abu Dhabi and Ms. Esther, STB Abu Dhabi Tourism Attaché.

There are other similar events lined up in Abu Dhabi before the end of 2019.

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