Tourism Seychelles, in collaboration with Turkish Airlines, recently welcomed nine French travel agents in their final stage of certification in the “Seychelles SMART” programme. From 6th to 11th November 2024, these agents participated in a familiarisation (FAM) trip to Seychelles, marking a milestone in their journey toward becoming Seychelles experts.
Accompanying the group were Mrs. Maryse William, Senior Marketing Executive at Tourism Seychelles, and Mr. Cengiz Ozok, Senior Commercial Attaché from Turkish Airlines.
The agents had the opportunity to experience Turkish Airlines’ seamless flights, which resumed service to Seychelles in late October 2024— a major boost for enhancing connectivity and enriching travel experiences to our island paradise.
For over 15 years, the “Seychelles SMART” programme has been pivotal in the French market, equipping travel agents with the expertise to offer unparalleled experiences to their clients. The programme consists of three stages. First, agents participate in a half-day training organised by Tourism Seychelles. They then complete and validate five Seychelles travel sales, which include international flights and local services. The final stage is a FAM trip to Seychelles, culminating in a certification ceremony where agents receive diplomas and a window sticker, recognising them as “Seychelles Smart” certified agents.
The agents’ journey concluded with an awards ceremony on the final evening, where they received certificates that acknowledged their expertise and commitment to promoting Seychelles. This accolade, symbolised by a certification sticker for their agencies, highlights their role as trusted experts in selling Seychelles.
Tourism Seychelles extends its heartfelt gratitude to all partners who contributed to making this FAM trip an exceptional experience. Special thanks go to Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, Raffles Seychelles, Constance Ephelia, STORY Seychelles, and Fisherman’s Cove for sponsoring the overnight stays, and to Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel, and 7° South for their complimentary services. This invaluable support ensures a meaningful and immersive experience for our certified agents and sets the stage for future collaborations.
The Seychelles SMART programme is dedicated to elevating the skills and knowledge of travel agents across key markets, empowering them to become specialised ambassadors of Seychelles. With Turkish Airlines and other partners, Tourism Seychelles continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting Seychelles as a destination that goes beyond the ordinary.
