Seychelles islands saw an increase of 207 per cent in tourist arrivals from India for the period Jan-Nov 2015 compared to the same period last year. The surge in tourist arrivals from India can be attributed to the India office’s continuous intelligent and innovative marketing tactics, educating and handholding the travel trade and significant proactive PR activities. In addition, commencement of direct flights between the two nations, year-long tourist season and visa on arrival and gratis have been the other key factors which have boosted the tourist arrivals from India.
Sherin Naiken, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board said, “We are thrilled with the phenomenal response from the India market in just the second year of us opening office here. I strongly believe that this achievement has been possible in such a short time because of a very good team work with Air Seychelles, the DMCs and the resorts. In spite of a limited budget, together we have been able to occupy a place in the minds of the travel trade and to an extent in the consideration list of the traveller. We are geared up and excited for 2016 and are confident that we will keep this momentum alive.”
Seychelles islands provide a perfect combination of a relaxing and action-packed holiday in the background of divine natural beauty. It is a hassle free destination with visa on arrival and gratis and very good flight connectivity with both Air Seychelles operating direct flights of just around four hours and Emirates, Etihad and Sri Lankan connecting major Indian cities to the islands via Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Colombo respectively.
Lubaina Sheerazi, COO- Blue Square Consultants, Seychelles Tourist Office – India said, “Our main objective is to continue to have three digit percentage growth in 2016 too. Though it will be difficult we are confident and ready for the challenge considering we have a destination which is like no other. We will continue to do what we know works best for us – educating and hand holding the travel trade, pooling in resources with our partners like airlines and hotels to jointly promote the destination, provide opportunity to as many trade partners to experience the destination as possible, continue to create evangelists out of our friends from media and trade, influencing the influencers and focus more on digital media including social. Though our main focus will continue to be honeymoon and family holidays we will actively work towards tapping the destination’s potential for MICE, small weddings and celebrations.”
