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Guidelines Issued for Easing of Seychelles Travel Restrictions

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Seychelles has announced a gradual and cautious easing of travel restrictions, which will see the recommencement of travel to the Indian Ocean islands as from June 1, 2020. A series of Seychelles travel restrictions guidelines are in force during the month of June and will be reviewed periodically.

The Seychelles health authorities has announced that during the phase one of the re-opening of the Seychelles borders, only travelers from “low-risk” countries arriving through private jets and chartered passenger direct flights will be granted entry.

Travelers with interest to travel will need to apply through a designated application form which will be processed as per Public Health orders. Once approval is given, travelers can proceed with other arrangements, which will include taking a COVID-19 PCR test before boarding the flight.

A series of strict entry screening procedures are also in place for when the passenger disembarks in Seychelles. The Public Health Authority of Seychelles reserves the right to request that the passenger is turned back on the same flight or undergoes further rapid testing.

A US$50 health fee is applicable to cover the necessary screening for each passenger upon arrival.

As of June 1, 2020

  • Application for international flights carrying passengers to be made to Public Health Commissioner (PHC). A standard form (APPLICATION FOR ENTRY INTO SEYCHELLES BY AIR AND SEA) is available on DoH website is to be completed and submitted.
  • Applications will be processed on a case by case basis as per Public Health Order.

Types of flights to be allowed:

  • Private jets with passengers destined to authorized resort, yacht or residential facilities.
  • Chartered passenger flights with passengers from low risk countries published by the Department of Health.

Criteria for allowing entry into Seychelles

  • For the month of June, private flights carrying passengers who have been given approval will be permitted.
  • Chartered flights carrying passengers from approved countries may be permitted.
  • All passengers must have proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test that is 48 hours or less prior to boarding the flight to Seychelles.
  • Aircraft/Airline are not to board any passengers or crew who are symptomatic of COVID-19.
  • Any passenger who arrives in Seychelles without this proof will be turned back on the same aircraft.
  • Exit screening must have been completed by all incoming passengers and crew.
  • Entry screening will be done upon arrival starting with completion of the health check form, symptomatic check, temperature scanning. The passenger may be required to undergo a rapid antigen test.
  • All passengers must provide proof of accommodation in an approved establishment for the entire period of stay and must show booking vouchers at Immigration on entry.
  • During the month of June, they are not to change accommodation during their stay and must not interact with the community apart from those at their place of residence.
  • In order to minimize interaction between groups of clients arriving on different dates client groups should be segregated within the establishment.
  • For 14 days after arrival the client will be monitored daily by the designated Health and Safety officers or focal person.
  • All clients must ensure strict hygiene measures and physical distancing are enforced.
  • Any illness must be reported immediately to the nearest Health Facility who will provide appropriate guidance.
  • All cost of screening and test will be borne by the passenger.

It is very important that clients are properly informed of the measures in place.

A total 19 countries have been identified by the Public Health Authority as low risk (where the epidemic appears to be under control) and they will be able to travel to the archipelago as from June 1 during this easing of Seychelles travel restrictions.

  1. Australia
  2. Austria
  3. Botswana
  4. China
  5. Croatia
  6. Greece
  7. Hungary
  8. Israel
  9. Japan
  10. Luxembourg
  11. Mauritius
  12. Monaco
  13. Namibia
  14. New Zealand
  15. Norway
  16. Slovakia
  17. Slovenia
  18. Switzerland
  19. Thailand

The Public Health Authority in the Seychelles will continue to monitor the situation in the following countries and entry could be considered with effect from mid-July 2020.

  1. Albania
  2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
  3. Bulgaria
  4. Cyprus
  5. Denmark
  6. Estonia
  7. Finland
  8. France
  9. Germany
  10. Ireland
  11. Italy
  12. Latvia
  13. Lithuania
  14. Malta
  15. Netherlands
  16. Serbia
  17. South Korea

For more information about the series of guidelines, please visit the Seychelles Department of Tourism website: http://tourism.gov.sc/covid-19-guidelines/

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

The Seychelles Tourism Board Welcomes a New Representative for the German Market

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The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) would like to announce the appointment of Zerbian Business Development, representing Seychelles on the German and Austrian markets effective as of Monday June 1, 2020.

The company is directed by Mr. Christian Zerbian, a German national residing in Frankfurt with over 10 years’ experience in tourism and destination marketing.

The new German representative, with its office based at Roehrborngasse1, in Frankfurt, will be working closely with the STB Team at Headquarters and the Regional Director based in Paris executing marketing activities for and on behalf of STB on the two German-speaking territories.

“With Germany being our lead market, it was important that the work is continued with minimal impact and delay. On behalf of STB boards of directors and the staff and management, I would like to welcome them onboard. We look forward to their contribution and their active involvement with our partners locally and abroad.”

Zerbian Business Development will be representing the Seychelles as a destination for a period of one year.

Contact details: Christian Zerbian, Phone: +49 176 62192955, christian.zerbian@seychelles.com

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

What to Expect When You Book a Holiday to Seychelles Under the New Normal!

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The long-awaited date of the re-opening of the airport has arrived in Seychelles and many are those already planning to hit the beautiful sandy beaches and the lush vegetation to escape from the confinement of Covid-19. 

Entry into the beautiful destination as of June 1, 2020 will be gradual and subjected to strict conditions imposed by the Public Health Authority.

In order to limit risks for the Seychelles inhabitants, the Seychelles health authority has announced that during the first phase of the reopening of its airport, the destination will only consider visitors from low risks countries travelling through private jets and chartered passenger direct flights.

Visitors are advised that applications will be processed on a case-by-case basis as per Public Health orders.

Information for holidaymakers planning to visit Seychelles is available on the Seychelles Department of Tourism website through the ‘Seychelles Safety Travel Guidelines’ issued on May 29, 2020 and reinforce recommendations made by Public Health Authority.

All visitors are required to send their COVID-19 PCR test result to Seychelles Department of Health prior to boarding the plane. They should also have the result to present, upon disembarking on the Seychelles shores, certification by their local health authorities confirming they have taken a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours or less prior to boarding the flight to Seychelles and that the same is negative. Visitors failing to present the required proof will be turned back on the same aircraft.

Visitors are advised that they will be subjected to strict entry screening procedures including completion of the health check form, symptomatic check, temperature scanning. The Public Health Authority also reserves the right to request that visitors undergo a rapid antigen test.

Industry partners including Destination Management Companies, airlines and other partners selling the destination are strongly advised to inform their clients that they must provide proof of accommodation in an approved establishment for the entire period of stay and must show booking vouchers at Immigration desk upon entry.

For ease of control and contact tracing, visitors are encouraged to refrain from changing accommodation during their stay in Seychelles and must not interact with the community apart from those at their place of residence.

The series of guidelines under the ‘Seychelles Safety Travel Guidelines’ also contains crucial recommendations for tourism-related business providers in regards to new required measures to be put in place before they are allowed to operate.

All establishments will be visited by the Department of Tourism and the Public Health Authority and must be certified fit to operate prior to re-opening.

As part of the strict measures taken by the authorities to limit a second wave from hitting the destination; a designated Health and Safety officers or focal person will monitor visitors and staff of tourism establishment daily.

Tourism Trade partners are also encouraged to ensure strict hygiene measures and physical distancing are enforced at all times.

Clients owning or intending to rent a yacht, superyacht and leisure fishing vessels in Seychelles may enter Seychelles waters and must clear immigration at port Victoria and receive clearance for any subsequent visit or disembarkation at any site or island from relevant authorities.

The Public Health Authority has advised that the disembarking procedures imposed will reflect the strict measures taken at the airport and considering the risks, permission for any crew or passengers to get off will not be given until the vessel has spent at least 14 days at sea during which time daily temperature check should be submitted to the Port Health office. A COVID-19 test may be requested at the end of the 14 days.

All passengers and crew must have been screened for COVID-19 and have a recent negative PCR test prior to entering Seychelles waters.

Industry partners operating yachting services have been advised that there should be a lapse of at least 48 hours before boarding of new clients to allow thorough cleaning as per guidelines and inspection by authorities.

These guidelines start taking effect as of the beginning of June and will be reviewed periodically by the concerned authorities and updated consequently.

Owners of Private planes, Airlines Company, yacht and other leisure fishing vessels are reminded that they need to clearance from the respective authorities before entering the destination’s waters and its airspace.

For more information:

Seychelles Public Health Authority http://www.health.gov.sc/

Seychelles Department of Tourism http://tourism.gov.sc/downloads/

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

Paradise Seychelles Announced it is COVID-19 Free

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After 9 weeks of battling tirelessly the deadly COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, Seychelles – the small island holiday destination in the Indian Ocean with a population of less than a hundred thousand inhabitants – is now COVID-19 Free.

The country, which reported a number of 11 cases in total, has announced the last infected patient tested negative for a continuous number of days and is now considered to be healed from the COVID-19 virus. 

The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached Seychelles in March 2020 as the announcement of the first two cases of COVID-19 was made on March 14, 2020.

The number of cases on the island increased slowly during the next three weeks and reached its peak on April 6, 2020 when the 11th case was confirmed including the only two local transmitted cases following which there has been no other positive cases reported on the islands.

Behind the successful handling of the delicate situation, resulting from this pandemic is the local authority known as the Public Health Authority under the supervision of its Seychelles’ Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Jude Gedeon. 

The public health team reacted promptly and effectively to establish emergency protocols with the directions of the WHO, to respond to the COVID-19 crisis to treat the active cases and curb the spreading of the COVID-19 virus within its population. Provision for quarantine facilities and an immediate rapid response team was created from the time WHO had declared COVID-19 a pandemic in mid-January.

Following the detection of the last person subjected to the infection and acting in a precautionary manner to restrain the inflation of infection numbers in the Seychelles, a travel ban order imposed by the authorities came into effect at midnight on Wednesday April 8 in Seychelles, restricting movement for citizens except essential service workers. This measure was maintained for 21 days.

On April 28, 2020, Seychelles’ President Danny Faure announced a lifting of restrictions on the movement of people on May 4, while travel restrictions will end on 1 June when the Seychelles International airport will reopen on June 1, 2020.

For the moment, Seychelles is free from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Seychellois authorities remains on high alert for any eventualities. The Public Health Authority alongside other organisations are working hard to keep citizens, expatriates and visitors safe from the pandemic.

As announced by the President on April 28, 2020, visitors and returning residents arriving in Seychelles will be subjected to strict measures imposed by the Public Health Authority, including a 14-day compulsory quarantine. 

Speaking about the destination being free from COVID-19, the Minister for Tourism Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Minister Didier Dogley stated that the exceptional work done by the health authorities has been tremendous and it has enabled the Tourism stakeholders to get back to the drawing board to plan for the arrival of our first visitors. 

“As the situation around the world remains precarious, it is a blessing for our small nation to have been able to curb the spread of the COVID-19 on our shores. As a destination, this is a very big advantage for Seychelles; there is a lot of preparatory work here on the ground with our partners to make sure that Seychelles sends a strong message of being a safe destination.  When the world opens up and people start travelling, safety in regards to COVID 19 is going to be a major factor for visitors planning to go on holiday,” said Minister Dogley.

He further mentioned that with the opening of the airport on June 1, 2020, Seychelles will be in a very strong position to market itself as a safe destination; something that most tourists will be yearning for after being confined to their homes for months.

Composed of 115 islands, the Seychelles Archipelago land of lush vegetation and natural pristine beauty lies scattered across their secret corner of the western Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, some thousand miles away.

All cases have been reported and treated on Mahé. No cases have been reported on the inner island of Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island and the Outer Islands.

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

The first edition of the Seychelles Nature Trail postponed

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Announced in October 2019 by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), the first Seychelles Nature Trail (SNT) was scheduled for May 3, 2020 on Mahé.

The decision to postpone the 25km run event around the main island of Mahé has been taken in early February 2020, following the announcement made by the Government of Seychelles to limit all public activities in view of the fast spread of the Coronavirus- COVID 19. 

Speaking of the postponement of the event, STB representative in Reunion, Ms. Bernadette Honoré stated that the Seychelles Nature Trail is a collateral victim of the coronavirus situation around the world.

As the worldwide situation has evolved in the past weeks forcing airlines to stop operations and airports to close down, it was clear that the much anticipated first edition of the Seychelles Nature Trail event will have to be pushed for 2021, a situation regretted by the organising committee and sponsors.

“We are saddened to announce that the Seychelles Nature Trail cannot take place and must be cancelled on the date initially fixed. As an organisation, it is important for us to follow the government’s recommendation of prioritising public health and prevention measures within our Archipelago. We are confident that when the situation is contained worldwide we can determine a new date for the Seychelles Nature Trail,” said Chris Hamer, Run Director of the SNT. 

The STB team conveyed its utmost gratitude to all the registered runners for the enthusiasm shown towards the event.

“Thank you for having given us all your confidence in the organization of this major Seychellois event and for having responded to the call for the discovery of this innovative activity for Seychelles,” stated Bernadette Honoré.

The Seychelles Nature Trail is organised by the STB in close collaboration with the Nature Tail committee in Reunion, the National Sports Council (NSC) and the support of the other local partners Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA), Absa, Cable & Wireless, SeyPearl and SkyChef.

The event, which is targeted for sports enthusiasts, aims at propelling the Seychelles’ engagement towards green tourism and enticing visitors to explore the destination’s lush biodiversity.

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

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.

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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