Tourism Seychelles, in collaboration with key industry partners, has successfully participated in the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2025, held from April 9 to 11 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre (CTICC). The event, themed “Ignite Africa,” brought together over 6,000 travel professionals, offering a platform for strategic networking and insightful discussions on the future of African tourism.
Tourism Seychelles’ participation formed a key part of the department’s strategic commitment to sustaining the growth of the tourism sector and diversifying its source markets. The African market, which recorded 24,457 visitors to Seychelles in 2024, continues to show strong potential. In response, the team is intensifying efforts to increase market share by enhancing visibility and tapping into the continent’s diverse segments.
As the African tourism market continues to expand globally, Seychelles’ involvement in such events underscores the importance of both consolidating existing ties and exploring new opportunities within the region. By investing resources in these initiatives, Seychelles is actively strengthening its presence on the continent and unlocking future growth prospects.
Representing Seychelles at the event were Tourism Seychelles’ Market Manager for South Africa, Christine Vel, and Market Executive, Saida Mussard, alongside partners including Sharon Fergusson of Air Seychelles, Anastasiia Maslova of Savoy Development Limited, Priska Constance of Tirant Tours & Travel, and Jennifer Toussaint of Welcome Travel. The delegation engaged in premium meetings, connecting with new industry contacts and presenting the unique offerings of the Seychelles destination.
Christine Vel remarked, “The event was very well organised, with premium and high-quality meetings. We connected, discussed, and presented the destination to many new faces. The enthusiasm and interest in the destination are definitely there, with lots of possibilities for new business.”
WTM Africa 2025 featured a revamped format with a focus on actionable insights and strategic networking. The programme included content clusters on sustainable aviation, AI in tourism, and next-generation marketing, alongside interactive workshops and discussions aimed at providing practical solutions and tangible strategies for attendees.
Among the key highlights of WTM Africa 2025 was the Africa Tourism Investment Conference, held on April 10. The event brought together industry leaders and investors to discuss and drive
tourism investment across Africa and is expected to catalyse sustainable economic growth through cross-border collaboration.
Tourism Seychelles’ participation at WTM Africa not only helped raise visibility for the destination but also cast a much-needed spotlight on the Seychelles Islands as a premier destination. It was an excellent platform to showcase the unique culture, heritage, and diverse products the country offers. By promoting Seychelles’ unique offerings, the team continues to strengthen the destination’s presence in key international markets, foster awareness, and build lasting relationships with potential partners and travellers.
Tourism Seychelles remains committed to promoting the destination’s distinctive appeal and advancing sustainable tourism development through continued engagement in international platforms like WTM Africa.
