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Akshay Kumar – Mumbai
Air Seychelles is going to reintroduce direct flights to the India market. The airline will be launching three weekly direct flights between the Island of Mahe and Mumbai effective December 1, 2014. The minister of tourism and culture, government of India and his counterpart from the Government of Seychelles had a meeting on August 4, 2014 to discuss about the direct flight connectivity. In the coming weeks, the ministry of civil aviation of both the countries will be meeting to finalise and sign a bilateral agreement. Speaking on the new development, Alain St Ange, minister of tourism and culture, Government of Seychelles said, “India is one of the biggest potential markets for Seychelles. The total number of Indian tourist arrival in 2013 was 2381 and with the introduction of the direct flight this number could increase gradually. Another major reason behind the introduction is that India provides a huge workforce in the construction segment to Seychelles.” Travellers can acquire visa-on-arrival which can be renewed for another month.
| Seychelles and India tourism ministers meet at PATWA
The recently held Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) event in New Delhi witnessed the presence of Shripad Naik, minister of tourism, Government of India and Alain St Agne, minister of tourism and culture, Seychelles. At the event, Naik informed that the ministry is planning to invest Rs 2.45 crore for providing employment opportunities. India saw a growth of 5.9 per cent growth in tourism sector with 6.97 million tourists in 2013. The government is also keen on developing the culinary sector, with the Indian Culinary Institute in Tirupati, more regional institutes are expected to open soon. Reacting to the news, Agne said, “India and Seychelles share a joint vision because the trade, tourism, tradition and talent points of the 5-T approach correspond to the letter to the Seychelles approach where culture, and the people of the islands, are placed at the centre of the Seychelles tourism agenda.” |
