Seychelles aviation news – Etihad starts gearing up with launch promotions

ETIHAD STARTS SEYCHELLES PROMOTION
With the formal launch of initially 4 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and Mahe just weeks away, the destination campaign by Etihad across its global network is rapidly getting into gear now.
Ahead of Top Resa in Paris have news started to emerge of a major push by Etihad, supported by the Seychelles Tourism Board and the archipelagos private sector, to market the Seychelles as a dream holiday destination. Following in the footsteps of senior cousin Emirates and also Qatar Airways, the former moving towards double daily flights and Qatar having gone daily earlier in the year, the campaign will find both challenges to overcome but also be able to take advantage of the high visibility the Seychelles have established across the world by previous campaigns from airlines. STBs deliberate policy of courting the media, in particular the travel media and leading magazines, will also support Etihads roll out of their latest destination, when the inaugural flight goes underway.
The Seychelles, one of the most wanted honeymoon destinations across the globe, has with its dual approach to marketing itself made massive gains, not only as a top end holiday destination in eternal summer in some of the most luxurious resorts one can find, but also with their Affordable Seychelles campaign supporting their home grown hospitality industry comprising holiday villas, guest houses and B&Bs, often located on very scenic spots, overlooking the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean from the hills or near the beaches.
The myth that the Seychelles is only for the rich and famous has been put permanently to rest as both market segments can happily live out their dream holiday, some in the luxurious surroundings of resorts like The MAIA, the Constance Lemuria, North Island or further out Desroches Island Resort, while those travelling on a tighter budget still enjoy the beaches of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue while staying in Seychellois owned and operated guest houses where the best tradition of Creole hospitality are often found.
Etihads launch fares for the inaugural flight from for instance their European network via Abu Dhabi to Mahe are thought to be starting with a below 500 UK from the UK and in the region of 400 Euros return from the European mainland for the immediate launch period before rising by about 100 currency units respectively as the high season of Christmas and New Year is drawing nearer.
The Seychelles arrival record of last year is already in sight of being broken and the added four flights a week with an A 320 in a two class configuration will be the proverbial shot in the arm of the Seychelles tourism industry to reach new record arrival and revenue figures from the tourism sector.
Suggests this correspondent in closing: Watch your local dailies and magazines for the launch campaign adverts by Etihad to take advantage of some incredible offers being lined up and be ready to travel to Seychelles Another World just as much as to Affordable Seychelles and experience the unique hospitality of the Creole Island Paradise.