Seychelles lures India market with FAM trip for tour operators
Monday, 12 May 2014 00:00
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The Seychelles Tourism Board recently organised a familiarisation trip for Mumbai and New Delhi tour operators.
The objective behind this trip was to create an understanding about the destination and establish relations for the Indian trade with the private sector in Seychelles.
Representatives from well known travel companies such as Thomas Cook, Cox&Kings, TUI and N. Chirag were part of the trip.
Sherin Naiken, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board said: “We are seeing a steady increase in interest for Seychelles from the Indian market. A major part of the credit can be attributed to our Indian travel trade partners for understanding the uniqueness of Seychelles islands and promoting the same to the traveller. We will continue to educate and support them through initiatives like FAM trips, trainings and roadshow.”
During the trip the agents explored four islands of Seychelles – Mahé, Praslin, St. Anne and Frégate. Island hopping is very easy in Seychelles with regular boat and air services between the islands.
Mahé is home to the international airport, the capital Victoria and has excursions like the Takamaka Bay rum distillery and Morne Seychellois National park.
Roughly 15 minutes from Mahe is the Sainte Anne Island, a part of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. It has one of the largest areas of sea grass of the granitic islands where green and hawksbill turtles are often found. Bottlenose dolphins also frequent the park.
Praslin is famous for the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Vallée de Mai – and Anse Lazio, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Fregate is the most easterly of the granitic islands, around 1.5 hours by boat or 40 minutes by flight. It is a jewel of conservation and has an exclusive 16 villas luxury resort.
Lubaina Sheerazi, Head-Blue Square Consultants, Seychelles Tourist Office – India said: “The tour operators group who participated in the FAM trip loved the islands and are upbeat about its potential to become a sought after honeymoon and family holiday destination. They are impressed with the diverse islands, their gorgeous secluded beaches, rare flora and fauna, adrenaline pumping activities, delicious cuisine and friendly people. In terms of accommodation the agents experienced a range of hotels – from the most exclusive private island resorts, luxury 5-star resorts to comfortable self catering apartments.”
The group enjoyed the warm hospitality of Constance Ephelia, Constance Lemuria, Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, Fregate Island Private and La Fontaine Holiday Apartments. The group also visited Four Seasons resort, Kempinski resort, Paradise Sun, La Reserve, Coco de Mer & Black Parrot Suites, Banyan Tree, and MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa.
Seychelles is a hassle-free travel destination for Indians as it has no visa. On arrival one just needs to show return or onward air-ticket, accommodation proof, valid passport and enough funds for their stay to get immigration clearance free of cost.
