World News | forimmediaterelease.net

... press releases & Breaking World News

Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher to fly higher with the New Airbus A320neo

by

The iconic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher spreads its wings wider as the Seychelles’ national carrier; name its new acquisition after this rare endemic species.

It was a proud moment for the nation as Air Seychelles welcomed the Airbus A320neo on Friday August 2nd 2019 with ceremonial water canon salute, making it the first airline in the Indian Ocean and Africa to operate the aircraft.


eTN Chatroom for Readers (join us)

Talking about the procurement of the new aircraft Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud mentioned a symbolic of a new era.

The Principal Secretary was present at the inaugural ceremony alongside high government officials, Air Seychelles management team and Airbus representatives.

Principal Secretary Renaud further mentioned that the aircraft is fuel-efficient one, which will allow Air Seychelles to save on both fuel and operating costs, as well as helping the nation in its efforts for sustainability.

He further mentioned that the Airbus A320neo’s fuel efficiencies mirrors national ambitions for sustainability and support for a greener future. Therefore, showing the world how far the Seychelles’ dedication to the environment goes. 

“The paradise flycatchers needs us, and we need them. “Veuve” is meaningful in another sense – the paradise flycatcher is a delicate bird, once critically endangered, but today with a future that is brighter because we chose, as a nation, as citizens, as a family, with our friends, to nurture its survival,” said the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine in his speech.

Commenting on the new addition to the Air Seychelles fleet, Mrs. Sherin Francis Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) stated that the symbolism of the name behind the plane is not only a pride for Seychelles but also for the conservation ideologies, the destination defends with vehemence.

“It is a pleasure for STB to be present at such a memorable event for our partners. We can only applaud our partners for their consistency and hard work to make the company prosper amidst adversity.

GOT NEWS? click here

possible to reach millions worldwide
Google News, Bing News, Yahoo News, 200+ publications

This new plane is the beginning of a new chapter in Air Seychelles history. It gives us more confidence to maintain our great promotion work of the destination,” said Mrs. Francis.

 “The arrival of “Veuve” definitely marks the start of a new chapter in the development of the national airline, the increase in seat capacity available on the aircraft will enable Air Seychelles to continue delivering a significant contribution towards both the growth of tourism and the Seychelles economy.” said the Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Alan Renaud.

The aircraft, named “Veuve” after the endangered bird commonly known as the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, is a symbol of hope and prosperity for the Seychelles.

On Monday August 12, 2019, Air Seychelles’ brand new Airbus A320neo aircraft operated its official flight between Seychelles and the capital of Gauteng, Johannesburg, amongst the passengers for this favourable occasion was Ms. Jenifer Sinon STB Deputy Chief Executive. 

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

Seychelles to shine at the Dubai Expo 2020

by

Set to take place from October 2020 until April 2021, the Dubai Expo 2020 will go down in history as the first expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

For six months, Seychelles, our small Island nation will be represented through the participation of various national entities and NGOs to showcase the destination’s natural lush environment, opportunities for investment and its achievements towards Sustainability and Nature conservation.

Seychelles will therefore share a spot alongside the 192 participating countries from all over the globe. The Dubai 2020 Expo site, which will cover a total of 438 hectares, is located in the Dubai South district, near the Al Maktoum International Airport.

The country’s preparations to the international event is spearheaded by the collective effort of CINEA and the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Representatives of the two organizations are working alongside the Dubai Expo 2020 team and the Seychelles Country Manager, John Addo Obiri, to ensure that Seychelles’ participation carry every single visitor onto an imaginary journey that will touch their hearts.

Through the discoveries of the Seychelles pavilion, each visitor will get a feel of the Islands, as one will discover its various features through visual, audio and graphics presentations.

Seychelles will also be granted the tribute of celebrating its national day through an honor day, event during which, various high officials from the country will be invited to attend.

Aside from the official events, Seychelles will also be engaging the Expo Dubai 2020 visitors through conferences and workshops centered around culture, finance, environment and tourism.

Speaking about Seychelles preparations to the Expo, Mr. Galen Bresson CEO of CINEA, stated that the Dubai 2020 moto: “connecting minds and creating the future,” incorporates the mind-set of the organizing committee working effortlessly towards the success of this event for the country.

“Seychelles might be small in size, but we are placing ourselves on the global market next to many countries through our participation. The concept for this Expo reflect a lot of our country’s conservation philosophy. Our aim is to show the world that, in spite of our 250 years of existence, we have been able to maintain a good balance in co-existing with our natural environment,” said Mr. Bresson. 

On her part, Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive, mentioned that the STB team is working in close collaboration with CINEA and the other government agencies and NGOs to make Seychelles’ participation a success.

“Seychelles’ participation in the Dubai 2020 Expo is an excellent platform for visibility for the country, not only as a tourism destination, but also as a nation. More than ever, we need to place ourselves on the map in showcasing our natural beauty, our culture and our various achievements in all aspects,” said STB’s Chief Executive.

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. The Dubai 2020 Expo is expecting over 25,000,000 visits over the 173 days.

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

Seychelles titled Number 1 island destination in Africa & Middle East by Travel + Leisure 2019 World’s Best Award

by

Seychelles has been named the top island destination in Africa & the Middle East.  It is the third time that Seychelles is rated in the top spot in this category by Travel + Leisure.

The exotic destination’s nomination results from the annual survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, which allows readers of the New York-based travel magazine to rate their travel experiences around the globe. Readers get to share their opinions on top hotels, islands, cities, airlines, cruise lines, spas, among others.

The best islands by region are rated on a number of characteristics including the destination’s natural attractions, beaches, activities & sights, restaurants, food, people & friendliness and value. The destination’s romantic appeal also features as an optional criterion. For each characteristic, respondents are asked to give a rating based on a five-point scale of excellence.

Boasting lush tropical vegetation, powder-white beaches and clear turquoise waters, Seychelles – a 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean came out on top of the readers’ list when it comes to the Africa & Middle East region.

It is during a cocktail event at the Times Square Edition in New York City on Tuesday July 16, 2019 that Seychelles was revealed as No1 island Destination in Africa & Middle East.

Mr. David Di Gregorio, Executive Board Member of (APTA) Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, of which Seychelles is a member, received the Award on behalf of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB). Jacqueline Gifford, Editor in Chief and Jay Meyer the SVP/ Publisher presented the recognition to the destination to Mr. Di Gregorio.

Commenting on the award, the STB Regional Director for Africa & the Americas, Mr. David Germain stated that the prestigious title results from continuous collective efforts between the Seychelles authorities, including the STB and all its stakeholders.

“Achieving the distinction of Top Island in Africa and the Middle East for the third time is a tremendous honor for the Seychelles, recognizing that the region has much to offer in terms of world-class island experiences,” Mr. Germain.

Mr. Germain also pointed out that the STB’s maintains the hard work to maintain solid trade relations with the USA and Canadian outbound tour operators, travel agents and other trade partners in North America. He said that winning the award for a third time, is evidence that the STB’s marketing strategy in North America is working.

“The Award helps to garner recognition and provides a significant amount of visibility for our islands in North America and the region. The STB will continue to share and present the culture and tourism attributes of Seychelles to both the trade and consumers in the various North American cities, with the aim of increasing tourist’s arrival to Seychelles from this part of the world,” said Mr. Germain.

According to latest figures, the North American market has shown an increase by 8 percent from January to May 2019 in tourism arrivals in the Seychelles.

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

Destination Seychelles radiates at the Spotlight on Africa workshop in Nairobi

by

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) team was present in Nairobi to showcase the destination at the Spotlight on Africa workshop early in July this year.

The team was composed of Mrs. Natacha Servina Senior Marketing Executive and Ms. Gretel Banane Marketing Executive; both from the STB headquarters and from Mrs. Popsy Getonga, Seychelles’ devotee also present to market the destination.

The Spotlight workshops, organized by the Houston Travel Marketing Services, have been in existence for the past 16 years and has created a name for itself in the Kenyan travel trade. The event is supported by both KATA (Kenya Association of Travel Agents) and KAT0 (Kenya Association of Tour Operators).

The 2019 edition saw the participation of 13 key buyers from Mombasa, Zanzibar and Kampala and other potential buyers from Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

The Spotlight on Africa activities kicked off with a VIP networking cocktail staged in a relaxed atmosphere of Park inn by Radisson in Westlands, which saw the attendance of some 35 Directors and Senior Managers from major key players in the Kenyan Travel Industry. 

The events followed with a two -day workshops held on July 4, 2019 and July 5, 2019 in 2 different areas of the Nairobi city. 

218 organizations including STB were represented at the sessions and received 325 visiting travel trade professionals. This year’s sessions were conducted in a free flow format with approximately 30 tables with two times three-hour morning sessions. 

STB Senior Marketing Executive, Mrs. Natacha Servina present at the workshop commented on the importance of the STB’s presence at the event.

“The Spotlight on Africa workshop remains one of the STB’s preferred events on the African continent. Our focus is to boost up awareness and visibility of the destination in the African region, and Nairobi is one of the best African hubs that has a diverse population creating the ideal platform for the tourism board,” said Mrs. Servina.

The STB Senior Marketing Executive also added that Seychelles received overwhelming interest from the attendees; as she explained that, much effort were concentrated towards marketing Seychelles as a multi-faced destination.

As part of its participation towards the customary raffle for participants of the Spotlight on Africa workshop, the STB offered two of our famous Takamaka Rum bottles and two exquisite bags consisting of several different spices used in our Creole dishes for the winners.

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

Seychelles Tourism Board and Air Seychelles renew marketing agreements

by

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB)-Seychelles destination’s marketing body- and its national airline counterpart Air Seychelles have officially renewed their joint marketing agreement. This agreement will reinforce their collective support in promoting the destination, once more.

Mrs. Sherin Francis – STB Chief Executive, and Air Seychelles Chief Executive Officer- Mr. Remco Althuis, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the STB Headquarters, on Monday July 22 2019.

The Agreement, which was signed in the presence of STB Deputy Chief Executive Ms. Jenifer Sinon and Air Seychelles Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Charles Johnson, covers various areas involving the two parties, concerning numerous collective marketing activities.

The document covers long-term partnerships between the two organisations, including attendance and visibility of both parties at key tourism events. These events include trade shows and fairs, trade familiarisation trips, product presentations and workshops (among many others).

Mr. Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “As part of our mandate in supporting the Seychelles economy, it is important for the national airline to jointly work with key stakeholders in ensuring both destination Seychelles and the national airline remains visible globally.”

He then continued in saying, “We are pleased to once again extend an MoU with STB as part of our commitment and effort in increasing the number of visitors to the island, and also to further promote destination Seychelles across our network and beyond.

Air Seychelles maintains an excellent partnership between STB as both organizations share similar goals. Following the signing of this MoU, we will continue to work closely with STB through several joint marketing and PR initiatives in order to continue building our market presence in the region. We will also be building our presence across our newest destination Tel Aviv starting as from 27 November 2019.”

Speaking at the signing, STB Chief Executive Mrs. Francis mentioned that the collaboration between the tourism board and the national carrier of the country remains essential, for the destination to thrive.

“STB recognizes the immense contribution of Air Seychelles in making the destination more accessible. As the STB continues on its mission to make Seychelles visible as a destination, we are grateful to receive the support of our national carrier. Through today’s MoU signing we are not only agreeing to work together, but our two organisations are showing their commitment to increasing Seychelles’ reach and appealing to a wider traveler,” said Mrs. Francis.

She further mentioned that she is pleased that both entities have once again reiterated their work engagement in the interest of the destination.

Air Seychelles provides services on a regional perspective through its regular flights to Mauritius and Madagascar. They also provide international flights to Johannesburg, Mauritius and Mumbai.

The airline announced recently the opening of a new route, with the commencement of a new service linking the Seychelles and Israel’s largest metropolitan area (Tel Aviv) in November this year.

The signing ceremony once again took place at the STB Headquarters in Mont- Fleuri, and saw the presence of representatives from both organisations.

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