Tourism Seychelles last month hosted its megafam experience for 65 travel agents and members of the press, (including Travel News), from every corner of the world.
The participants came together to learn what makes this magical archipelago so unique as a travel destination.
During a welcome cocktail hosted by Tourism Seychelles at Cyann, a renowned eatery within the five-star Constance Ephelia resort on Mahé, the group was treated to an evening of fine dining and wining, networking, and soulful tunes by local duo, Isis and Isham Rath.
“As professionals in the travel trade, you understand the transformative power of exploration. You are the architects of dreams, crafting unforgettable experiences for those seeking adventure, relaxation and cultural enrichment,” says Bernadette Willemin, Director General of Destination Marketing for Tourism Seychelles, explaining the thrust behind the Seychelles’ current drive to attract more visitors to its shores.
The Seychellois government recognises the potential value that tourism can bring as an economic contributor and believes that those who sell the Seychelles as a destination need to immerse themselves in understanding exactly what it is they’re selling.
“When you recommend Seychelles and when you recommend an experience here, you’re doing it through experience,” says Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism Seychelles.
Key in Seychelles’ tourism strategy is the environment. Francis revealed that 50% of its land and 30% of its ocean territory are protected areas. Its conservation efforts also mean this land will remain undeveloped to support its precious ecosystem, home to flora and fauna endemic only to the Seychelles.
Members of the South African travel trade who sell the Seychelles to their clients were keen to see the accommodation and activity options and to determine that there was hassle-free ease of movement on the islands. The idyllic island destination ticked all the right boxes.
Shana Sertse, a tour consultant at Thompsons Holidays, feels that the Seychelles offers travellers an experience that can’t be found elsewhere.
“The demand from South Africans for the Seychelles is definitely there, and having seen for myself what is on offer and experienced the amazing hospitality of the Seychellois, it will definitely be much easier now to sell it as a destination,” she says.
While cost might be a consideration for South African travellers, what they get to take away from the destination is a profoundly rich and authentic experience, believes Gail van den Heever, a travel consultant at Flight Centre Travel Group.
“I’ve travelled extensively and experienced the full spectrum of travel offerings, but never have I experienced anything like the Seychelles, which I feel has everything you could ever ask for from an island destination holiday,” she says.
