Seychelles continues to ride the wave of growth with increasing number of Indian tourists each year. 2017 marked India’s placement as the top seventh source market for the destination with over 13500 visitors from India. The numbers are only increasing with over 8000 passengers having travelled in the first half of 2018, even before the peak honeymoon season of Oct-Dec. Known for its pristine beaches and surreal scenery, Seychelles has always been a favourite with the honeymooners. The destination now sees a growth in family and celebrations segment as well with a steady rise of 13.3 per cent in Indian tourist arrivals from January to July 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. 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 innovative digital presence along with direct flights from Mumbai five times a week.
Commenting on this accomplishment Mrs Sherin Francis, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board said, “We are happy to note of this increase from a varied segment of travellers from India. We have always adopted innovative strategies and marketing collaborations to present Seychelles as the ideal luxury holiday destination in India. The growth 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.”
Lubaina Sheerazi, COO, Blue Square Consultants which is the India office for the Seychelles Tourism Board accounted this increase to focused efforts into innovative marketing campaigns and precise targeting of the destination to the Indian audiences. “We are happy to see the numbers coming in from different sectors and will continue to tap tier two cities on India who have been contributing highly to this growth,” she said.