In a bid to strengthen its global presence and foster deeper collaboration within the international market, Tourism Seychelles is hosting the first-ever international luxury B2B trade fair, Connect China 2025 Islands – Seychelles, from March 18-23, 2025.
This inaugural event marks Seychelles as the first island destination to host such a prestigious affair, in collaboration with Connect, bringing together 35 carefully hand-picked Chinese luxury buyers, to meet with premier suppliers from Seychelles, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The event kicked off with an opening reception on 18th March at the L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde; the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis; the Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin; the Director General for Product Planning and Development, Mr Paul Lebon; and the Founder of Connect China Ms. Zhang Xing.
Amongst the guests were Mrs. Devika Vidot, the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship & Industry; the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Seychelles, H.E. Lin Nan; and the Acting Mayor of Victoria, Ms. Lydia Charlie.
In his address at the event, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvester Radegonde, expressed his gratitude to the Connect group for their presence and stressed the importance of fostering long-lasting partnerships. He further highlighted the significance of this event as an opportunity to enhance Seychelles’ visibility on the global stage, particularly in the luxury travel market.
“We are delighted to host Connect China 2025 in Seychelles for the very first time, bringing together some of the most influential figures in the global tourism industry. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in our partnership with China and other international partners, which will help us showcase Seychelles as a premier luxury destination.”
Ms. Zhang Xing, Head of Connect China, echoed Minister Radegonde’s sentiment, stressing the importance of collaboration and long-term partnerships. She expressed her appreciation for the strong support received from the Tourism Department in organising the event.
“This event marks a significant step in our mission to connect luxury travel buyers and suppliers, and we are thrilled to bring Connect China to Seychelles. It is a beautiful destination, rich in culture and natural beauty, and we look forward to further strengthening our ties with Seychelles’ tourism sector.”
The evening was filled with cultural highlights, including lively performances of traditional Sega and Kanmtole dances, immersing attendees in the vibrant Creole heritage of Seychelles. These performances provided a perfect backdrop to the networking and business discussions that followed.
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On her part, the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, expressed the destination’s pride in hosting Connect China 2025 in Seychelles, noting, “We are thrilled to have been the first destination outside the Middle East and North Africa to host this prestigious international trade workshop.”
“This is a significant stride forward in Seychelles’ growing stature within the global tourism industry.”
“The event offered an exceptional platform for networking, with participants from not only China but also from the African region engaging meaningfully with our local tourism stakeholders. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and are committed to further elevating Seychelles as a premier luxury travel destination.”
This collaboration with Connect China underscores Seychelles’ continued efforts to position itself as a leading destination in the luxury tourism market. The Tourism Department is confident that this initiative will pave the way for increased business and tourism opportunities, boosting Seychelles’ global profile as a sustainable and luxurious destination for travelers worldwide.
Tourism Seychelles
Tourism Seychelles is the official destination marketing organization for the Seychelles Islands. Committed to showcasing the islands’ unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and luxurious experiences, Tourism Seychelles plays a pivotal role in promoting Seychelles as a premier travel destination worldwide.
MEDIA CONTACT: Tourism Seychelles, stbnews@seychelles.travel
