The Seychelles islands welcomed the “Connect17” by ESCAET to its shores recently. The aim was to allow travel agencies the chance to acquire and increase their knowledge on the different products here as well as promote exchanges between key partners of the tourism industries of France and Seychelles both local and in France. It was the ninth time that this event has been held but it was a first for Seychelles.

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) partnered with PromoAgv.com, Qatar Airways and Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa for this four-day activity. The operation which was themed “Work, Fun and Business,” was focused on promotion.

A total of 40 traveling agencies along with 15 big label partners in the tourism industry from France namely tour operators, insurance companies and tourism schools took part in this activity. The 40 travel agencies were chosen after taking part in a competition held in November last year, by registering online on the PromoAgv.com website.

The page was especially dedicated to Seychelles’ operations where they later undertook an e-learning process on the destination in order to qualify themselves. The winners were announced in January 2017.

During the four days the tour operators along with the key partners had the chance to discover and experience Seychelles through historical visits and island hoping as well as through several episodes of workshops in efforts to liaise with the local destination management companies namely Creole Travel Services and Mason’s Travel, both having partnered tour operators on the event as well as interact with big French brands amongst which present was Amadeus, AMSLAV, FRAM, FTI Travel, Solea, TUI  Salaun among others.

The founder of PromoAgv.com and “Connect” Jean-Michel Roger mentioned this was a given chance for the travel agencies to meet and exchange in an effort to promote dialogue between travel agencies and our key partners.

He also explained that away from the normal procedures of the annual “Connect” this year they introduced for the first time “speed dating sessions” between the 40 guests and 15 partners; the idea being to establish contact and create the liaison between them, allowing discussions.

Accompanying the group for this event in Seychelles was STB’s Director for Europe based in Paris Bernadette Willemin. She said it was indeed a pleasure to welcome this delegation to Seychelles, marking this event as one that will be memorable for them as well as for STB.

The Creole Travel Services and Mason’s Travel also showed great appreciation towards STB for such an initiative and for being given the chance to present the services they have on offer both on land and out at sea to the travel agencies and their partnered tour operators.

One of Seychelles’ most popular beaches, the Anse Source d’Argent beach on the island of La Digue, famous for its powdery white sand, crystal clear sea, and unique granite boulders is the featured image of a top travel magazine.

The article is an eight-page spread about “great escapes” in the National Geographic Traveller – February/March 2017 edition of which Seychelles is just one of several destinations, but the best photos are all from Seychelles. The Anse Source d’Argent is being described as follows:

“With distinctive, water-worn boulders towering over white sands, Anse Source D’Argent, helps make the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, a beach lover’s dream destination.”

Anse Source d’Argent beach, located in the north of La Digue, is a long sandy beach of dazzling white, with huge granite boulders tumbling into the sea, and swaying palm trees. The beach is continuously included on the list of top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

Another Seychelles’ beach that is continuously rated alongside the most glamorous beaches in the world is the “Anse Lazio” beach of Praslin Island.

Seychelles Tourism Board’s Director for Africa and America, David German, said Seychelles’ turquoise blue sea and sandy beaches continue to gain recognition.

“This kind of exposure helps Seychelles in providing a greater awareness of the destination as a unique holiday place to potential travelers from the United States and other parts of North America,” he said.