World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) concluded its 2024 edition with resounding success, spotlighting Seychelles as a beacon of sustainable tourism amidst a vibrant tapestry of global travel industry excellence. Held in South Africa, Cape Town, from April 10th to April 12th, 2024, the event convened over 6000 esteemed travel industry professionals for a triumphant celebration of networking, business collaborations, and enlightening dialogues.
Since its inception in 2014 under the Africa Travel Week umbrella, WTM Africa has cemented its status as the premier business-to-business (B2B) exhibition for both inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets. Echoing the triumphs of its flagship counterparts like WTM London and the Arabian Travel Market, WTM Africa offered a robust platform brimming with Hosted Buyers, Buyers’ Club members, media luminaries, meticulously arranged appointments, networking galas, and captivating soirées.
Key figures from the Seychelles tourism industry, including esteemed representatives from 7°South, Air Seychelles, Mason’s Travel, Raffles Seychelles, STORY Seychelles, and the Seychelles Tourist Office, showcased the archipelago’s unparalleled allure and unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Spearheading Seychelles’ presence were Director General Bernadette Willemin and Market Manager Christine Vel from the Seychelles Tourism Department, who captivated audiences with their impassioned dedication to eco-conscious tourism initiatives.
Commenting on their participation, 7° South representative, Samia Confiance, shared, “The show was quite exciting, with numerous demands for safaris and beach combination from diverse potential markets across. There is a need for a locally based ground handler, which of course we are happy to extend our services, sharing the essence of our islands”.
During her captivating presentation, DG Willemin took centre stage to illuminate the audience with insights on “Sustainable Seychelles: Nurturing Paradise,” underscoring the imperative of harmonizing tourism growth with environmental stewardship. The session brought together industry titans, environmental visionaries, and community advocates, exploring innovative avenues for responsible travel practices and community empowerment.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Director General Bernadette Willemin shared her sentiments, stating, “WTM Africa 2024 has been an extraordinary testament to Seychelles’ dedication to sustainable tourism. It was an honour to showcase our commitment to nurturing paradise and charting a course towards a harmonious coexistence between tourism and our pristine ecosystems. Together, we are redefining the narrative of Tourism Seychelles, ensuring that our paradise thrives for generations to come.”
Seychelles’ unwavering commitment to sustainability received further validation as the destination clinched the prestigious Best Stand Award at WTM Africa 2024. This accolade stands as a testament to Seychelles’ leadership in championing eco-conscious tourism endeavours and safeguarding its breathtaking natural splendour for posterity.
Mason’s Travel Product and Sales Manager, Amy Michel, also added, “It was a pleasure to return to Cape Town for WTM Africa 2024, a pivotal platform for fostering partnerships within the region’s travel industry and exploring new partnerships and avenues for growth. We were pleased to see that the market’s appetite for travel (particularly Bush & Beach combinations), continues to surge, positioning Seychelles as a compelling destination – especially with so many exciting new products slated for 2024 opening!”
“Moreover, it was deeply rewarding to have our Mason’s-owned property, Denis Private Island, recognized with a GOLD award at the WTM Sustainable Tourism Awards amidst a region renowned for eco-tourism! For us, this recognition affirms Seychelles’ position as a regional frontrunner in sustainable tourism practices.”
