Bounce-back continues as Seychelles tourist arrivals exceed 2021

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The number of visitors to Seychelles has surpassed figures for the whole of 2021 during the third quarter of 2022, proof of tourism recovery.

The number of visitors to Seychelles has surpassed figures for the whole of 2021 during the third quarter of 2022, proof of tourism recovery in the country.

The 182,850th passenger disembarked at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, topping the 182,849 passengers who traveled to the island destination last year. As a token of appreciation, the passengers of the morning flights were treated with small gifts from the Tourism Department.

The Director-General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, noted that given the difficulties the tourism sector has endured these past two years, she is proud of the great feat that has been achieved. “Reaching 2021 figures in only 7 months is an achievement that would not have been possible without the collaborative effort of the government and private sector. We are keeping our eyes on making yet another hit in our 2022 arrival numbers,” said Mrs. Willemin.

Emphasizing the importance of remaining competitive as a destination, Mrs. Willemin added that the tourism team has been focused on reinforcing its marketing strategies and intensifying its online presence.

“As a destination, we are striving to remain diligent and continue to maintain a strong presence in all our markets, through our participation in the various trade and consumer events taking place. However, we also bear in mind that the like COVID-19 pandemic and recently, the Russia-Ukraine unrest, including other global situations can quickly change, which in turn, could affect the progress that we have made,” she added.

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As in previous years, Europe remains the main market source, which accounts for 73.83 percent of all arrivals. Leading the European market are France and Germany, with the former drawing in a total of 24,615 visitors from the start of the year to week the end of week 29. Behind the European market sits the Asian market, with the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and India taking the lead, respectively.

Now that the COVID-19 measures have eased and the outdoor mask-wearing mandate has been removed, Seychelles is slowly transitioning back to pre-pandemic life. It is hoped that with this favorable advantage, the country can pick up where it left off two years ago.

To remain competitive as a destination, the Seychelles Tourism team has focused on reinforcing its marketing strategies and intensifying its online presence.

“As a destination, we are striving to remain diligent and continue to maintain a strong presence in all our markets, through our participation in the various trade and consumer events.

“However,” Willemin cautioned, “we also bear in mind that, like the COVID-19 pandemic and recently, the Russia-Ukraine unrest, including other global situations, things can quickly change, which in turn, could affect the progress that we have made.”

Tourism Seychelles expects to reach over 250 000 visitors by the end of 2022, which would mean reaching about two-thirds of the 2019 numbers of 428 000 visitors.

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Devender was born in the year when the Beatles Group was formed. He holds two master’s degrees in English Literature and Public Administration. He also has an Honors degree in English Literature and a post-graduate diploma in Corporate Communications and Public Relations. He ventured into business, forming his own Media House, Profiles Media Network Private Limited, a twenty-year-old company. Excelling as an editor, Marketing, PR, Anchor, and Advertising specialist, he is now expertly navigating the world of social media. A widely traveled professional internationally, Devender has a deep understanding of Travel and Tourism, Fashion and Lifestyle, Aviation, and Hospitality Industry. Connect with Devender Grover @ travelspan@gmail.com