Tourism Seychelles welcomed the first major group of Chinese travel agents and media to the destination since the reopening of the borders in China in early January 2023. The group was in Seychelles between January and February and comprised travel agents, wedding planners and KOL media partners.
The agents and media’s focus were on the high-end market, weddings & honeymoons, eco-tourism and the cultural aspect of the destination. They target both consumers directly through different channels, such as social media and business clientele through direct cooperation with different corporate businesses.
“Seychelles is an amazing destination that has more to offer than just sun, sea and sand. The group was amazed by the pristine natural environment of our granitic and coralline islands and the high quality of our products and services of our different properties on offer. Together with the combination of the historical and cultural aspects of the destination, the agents concluded that Seychelles is a world apart from our competitors,” said Mr Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, the Director for China, Tourism Seychelles.
Putting two of the biggest niches of the destination in the foreground namely weddings and honeymoons, the Chinese wedding planners that were present provided Chinese clients with premium planning and execution services for overseas destination wedding ceremonies for young couples who accept new concepts and are loyal to high-quality brands and services focusing on eco-tourism.
“The wedding planners were able to meet with different service providers from properties and locations, flower providers, local photographers and more. Being able to be in the destination to understand what is physically possible and to draw up different business opportunities for the destination targeting the demanding Chinese wedding and honeymoon market is a very important step in developing this segment,” added Mr Lai-Lam.
The agents started receiving Chinese bookings to the destination well before the end of the visit. The Director for China further mentioned his satisfaction to have completed this first mission with the Chinese trade since 2020 and said that the reconnection with Seychelles would not have been possible without the support of the different Seychelles partners.
Partners involved on this marketing event included; Payanke Lounge, Ponant, Story Seychelles, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, North Island Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles, L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa, Raffles Seychelles, Constance Lemuria Praslin Seychelles, Pedaler Velo Island Tour and Calou Guest House.
