SEYCHELLES AGAIN SEES MAJOR GROWTH FROM GCC COUNTRIES
(Posted 09th December 2016)
The Seychelles Tourism Board Office in Dubai confirmed yesterday that visitor numbers from the GCC region have shown impressive year-on-year growth over the past 12 months. The announcement comes with news of a portfolio of hotel openings for 2017 that look set to secure the market leading position the islands have in the region into 2017, known for offering unsurpassed luxury, serene relaxation and enriching cultural experiences.
The Seychelles Islands has shown continuous growth in visitor arrivals from the GCC region over the past two years, building on its consistent status as a top feeder market and dream holiday option. In 2014, the destination welcomed a total of 18,668 visitors to the Island, growing to 27,089 visitors in 2015. Today, the Tourism Board Office in Dubai is proud to note that in the first ten months of 2016, figures have already surpassed 2016 targets with a record of 25,293 visitors from the GCC as of October 2016. The figure is a testament to the passion and dedication that the Seychelles Tourism Board Office in Dubai has in imagining and delivering a schedule of highly engaging activities and events.
The festive year end seasons and New Year’s celebrations are an ideal time to visit The Seychelles Islands, known around the world for its love of fiestas and vibrant gatherings, against a backdrop of unrivalled natural beauty. Each property in The Seychelles offers a unique New Year’s break experience for its guests. Though the offers differ, these typically include a festive New Year’s Gala Dinner, representing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for friends and family to gather together under the stars for a night like no other. Other options include a yacht trip with celebratory bubbly at hand or a restorative spa break.
Central to The Seychelles Island’s enduring success is the ability to offer new hotel and residential options. In this regard, Seychelles will begin the New Year on a high with news that two new properties are set to open in 2017. The new Pangia Beach which will be situated in Mahe Island, is a stunning residential development of 33 high-end beach apartments, due for completion in mid-2017. Elsewhere, tourists will be delighted to hear of the re-opening of Desroches Island, under its new brand, Four Seasons Resorts Seychelles following extensive renovations.
The Seychelles Islands recently demonstrated its status in the UAE with a high profile reception hosted by the CEO of the Tourism Board, Mrs. Sherin Francis. Of the sustained, positive reputation of the islands in the GCC, Mrs. Francis said: ‘The UAE will remain a very important market for Seychelles as we move into 2017. 2016 has been another remarkable year for us and we are very pleased to have been able to grow our market share in the UAE in a significant manner. I would like to extend my heartfelt thank you to all of our partners and collaborators. We are a firm believer that it is in working together that we can guarantee success‘.Seychelles was also named at the just concluded World Travel Awards International edition as the number one Honeymoon Destination in the world.
To end the year on a positive note, The Seychelles Tourism Board Office in Dubai organized a Media, Consumer, Trade and Corporate Networking event that allowed a select group of guests to mingle and interact in a social setting. The event was designed to strengthen the Seychelles’ brand presence in the market and was warmly supported by Hilton Hotels & Resorts; namely Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, an untouched paradise along the Indian Ocean, a hidden gem surrounded by white-sandy beaches, tropical gardens and crystal waters, and Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa; a secluded Creole paradise nestled in lush mountains. Hilton Resort & Spa generously provided two nights in both properties on BB Basis with return flights as a prize at the event.
Mr. Ahmed Fathallah, the Seychelles Tourism Board Office in Dubai Regional Manager and initiator of the event said: ‘We have reached our targets for the second consecutive year, an achievement that inspires the team and me to arrange even more events of this nature as a way of acknowledging and thanking our valued partners across media, trade, consumer and corporate sectors. Our success is a tribute to our combined efforts‘.
For added information about Destination Seychelles click on www.seychelles.travel
