Tourism Seychelles recently wrapped up a highly successful three-city roadshow in India, highlighting the archipelago’s unmatched beauty, diverse activities, and unique Creole culture to the Indian travel trade.
Held from August 5th to 9th, 2024, the roadshow took Seychelles’ tourism partners to Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai, providing a dedicated platform to present the destination’s best features and a variety of travel products, underscoring the appeal of Seychelles to Indian travellers.
The event united 10 key tourism partners from Seychelles to fortify connections with the Indian travel trade, paving the way for new opportunities in growth and collaboration. A robust delegation, including the Tourism Seychelles team, Air Seychelles, and leading DMCs like Luxury Travel, 7° South, Creole Travel Services, Tirant Tours, Holiday Seychelles, as well as hotel partner Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino, engaged in productive discussions and networking sessions with over 200 top industry professionals.
A key highlight of the roadshow was the participation of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) and the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association (SSHEA), who represented both large and smaller properties across the islands. Their presence emphasised the comprehensive nature of Seychelles’ tourism offerings, catering to a wide spectrum of travellers.
Speaking at the event, partners expressed their satisfaction with the quality of tourism professionals they engaged with during the roadshow.
On behalf of the Secretary of the Seychelles Small Hotels & Establishments Association, Mrs Daphne Bonne said, “The association is thankful for the opportunity to participate in this highly productive roadshow, marking our first involvement. We were proud to showcase various properties through our presentations to the partners and had excellent exchanges with potential collaborators. The turnout was outstanding, and the interest in our offerings was substantial.”
“We were particularly pleased to see Indian partners showing interest in smaller properties, as they have traditionally worked with larger ones. This allows us to ensure that clients coming through these Indian partners from around the world can also consider Seychelles as a preferred destination. As an association, we made sure to provide our members with direct contacts. After three days of intensive working sessions and discussions, we are proud to have contributed to the Seychelles tourism industry through our participation,” noted Mrs Bonne.
During the destination presentation at the Tourism Seychelles desk, the Seychelles tourism team showcased the 115-island destination as a stunning travel destination, boasting pristine natural beauty. With its crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and coral reefs, Seychelles offers Indian travellers a unique opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Seychelles is a great option for Indian travellers looking for a quick visa-free getaway, with its proximity to India and multiple flights on airlines like Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and direct flights from Mumbai on Air Seychelles.
“India is a key market for us, and we are excited to showcase Seychelles’ unique charm to the Indian travel trade. Our islands offer everything one needs in a quintessential vacation destination: stunning blue waters surrounding lush greens, diverse cultural and adventure activities, and exclusivity, making them an ideal getaway for those seeking a memorable time with their loved ones,” said Mrs Bernadette Willemin, Director General Marketing, Tourism Seychelles.
Mrs Willemin added, “With a range of accommodations catering to every type of traveller, from budget-friendly options to luxurious retreats on remote isles, Seychelles ensures a rejuvenating escape complete with culinary delights and impeccable service. We believe that our authentic Creole spirit, commitment to sustainability, and unspoiled natural beauty resonate deeply with discerning Indian travellers. We look forward to collaborating with the travel trade in India to craft tailored experiences that reveal the essence of Seychelles to visitors.”
The roadshow showcased Seychelles’ diverse tourism offerings, featuring the islands’ vast array of resorts, hotels, and villas, as well as exciting activities like snorkelling, diving, fishing, and hiking while island-hopping. Visitors can interact with tortoises on Curieuse Island, explore local markets in Victoria on Mahé, discover endemic flora and fauna in Praslin, and experience the warm hospitality of the Seychellois people.