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Seychelles diversifies its offerings amidst recovery

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Tourism Seychelles hosted a Seychelles dedicated event for selected Saudi Arabian trade and media partners at the Movenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh earlier this year. Some 85 partners attended the event; many of whom have been working closely with Tourism Seychelles to increase the destination’s visibility in the Kingdom.

The ‘Recovery in Tourism’ private event reintroduced Seychelles as an ideal destination for tourism for Saudi Arabian visitors. Taking the audience away from the honeymoon, sun-sea and sand island misconceptions, the team presented the diversity of the destination and introduced other interesting attributes for Saudi Arabian travellers including the workcation programme, family-friendly holiday destination, and the island-hopping adventure destination.

According to a recently released report by Kayak, Mauritius and Seychelles were ranked first and second respectively in the MEA region, for the best countries for travel and remote working in 2022.

 

SAUDI MOU

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Seychelles to boost cooperation and exchange expertise between the two sides.

The MoU, which was signed by the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, and his counterpart, Sylvestre Radegonde, emanates from the importance of tourism and its role in increasing economic growth, creating job opportunities, and promoting sustainable development and cooperation between the two countries, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

It also aims at supporting and developing the activities and efforts of tourism institutions and associations and encouraging the establishment of investments, projects, and tourism activities via holding conferences, entertainment programs, seminars, and exhibitions.

As per the MoU, the two sides will exchange expertise in planning, tourism investment, and developing tourism sites and projects.

 

INSPIRED EXCURSION

Seychelles capital Victoria is a tiny, charming town that boasts an architectural blend of French and British heritage, with colonial-style plantation houses, The Clock Tower, the Bicentennial monument and the Bel Air Cemetery.

Visitors can explore the vibrant Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market, a hive of stalls and shops selling exotic fruits, spices, and vegetables. Early Saturday morning is the best time to visit, with fishmongers displaying an impressive variety of freshly caught seafood, from barracuda to blue marlin.

The Botanical Gardens are a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Established over a century ago, this verdant tropical oasis features endemic flora and fauna including the Seychelles’ famous Coco De Mer trees and giant Aldabra tortoises.

Visitors must make a pit stop for beverage tasting at the Takamaka Distillery, or for a real taste of plantation life and a game of pétanque, visit the herb gardens of La Plaine St André.

Hiking is a popular activity in Mahé. Trekking through the granite mountains and dense rainforests of the Morne Seychellois National Park promises a small footprint and wild beauty.

 

COASTAL PLAYGROUND 

Visits to Praslin and La Digue islands are easily accessible with boats to Praslin anchoring at Anse Lazio beach, famous for its clear gem-blue waters with easy access to Anse Georgette and the uncrowded pleasure of snorkelling in the St Pierre Marine Park.

La Digue is framed by picturesque granite boulders. Travellers can cycle around laidback La Passe and enjoy lunch at Chez Jules, a charming water’s edge restaurant. On the northern tip of the island, snorkel in the natural rock pool found on Anse Marron beach. 

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, nestled into the cliffside and beach on the west coast of the Seychelles main island of Mahé, can provide tailormade trips to each guest’s preference and a private two-hour guided walk through the Unesco World Heritage–listed Vallée de Mai forest to see the rare coco de mer palms can be included on the trip.

Anantara Maia also provides exclusive island-hopping helicopter flips. A scenic helicopter flight to Aride Bird Island is an extra-special journey giving guests a rare opportunity to see endangered birdlife and relish the uncrowded pleasure of snorkelling in translucent sapphire sea water, before savouring a stylish picnic lunch on the private beach. 

NEW FAMILY VILLA

Whilst on Praslin experience Anse Lazio beach, which consistently ranks in the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. The villa-only resort of Raffles Seychelles, located on the island of Praslin, has unveiled ‘The 4 Bedroom Residence’, an exclusive sanctuary, right in time to plan for the perfect summer holiday.

Coupled with renowned world-class hospitality and culinary experiences, the resort has engaging activities for the young travellers, including private cinema nights under the starry Seychellois skies, a snack bar with movie snacks and beverages, a kid friendly spa day, where the little ones can indulge in a gentle scrub while enjoying their chocolate wraps and a children’s only movie night at the resorts’ fine dining restaurant, Losean.

For kids seeking an adventurous holiday, Raffles Seychelles has designed several tailored programmes and fun activities including Aldabra tortoise feeding on the property’s dedicated park, cooking classes, paddle boarding, treasure hunts, nature trails and an introduction to the world of bees at Raffles Seychelles’ onsite bee farm.

For couples who choose to have their moment of rejuvenation while the kids go on their escapades, the award-winning Raffles Spa can bring the spirit of peace and tranquillity with each treatment.

The four-bedroom residence can host up to eight adults or two adults plus six children. Guests will be able to enjoy indoor rain showers, relaxing deep-soak baths with views that mesmerise, double walk-in closets arranged by the butler, a private pool set at the pool pavilion complete with a lounge to indulge in sunset drinks, a separate entertainment room and a gourmet kitchen to satisfy the palate. The luxuriously designed villa exudes comfort, style, and elegance.   

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