Tourism Seychelles has successfully concluded its participation in OTM 2024, underscoring its commitment to the Indian market at the premier travel trade show in the country. With a strategic focus on bolstering its presence in India amidst the dynamic atmosphere of OTM in Mumbai, the island nation actively engaged key travel partners and showcased its diverse array of experiences, services, and products, reaffirming India’s pivotal role in the nation’s global tourism strategy.
Aside from the Tourism Seychelles team, the destination was represented by Air Seychelles with the support of other partners such as Destination Management Companies (DMCs) like 7 South, Luxury Travel, and hotels including Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, with the support from BRANDit, India Representation Office.
Mrs Bernadette Willemin, Director General Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles, expressed, ” Our 2024 strategy places a strong emphasis on promoting our brand through both B2B and B2C channels, both online and offline. India is a key focus in our acceleration plan, and our upcoming investments will leverage platforms, trade shows, incentive programs, and media relations to enhance our presence in the country. OTM allowed us to reconnect with existing trade partners and forge new collaborations. Our 2024 strategy places a strong emphasis on promoting our brand through both B2B and B2C channels, both online and offline. India is a key focus in our acceleration plan, and our upcoming investments will leverage platforms such as trade shows, incentive programs, and media relations to enhance our presence in the country.”
In 2023, Seychelles made a significant recovery in the market, with arrival numbers from India reaching 50% of the numbers recorded in 2019. Continuing on the road to recovery, Tourism Seychelles has meticulously charted a comprehensive roadmap to position itself as the preferred destination across various segments through targeted digital marketing initiatives focused on specific demographics in India.
Mrs Willemin added, “We aim to showcase the distinct offerings of our island paradise to Indian travellers, appealing to adventurers, honeymooners, luxury travellers, especially conscious travellers. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we encourage our partners as well as travellers to share the responsibility to maintain the beauty of the Seychelles Islands.”
India remains firmly entrenched as one of the top six source markets for Seychelles. Tourism Seychelles, along with its dedicated team in India, continues to foster relationships with local partners on the peninsula, aiming for collaborations with influencers and digital platforms to further tap into the burgeoning interest from Indian travelers. This dedication has recently been recognized with Seychelles winning the prestigious ‘Most Promising New Destination’ award at OTM 2024, reaffirming its allure and potential in the global tourism landscape.
