ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES SET TO COMMENCE SEYCHELLES FLIGHTS IN 3 WEEKS
While recently in the Seychelles it was confirmed that Ethiopian Airlines will be commencing 4 weekly flights between Addis Ababa and Mahe from the beginning of April, adding a second connection through a key African mainland hub after Kenya Airways flights via Nairobi.
The fact that ET will start with 4 flights a week is in fact seen as notice of intent to neighbouring KQ, presently only flying twice a week via Nairobi, to connect their global network to the Creole island paradise, and in particular offering their Star Alliance and codeshare partners from key source markets convenient onward flights to the Seychelles, outshining their nearest and fiercest rivals.
The new connection is also important for travelers from Africa to the Seychelles with connectivity until now depending largely on the flights from Johannesburg to Mahe on Air Seychelles and by Kenya Airways via Nairobi, where growing demand for visits to Affordable Seychelles has been aided by the archipelagos NO VISA policy, which admits tourists as long as they have a return ticket, a confirmed hotel reservation and enough spending money for the duration of their stay, and in the case of African visitors a yellow fever inoculation certificate.
It was also confirmed by a source from the Seychelles Tourism Board that the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, now headed by Alain St. Ange, and STB held discussions with Ethiopian Airlines ahead of the flight launch to explore closer ties and cooperation to bring more journalists and travel agents to the island on fam trips, using Ethiopian Airlines extensive African and global network.
It could not be established if a twin centre holiday option has been on the meeting agenda, as Ethiopia has a number of excellent tourism attractions and national parks, which are largely underexplored and underutilized at present and which might in turn receive a publicity boost from a joint initiative with the Seychelles, combining the traditional African mainland safaris with the fabulous beach holidays on the archipelago.
Watch this space for coverage about the inaugural flight in three weeks time.
