“The Middle East, and in particular the UAE, has consistently been a key market for the Seychelles. We’re now witnessing an increase from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and we’ve been conducting roadshows to increase awareness of the Seychelles as a key holiday destination; ideal for privacy, for families and perfect for those seeking complete relaxation or those looking to explore.”
“In the last few years, we’ve seen exponential growth from the Middle East market, making it one of our most significant feeder markets outside of Europe.”
With the constant effort aimed at reaching out to travellers from the Arab world, data collected shows that the numbers are on a constant growth to date with fifth ranking in terms of visitor arrivals globally.
With more than 32,000 visitors from the GCC last year, the GCC market remains to be one of the main market feeders to the destination to date.
“Seychelles is magical. It’s a place where people fall in love, rekindle relationships, the place that spells romance”
– Sherin Francis
Francis says, “The UAE in particular has responded phenomenally to our strategy as we are heavily connected, with three daily flights between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We are a visa-free destination, perfect for weekend getaways and offer a wonderful contrast – just four hours away from the UAE.”
NATURAL BEAUTY
Seychelles’ 115 granite and coral islands scattered over a secluded corner of the Indian Ocean have remained sanctuaries for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth.
Each isle possesses its own particular geography and character extending from granite boulders to coral reefs, from untouched forests and bird sanctuaries to private resorts and hideaways and, in this respect, never has the visitor been more spoiled for the sheer choice of unspoiled island venues.
Equally, the wonderful variety of Seychelles’ flora and fauna with its high proportion of endemic species nurtured within one of nature’s last pristine sanctuaries makes it an exciting destination for naturalists, ornithologists and eco-tourists alike.
Nowhere else on earth are to be found unique specimens such as the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples; the wondrous Coco-de-mer; the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and thirteen species and seventeen subspecies of bird life. The Vallée de Mai, once thought to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, and legendary Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, are both Unesco World Heritage Sites.
From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles boasts an amazing array of endemic and indigenous species waiting to be discovered along its several nature trails.
Aldabra is an amazing example of one of the world’s truly untouched environments. The world’s largest raised coral atoll, it consists of 13 islands which together make up one third of the Seychelles’ land mass. The whole of Mahé can fit inside its lagoon! The Aldabra Group consists of Astove, Cosmoledo, Assumption and of course Aldabra itself.
ACTIVITIES
With an area of 1,400,000 sq. km. of sparkling waters, chartering a yacht is perhaps the most rewarding way of discovering the hidden treasures of the archipelago.
Seychelles has some of the richest fishing grounds in the world and you do not have to venture far from the shoreline to break fishing records.
Seychelles has all this to offer and more but perhaps its most enduring attraction is the security it offers and its enviable pace of life amid the tranquillity and multi-racial harmony of the islands.
Here, cocooned within the reassuring atmosphere of a large family, there is still ‘time to enjoy’ the finer things of life and to appreciate the many aspects of a truly refreshing Creole culture and enviable island lifestyle.
“People escape the city life and come to us to enjoy the sun, sea and sand and to rejuvenate and recharge their batteries,” says Francis.
“Seychelles is magical. It’s a place where people fall in love, rekindle relationships, the place that spells romance.”
Today Europeans consist of 60 per cent of Seychellois inbound markets, earlier it used to be 90 per cent. “Apart from the UAE we are looking at India, which will take time but will respond well soon, China, very recently we have been looking at Australia, Japan, Brazil, South Korea and North American markets as well in a bid to diversify.”
In 2020, Club Med Seychelles will open on the site that used to be a Beachcomber, but will not just be renovated but enlarged. The 300-plus key resort will be adding more family rooms. The Ritz-Carlton, which started way back when and got stalled, has a new developer, things will pick up for the property as well, says Francis.
“We were renowned as a destination for honeymoons and couples, but our recent success story has been written by families visiting us. It used to be challenging when we used to depend on honeymooners a lot, there were very few repeat visitors.”
MUCH TO DO IN MAHÉ
MAHÉ, principal island of the Seychelles and site of the international airport, is a granitic island 27 km long and 8 kms wide and rises to a height of 905 metres above sea level at its highest point. This mountainous island is covered with a thick mantle of lush vegetation and is perhaps the most spectacular of the islands.
Seychelles' capital city Victoria, one of the smallest cities in the world, and its Creole delights can be explored on foot in just a day. The National History Museum, National Culture Centre, Botanical Gardens, Morne Seychellois National Park, Craft Village and Mission Lodge all present varied experiences for the curious traveller. Art lovers and gastronomy enthusiasts don’t leave the island unhappy, while the Beau Vallon beach is a great place to get a fix of all kinds of watersports activities.