August 29, 2016 TnH Global

Seychelles records 62% increase in tourist arrivals from India

Seychelles records 62% increase in tourist arrivals from India during January – July 2016 compared to the same period last year. This surge in the arrivals can be attributed to the India tourist office’s increasing focus on educating and hand holding the trade to better promote the destination, increase in Air Seychelles daily flights from 4 to 5 times a week, special efforts from the hotels and DMCs to tap the India market and increasing efforts to reach out to the customer through association with Bollywood and other avenues.

Commenting on this accomplishment Sherin Naiken, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board said: “we are thrilled with the way India market has responded to our efforts. We have seen a phenomenal increase in arrivals since we opened office three years ago. However, this is not the time to bask in the current successes and relax. As we enter the pre-honeymoon and festival season we will double our efforts to reach out to both travel trade and consumers. We are fortunate to have supportive partners like Air Seychelles, the DMCs and the hotels who walk with us hand in hand in going the extra mile to support the India travel trade. As a result, owing to its diversity, we have been able to position Seychelles as a destination which is meant for all – families, couples, small groups, celebrations and MICE.”

New hotels have opened in the Seychelles in the past one year giving tourists more options. Carana Beach Hotel, the 40 chalet 4 star property in North Mahe, opened its doors to guests in April 2016. It is the only resort in its category to boast of in-villa plunge-in pools. Dubai-based H Hotel and Resort Management Company opened its 5 star resort, The H, on the legendary Beau Vallon Beach on Mahe Island. Built around a natural lagoon, The H Resort features 100 rooms, complemented by 16 beach villas with private pools, cabanas and direct beach access and boasts of seven F&B outlets including its signature Tête-à-Tête beach dining experience. The Six Senses Zil Payson is set to open in September 2016. The private island resort located on the stunning Felicite Island embraces nature while offering every creature comfort. Its 30 pool villas offer an oasis of serenity encircled by the Indian Ocean. This is in addition to the opening of quite a few small establishments including self catering chalets and guesthouses.

Deepening its commitment, Four Seasons will open its second resort in Seychelles in 2017 on Desroches, one of the remotest islands in the world belonging to the Amirantes group in the outer islands of Seychelles. Seychelles is world famous for its award winning pristine and uncrowded beaches, lush forests full of fascinating flora and fauna, diverse islands, galore of activities, excellent hospitality, range of accommodation options and a year-long tourist seasons. Anse Lazio and Anse Source dÁrgent are consistently voted among the top 10 most beautiful and most photographed beaches in the world respectively. Seychelles has become increasingly popular among Indians with visa on arrival and gratis and direct flights from Mumbai and good connectivity from other cities with airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Ethiopian airlines, Sri Lankan airlines and Kenya airways.