Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, witnessed an impressive number of visitors from India. The destination is hassle free with visa on arrival, gratis and very good flight connectivity.
Seychelles continues to ride the wave of growth with a 42 pc annual increase in tourist arrivals from India in 2016 compared to 2015. Around 11,000 tourists from India visited Seychelles in 2016 compared to around 8,000 in 2015 and as a result, India broke into the top 10 source markets for the tourism board.
This increase can be attributed to the India tourist office’s committed focus on promotion of the destination, interest and efforts from the hotels and DMCs to capture the Indian market, increased customer awareness due to Bollywood associations and innovative digital presence along with an increase in Air Seychelles daily flights from four to five times a week.
Commenting on this accomplishment, Sherin Francis, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board said, “We are thrilled with the interest created in the market about Seychelles that made it possible for the momentum of success to continue. We have seen a phenomenal increase in arrivals since we opened office three years ago. The increase in arrivals from India was 42 pc, making Seychelles one of the top choices for a holiday. This would not have been possible without the constant support of Air Seychelles, the DMCs and the hotels who walk with us, hand in hand, in going the extra mile to ensure year-on-year success. It is this passion due to which we have been able to position Seychelles as a destination which is meant for all – families, couples, small groups, celebrations and MICE.”
Lubaina Sheerazi, COO, Blue Square Consultants, Seychelles Tourist Office – India said, “I am positive that this is the beginning of many such landmarks. Despite limited budgets and stiff competition, we have been able to generate phenomenal interest for the destination among Indians. This is because our strategy has been very clear from the beginning. A premium destination like Seychelles needs to be promoted to only the premium clientele. Also, a huge credit goes to the passion and aggression with which our select travel agent partners continue to promote the destination.”
Seychelles has been named among the top 21 destinations for 2016 by Robb Report India. Robb Report magazine has served as the definitive authority on connoisseurship for ultra-affluent consumers. Seychelles is world famous for its award-winning pristine and less crowded beaches and a range of accommodation options for a year-long tourist season. Anse Lazio and Anse Source dÁrgent are consistently voted among the ten most beautiful and photographed beaches in the world, respectively.