“Seychelles strengthens its positioning to the Diving, Fishing and Sailing Holiday Segments in the Middle East”

Left to right: Lanie Manalo, Senior Account Executive, Seychelles Tourism Office Middle East, Ahmed Nabil, Regional Manager, Seychelles Tourism Office Middle East, Aliette Esther, Tourism Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles, Abu Dhabi and Maria T Silverio, Senior Sales Executive, Emirates Holidays

The Seychelles Tourism Board, Middle East in partnership with Emirates Holidays have joined forces at this year’s Dive Middle East Exhibition which is held alongside the Dubai International Boat Show to increase awareness of the impressive diving opportunities the Seychelles offers.

This year was the 20th year anniversary of Dubai International Boat Show and the Dive Middle East Exhibition has been in partnership with the event for the last 6 years of which Seychelles has attended now for the fourth time.

The Seychelles Tourism Board, Middle East works very closely in the region with the Emirates Diving Association the co-organizer of this event to raise its profile to the diving community and increase the number of visitors to the islands.

“The Emirates Diving Association has been very supportive in promoting the Seychelles Islands to their diving members and offering us many opportunities to engage further to increase awareness of our unique destination. They have partnered with us in supporting “Subios – the Seychelles Festival of the Sea” in addition to sending out diving trips to the destination, says Ahmed Fathallah, Regional Manager, Seychelles Tourism Office, Middle East.

“The Seychelles have achieved significant growth from the Middle East market in 2011 receiving over 12800 visitors from this region, a 57% increase from the UAE market and 24% from the remaining Middle East markets” says Ahmed Fathallah.

“Visitors to our stand came from the four corners of the world and consisted of both expatriates and Middle Eastern nationals.  The enquiries and expressions of interest received on fishing, sailing and diving during the event were beyond our expectations. There were also enquiries on honeymoon and wedding packages.  We look forward to increasing our market share from this important market” says Aliette Esther, Tourism Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles, Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the work taking place by the Seychelles Offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Alain St.Ange, the Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture said that it was always important to bear in mind that Seychelles has more air connectivity with the Middle East Area that remains a major tourist market that lies but four and a half hours flight time from our shores. “We remain well suited to both the Emirates Nationals and the expatriate community because we are a holiday destination with no visa requirements, that is so close to the Middle East, that is safe and that is disease free” Minister Alain St.Ange said.

Elsia Grandcourt, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board said that her Board’s two offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi would continue to work with private sector businesses who wanted to attract visitors from that important market. “ATM, the Dubai Tourism Trade Fair in May was the next venue where Seychelles would be out to show its commitment to work on that market and the Tourism Board would be working with the local partners attending ATM to help them open new doors and to increase their visibility on that market” Elsia Grandcourt said.

ASEAN Secretary General to attend the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Carnival in Seychelles

The Secretary General of ASEAN (Association of the South East Asia Nations), H.E. Dr Surin Pitsuwan, has confirmed that he will attend personally the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Carnival that will be held in Seychelles from the 2^nd to the 4^th of March.

The ASEAN Secretary General will be accompanied by entourage of delegations of cultural groups from the 10 countries (Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines)  in one group as a whole.

“This is great news for Seychelles and for the Carnaval International de Victoria.  This will help the visibility of our islands of the ASEAN Block.  We are honoured that the Secretary General of ASEAN is himself leading a delegation from his member states” Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board said.

The 2012 edition of the annual Carnaval International de Victoria which is held in Victoria in the Seychelles is being co hosted by Seychelles and La Reunion.  The confirmed number of international Delegations flying to Seychelles for this 2012 Edition stands at 26.

The Indian Ocean Vanilla Island’s ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ getting early press attention

 

Magazine after magazine from the world over are focusing their attention on the Indian Ocean Region where the Vanilla Islands of the Seychelles and La Reunion will again this year be staging their annual March Carnival from the 2nd to the 4th March in the beautiful islands of the Seychelles.

ELITE, the Jolly Press Prestige Magazine has just come out with a three page spread on the carnival with a difference. With pretty pictures taken by the Editor of the Magazine when he covered the 2011 Edition of the carnival now known as the Carnival of Carnivals because it remains the only such event where the best carnivals of the world parade side by side followed by cultural groups from the Community of Nations.

Only last week the The Quarterly Magazine of Singapore brought out a feature entitled CALL FOR A BIG CELEBRATION – Seychelles sets Stage for a 2nd Carnaval International de Victoria. The feature spoke about the successes of the Vanilla Islands carnival that is staged in the Seychelles. “The biggest event of 2012 calendar will no doubt be the Carnaval International de Victoria” they said.

The Italian published Prestige Magazine “ELITE” has now also come out with their feature splashing out the program of the Indian Ocean Island’s unique event that continues to attract the attention of the Press and followers of carnivals.

Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and Pascal Viroleau, Head of the La Reunion Tourism (IRT) are now in the final stages of preparations for their unique carnival. “The press have confirmed that they are coming to cover the event, delegations from the world over are coming to be part of the carnival procession and both Seychelles and La Reunion are happy that we are again staging one of the most colourful but diverse carnival processions” Alain St.Ange and Pascal Viroleau said.

Seychelles Tourism welcomes China Travel Services (CTS) Manager on visit to finalize arrangements for first big group

Amia Desir-Jovanovic, Jia Yin, the Manager for China Travel Services (CTS) and Alain St. Ange

 

Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board accompanied by Amia Desir-Jovanovic, the Tourism Board’s Senior Marketing Executive were at the airport on Sunday to welcome Mr Jia Yin, the Manager for China Travel Services (CTS) responsible for Outbound Tourism for Middle East & Africa Department who arrived by the Emirates afternoon service from Dubai.

Mr Jia Yin of the China Travel Services (CTS) is in Seychelles to finalize arrangements and logistics for the arrival of their first big group of 150plus Chinese Visitors due in Seychelles by Ethiopian Airlines on the 22nd January for a five day stay.  Also at the airport was Doris Coopoosamy from 7 Degrees South, the local representatives for China Travel Services (CTS) who have been appointed to handle this first big group of Chinese Visitors.

Mr Jia Yin says that the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino at Beau Vallon, the Kempinski Resort at Baie Lazare and the Méridien Fisherman’s Cove Hotel at Bel Ombre are the three resorts who have been selected to provide accommodation for the first big group of 150plus.

Seychelles has been working to open up its doors to the big potential market that exists in China.   President James Michel personally led different high level visits to China accompanied by Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and other Government and Private Sector Officials.

During a meeting between Mr Jia Yin,  Mr St.Ange and Mrs Desir-Jovanovic held soon after Mr Jia Yin’s arrival in Seychelles, the China Travel Services (CTS) Manager confirmed the company’s interest to continue promoting the islands in China.  “This first group could have been bigger, but we were short of airline seats from China” said Mr Jia Yin as he explained to the Tourism Board Officials details of the packages being promoted by the china Travel Services (CTS) in China to generate this first group.

Discussions also touched on the need for Seychelles to explore the possibilities of developing twin center holiday options with an African Safari, a La Reunion Mountain and Volcano tour or with a Shopping Trip in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha.

Mr Jia Yin will personally be accompanying the first group by China Travel Services (CTS) of Chinese Holiday makers due in Seychelles on the 22nd January.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year 2012!

The Seychelles Tourism Board would like to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2012!

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Who knows…you might be celebrating the next one with us here in the Seychelles!!

Visit us and like our page on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/The.Seychelles.Islands?ref=tn_tnmn

Seychelles man in Korea increasing visibility of the Island’s Eco-Healing Marathon

Mr Jeong, the Seychelles Consul in Korea and Head of the Tourism Board’s Office in Seoul in The Seoul Daily Newspaper

The Seoul Daily Newspaper has come out with a full page on Seychelles following an interview with Mr Jeong, the Seychelles Consul in Korea and Head of the Tourism Board’s Office in Seoul.

The Seoul Daily Newspaper,  one of Top 5 daily newspapers in Korea with 2.5 million circulation – featured Mr. Jeong’s interview which touched on Seychelles as the new destination for Koreans, the Seychelles annual Eco-Healing Marathon and other events in the tropical islands of the Seychelles that were organized and managed by the ‘Celebrate Seychelles’ Department at the Tourism Board.

Mr Jeong also explains for all Koreans to see how he came to work for the Republic of Seychelles, and he takes time to explain the history of Korea-Seychelles bilateral cooperation and existing relationship.

When questioned about the Interview and the coverage it received, Mr Jeong said that the full page article had contributed in the promotion of the Seychelles.  “It has helped increase awareness of Seychelles in Korea” Mr Jeong said.

http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20111216027006

Emirates renews its support to the Seychelles Carnival

Emirates Airline, has today announced that it will support the Seychelles Carnival for the second consecutive year.  Emirates will be the Official Airline for the 2012 edition of this international event.

“The announcement of our support to the Seychelles Carnival follows the recent signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Seychelles Tourism Board and Emirates for the promotion of the archipelago.  This is yet another demonstration of our commitment to the Seychelles,” explained Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, West Asia and Indian Ocean.

“It is with great pleasure that we will support the Seychelles Carnival 2012, a major event for the Seychelles Tourism Board and the whole archipelago.  As we always say, we see ourselves as partners of the Seychelles,” Mr. Al Mualla added.

On his part Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board said that the carnival right in the middle of the Indian Ocean remains a focus point for celebrating diversity and togetherness.  “As we congratulate Emirates for being the official partner airline for this unique event, we also say thank you to them for helping to make the event more visible and more known.  Their direct support remains vital and crucial.  The Indian Ocean is a key tourism destination and the ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ is that region’s annual carnival staged under the theme of the melting pot of cultures.  Emirates has shown their support to help organize an event that brings the cultural groups from the Community of Nations to parade alongside the best and most known carnivals of the world” Alain St.Ange said.

For the first edition of the carnival, Emirates created awareness around the event in new markets such as Czech Republic, Spain, Brazil, Russia, the Middle East, India, Korea, China and Japan.

The 2012 Carnival in the Seychelles is set for the 2nd to the 4th March.

Constance Lémuria Resort of Praslin in the Seychelles wins Silver Award at “Diners Club Magazine Awards”

Constance Lémuria Resort of Praslin Island in the Seychelles was awarded a Silver Award in the category “Best Golf Resort” at the Diners Club Magazine Awards, held in Munich recently.

The readers of the magazine, as well as an expert jury, chose the winners of the prestigious awards.  More information on the magazine can be found at www.diners.de

Constance Lémuria Resort – a member of Relais & Châteaux – opened in December 1999.  The exclusive 5-star resort boasts an 18-hole championship golf course that borders the enchanting beaches of both the Small and Grand Kerlan Coves.  The Par 70 course, which opened in 2000, covers an area of 5,556 metres, and offers a challenge to both professional and amateur golfers.  Palm trees fringe the first 12 holes of the course, while from the 13th hole; the course extends over the steep slopes of a thickly forested hill, with breathtaking views.

For further information, visit www.lemuriaresort.com

Emirates Bride Magazine speaks about a Seychelles Honeymoon

The Emirates Bride Magazine has come out with five pages on a Honeymoon in the Seychelles.  The magazine speaks about the dream honeymoon holiday in the unique mid ocean island destination.

“When it comes to idyllic beach getaways for that all-romantic honeymoon look no further than the Indian Ocean with its beautiful islands for your own piece of paradise”.

Seychelles made worldwide news as the honeymoon destination when the Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge of the United Kingdom used these tropical islands for their own honeymoon.  What was even more remarkable is that privacy and discretion available in Seychelles ensured that no pictures of the newlyweds made it to the tabloids thus giving the guarantee to every newlywed that they can still in this day and age enjoy themselves out our prying eyes of the press.

The Emirates Bride Magazine pushes the closeness of Seychelles to the whole Middle East with a flying time of just 4 hours + and that the Seychelles remains the destination with no visa requirements for any passport holder.  This Visa Free entry into Seychelles is a point that the Seychelles Tourism Board harpers on when they say that Seychelles remains friends of all and enemies of none.

Seychelles is known for its natural beauty and for its clean and white picture perfect sandy beaches.  The clear turquoise blue seas of the Seychelles provides for some of the best year round swimming as these tropical islands do not have winter months.  The cleanliness of Seychelles, the friendliness of its population, the safety of the islands and their natural beauty provides without any doubt for the best and most romantic honeymoon for any newlywed.

Seychelles remains more optimistic with the South American Market following ABAV TOURISM EXPO in Brazil

 The Seychelles’ tourism industry is optimistic that the South American Market can become one of its important markets due to the growing interest in our islands.

The Seychelles Tourism Board director for Africa, UAE and the Americas, David Germain, led a small Seychelles tourism delegation at the ABAV Feira das Américas Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in South America.  The ABAV Exhibition took place from the 16th to the 19th October  and Mr Germain was joined by Mason’s Travel’s sales manager Agatha Antignani and 7°South’s assistant operations manager Kenneth Jeannevol at this important tourism exhibition in South America.

The Seychelles delegation returned home last week satisfied and very optimistic that visitor arrival from South America (more specifically Brazil) will grow in future at a faster pace than before.

“The Brazilian Travel Trade is confident that Seychelles can be the “new” exotic destination for the Brazilian Traveler from 2012 onwards.  The meetings went well with the local trade partners from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and the North American Tour Operators present” says Mr Germain.  “The volume of long haul holiday tourists and first time visitors is increasing in Brazil and Seychelles has the potential to exploit its strength as a “choice” holiday destination to the Brazilian Market as all component are in place including our major airline partners, such as Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines who are both flying directly to Brazil and Argentina respectively” he said.

Mr Germain had meetings with Mr Renato Hagopian, the Sales Manager of “Qatar Airways” in Rio de Janeiro and Mr Ralf Aasmann, the Area Manager of “Emirates Airline” in Brazil, they discussed Joint promotional activities for 2012 and both airlines are keen to work together with the STB in South America.

Seychelles’ participation at the ABAV trade show forms part of the Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) focus and action plan for an increased market share from the Americas in future, working with its partners as much as possible to offer South American travelers different holiday package options to visit Seychelles such as the “Dubai / Seychelles” and “Africa / Seychelles” holiday package.

Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and South African Airways are all flying directly to Brazil and Argentina from Dubai, Doha and Johannesburg respectively, providing good connections to Seychelles.