Global Destinations Sep - Oct 20136

Known as one of the world’s most romantic destination

Seychelles is a star appeal for honeymooners and celebri-

ties in search of peace, tranquility, and breathtaking

seascapes not to mention the powder-white sandy beaches, lapped

with dazzling turquoise blue waters. Throughout the islands one

can find unparalleled opportunities for sailing on bare-boat or

skippered yacht, deep-sea and fly-fishing as well as a broad diver-

sity of dive experiences.

Seychelles is a truly beautiful country with lovely and kind

people. This I found out when I had visited the country last year.

This Indian Ocean republic occupies a land area of 455 km² and

an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km². It represents an

archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquility and harmony that is

famous for its fascinating beaches and for its great diversity

which rolls from lush forests down to the warm azure ocean.

Seychelles' 115 islands fall under two distinct groups. The tall

granite, Inner Islands cluster mainly within the relatively shallow

Seychelles' plateau, 4° south of the equator and roughly 1800 km.

distant from the east coast of Africa while the low-lying coralline

cays, atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands lie mainly

beyond the plateau up to 10° south of the equator.

Of these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-

oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5

groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer

Islands. These Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the

Amirantes group lying 230km distant from Mahé, the Southern

Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group and finally the

Aldabra Group, some 1150km from Mahé.

There are 43 Inner Islands in all -- 41 granitic and 2 coralline.

The Inner Islands which are mostly granitic, cluster mainly

around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, form-

ing the cultural and economic hub of Seychelles, as well as the

centre of its tourism industry. Together they are home to the

majority of Seychelles’ accommodation facilities as well almost

the entire population of the archipelago.

Seychelles is a living museum of natural history and a sanctu-

ary for some of the rarest species of flora & fauna on earth. With

almost 50% of its limited landmass set aside as national parks and

reserves, Seychelles prides itself on its record for far sighted con-

servation policies that have resulted in an enviable degree of pro-

tection for the environment and the varied ecosystems it supports.

Nowhere else on earth will you find unique endemic specimens

such as the fabulous Coco-de-mer, the largest seed in the world,

the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples, the Sey-

chelles’ paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler.

Seychelles is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the

legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin and fabled Aldabra, the

world’s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafar-

ers of the 9th century A.D.

When in Seychelles there’s a lot to do. A major reason for

tourists to visit is to relax and for that there are stunning beaches

– quite a few of them are untouched and are refreshingly

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Seychelles: The top rated beach in the world

Seychelles was recently rated the number one beach among the top 100 beaches of the world

C o v e r S t o r y

uncrowded. One can also walk along the coastline enjoying the

fresh air and sound of waves. You will also be rewarded by the

breath-taking scenery. A word of caution - not all beaches are

suitable for swimming due to the seasonal winds.

Seychelles is also a perfect place for the water sports as one can

explore the islands on a yacht, power boat, catamaran or sailboat.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing and windsurfing are also

extremely popular. Indians probably may prefer glass bottom

boat tours to view the ocean. Biking is quite popular. Bike rentals

and walking tours are great ways to sightsee and since distances

are relatively short and the scenery is beautiful, walking is prob-

ably the best way to see the smaller islands (La Digue, Praslin).

On Mahe it is not advised to ride bicycles. Bird watching is also

popular and the islands are home to many of the worlds most

treasured and rare species of animals. The best place to do so is

Cousin Island which although only 1 km (0.6 miles) in diameter,

is home to more than 300,000 birds, but many unique species can

be found at ease on Mahe.

Seychelles also has numerous markets, art galleries and shops,

colonial Creole-style plantation houses, and the main island of

Mahé has six museums, a botanical garden, and several national

monuments. The islands are predominantly Roman Catholic with

an ethnic mix every bit as diverse as the makeup of its islands. So

you have numerous cathedrals, a Hindu temple and a mosque.

Sights in Victoria include the clock tower, old courthouse, natu-

ral history museum, Victoria market, botanical gardens, Anglican

Church.

Not to be missed are the two UNESCO sites. Vallee de Mai is

a national park and home to amazing flora and fauna, including

the world's largest seed: the coco de mer. Aldabra Atoll, the

world's largest coral atoll that stretches about 22 miles east to

west and encloses a huge tidal lagoon. Aldabra is the original

home of the giant land tortoise and tiger sharks and manta rays

can also often be seen here.

Apart from this Seychelles offers a naturally romantic back-

drop for weddings and honeymoons as well as being an enticing

destination for select incentive groups and the elite of the busi-

ness world. Offering amazing walks & trails, golf and memorable

spa & wellness holidays, never before has the discerning tourist

seeking tranquility been offered such a diverse choice of experi-

ences in one destination.

Accommodation

The Seychelles are not tolerant of backpackers turning up at the

airport without accommodation booked. So do try to get your

accommodation booked in advance. Accommodations in Sey-

chelles are relatively expensive and some islands have only one

hotel and can vary from €1500 to €100 per night. The islands also

enjoy a rich variety of affordable hotels and guesthouses with the

charms and rhythms of an authentic island lifestyle. If you are on

a tight budget renting an apartment or bungalow would be a good

option. It is possible to find accommodation of a double room for

two persons starting at €65. At this cost you will not have many

luxuries. Peak seasons from December to January and July to

August can see a jump in hotel prices and sometimes finding the

right accommodation can be difficult.

A realistic budget will be around €120 per person per day

which includes a moderately priced hotel, food at a few good

restaurants and sightseeing. Island hopping and and other activi-

ties make increase the cost substantially.

Islands with accommodation are very few – Mahé, Praslin, La

Digue, Bird Island, Cerf, Chauve Souris, Cousine, Denis Island,

Frégate, North Island, Round Island (Praslin), Silhouette and Ste.

Anne.

Some of the popular hotels are - Constance Epheila Mahe,

Constance Lemuria Praslin, Maia, Banyan Tree, Four seasons,

Kempinski, Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove, Coral beach, Sunset

beach hotel, Hilton Northolme, Labriz, Sainte Anne Comber

beach, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay, L'archipel, La Reserve, Raffles

etc.

The unit of currency is the Seychelles rupee (Rs), but the pop-

ular foreign currency is euros - prices for services are mostly

quoted in euros. There are ATMs, which accept major internation-

al cards, at the airport and at all the major banks in Victoria.

Thanks to an extensive bus service operating throughout Mahé

one need not rent a car. There is a flat rate of Rs 5 to go from any

place in the city. Praslin also boasts an efficient bus service.

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Global Destinations Sep - Oct 201310

Your Excellency what was the main idea behind creating an

India Day and will it be an annual affair?

The main idea behind creating a celebration in Seychelles

called the Seychelles - India Day is to give the due recognition for

our country's historical link with India and to ensure that our local

Indian Population are duly recognised for the part they have

played since the beginning to make Seychelles what it is today.

Seychelles has five main historical line that makes our Creole

Seychellois People the diverse people we are. These are France,

Africa, the UK, India and China. For years we have celebrated

our link with France

through the La Francopho-

nie Day, with Africa

through Africa Day cele-

brations, the UK through

the Commonwealth Day

celebrations but we did not

for one reason or another

mark an India Day celebra-

tion nor did we mark a

China Day celebration.

This will now change as

this October we shall have

the first Seychelles-India

Celebrations and early

next year our first Sey-

chelles-China Day celebrations. Our history with India is to inter-

twined for us not to be marking an India Day celebrations and I

need to say thank you to the High Commissioner of India for his

support to have helped make this celebration a reality for Sey-

chelles.

You are considered the main driver behind the fast growth

of the country’s tourism sector (having substantially boosted

visitor arrival numbers). How did you go about achieving it

and any tips for tourism Ministers and tourism secretaries

from other countries/states?

When I was given the mandate to re-launch our country's

tourism industry my first mission was to get all our Tour Opera-

tor partners in the four corners of the world to take us seriously

as a tourism destination. This was a bit easier for me as I came

from the private sector and was known by the large majority of

our Tour Operator partners, but to move forward I needed to work

in unity with the island's private sector. My success depended on

their success as a business community. We discussed together, we

planned and strategised together and we panned out new

revamped Marketing Plans for Seychelles. We they moved to

bring out a Tourism Master Plan as our industry was turning 40

since it was launched in earnest in 1971 with the arrival of the

first BOAC VC 10 plane from the UK.

This we did after a lot of consulting

from the bottom up. It was not going

to be a Government dictated document

but one where all the interested parties

could and would see their concerns

raised and their expectations referred

to. At the same time it was important

for me to get Seychelles to stand

behind me if we wanted to see our

tourism industry consolidated for the

longer term. For this to happen we

needed to get more of our Seychellois

involved in the industry that remains

the pillar of their economy. This is

when our President, Mr James Michel

coined the 'Seychelles Brand of Tourism' as our style to guide our

way forward and this was a first statement after 40 years of

tourism which said that Seychelles needed to claim back its

tourism industry if we wanted to see our industry consolidated.

This has helped to get everyone to not only support our tourism

industry, but it also saw everyone defending the Seychelles

tourism industry. It was a fine line of saying we wanted more for-

eign investors and at the same time convincing other Government

Departments to see Seychellois Investments as a must for the

wellbeing of our country's tourism industry. We could not, as a

country, see a them and us approach and our people needed to be

seen in our industry, they needed to be respected as investors in

their own right and they ended to be encouraged to join the indus-

“Seychelles operates a No VISA Policy. We say that we arefriends of all and enemy of none and as friends everyone can

visit us and no one requires a visa to do so”Despite all the challenges the tourism industry is facing globally not to forget the economic crisis Seychelles Tourism has been growing substantial-ly and is faring better than what had been budgeted.. As per data obtainedfrom Seychelles National Bureau of Statistics, year 2013 saw a 14 per centincrease over 2012 figures. Seychelles has maintained a good level of visibility in all markets due to its strong links with international travelpress organisations and ensuring adequate media coverage for major events organised in the country. This has been mainly due to a dynamicSeychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture H.E. Alain St. Ange. Inan exclusive Interview with Chandragupta Amritkar, Editor, Global Destinations, H.E. Alain St. Ange went on to elaborate on the successstory, India day and future plans. Excerpts

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Global Destinations Sep - Oct 201312

try. My only message for all my colleague Ministers of Tourism

is to work with their respective population first and to have faith

in their private sector as they remain the motor behind their very

own tourism industry. For Seychelles we then needed to remain

relevant as a tourism destination and for this we need to always

be innovative and to be visible at all times in all our target mar-

kets. This was one of our biggest challenges, but today we say

that we have fared well because as is said the proof of the pud-

ding is in the sting and our tourism industry has but grown since

we moved to re-launch our industry.

When you compare the GDP to tourism, how important is

tourism to Seychelles?

Tourism for Seychelles is referred to as the pillar of our econo-

my. This is how important it is and is set to remain. The impor-

tance of tourism was highlighted with President James Michel

introduced a stand alone Ministry for Tourism after years of it

having been a portfolio in the Vice President's Office before

becoming attached to the President's Office itself. Tourism is

today a body that is consulted for decisions that have an effect

directly or indirectly on what Seychelles is and how it will be

seen by our visitors.

How’s the infrastructure when it comes to hotels and

accommodation in Seychelles?

Seychelles has always been known as a five star tourism desti-

nation and today this natural beauty is matched with a range of

top notch resorts. Seychelles has all the best and most respected

brand of resorts and hotels. We went out as a country to attract

these International Brands because we knew they would raise our

level and we knew that they would drive our Home Grown small-

er units to raise their very own standards. This we knew would

only work in the best interest of our industry and today we have

in Sey-

chelles the

range of

accommo-

dation network we needed and wanted. From 6 and 7 star one

island one hotel concept, to boutique small establishments, to the

small home grown properties offering the best in Creole wel-

come, atmosphere, culture and cuisine, to International Hotel

chains, to the best in International branded resorts and to floating

bed on cursers and live aboard. Everything is here, and we are

proud of what our islands have on offer.

MICE is a hot topic. How many hotels are suitable for

MICE? Which is the biggest convention center?

Seychelles values the MICE and Incentive Market and goes

after that market with vigour. We participate in the dedicated

MICE Trade Fairs and we are active in Incentive Market work-

shops because we are today well equipped for this niche or seg-

ment of tourism. We have a number of conference rooms with the

biggest one ready to accommodate 620 pax for a conference.

Most of our larger International Branded Resorts remain suitable

for that market. Seychelles is also well suited for pre and post

conferencing tours because of the diversity of mid-ocean islands

that make up the Seychelles archipelago.

What is the potential for Wellness Tourism?

Wellness Tourism or Spa holidays are today being called for by

each and every tourism destination. Some destinations are more

suited than others for such a special holiday. Seychelles lends

itself well because our well preserved natural environment brings

the setting required for wellness centres and world class Spas.

The potential is big and this is one reason we now have an annu-

al Wellness Festival in Seychelles. This we do to spread the word

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that we are ready for the discerning travellers looking for this spe-

cial holiday.

What is the current situation for long-haul flights to the

Seychelles?

Seychelles is accessible to the world as never before. We have

some 12 / 13 weekly flights by Emirates offering First, Business

and Economy seats to Seychelles from virtually anywhere in the

world. The same can be said for Etihad and their partner airline

Air Seychelles. They operate close to 14 weekly flights to Sey-

chelles. Condor offers a non-stop direct flight from Frankfurt

Germany to seychelles once a week, Kenya Airways as a Sky

Team Member offers 3 / 4 weekly flights from Nairobi Kenya and

Ethiopian Airlines flies to Seychelles from Addis Ababa three

times a week. From October Sri Lankan Airlines is starting three

weekly flights to Seychelles from Colombo. Do we have enough

flights no, and this will never be a statement I can make, because

as mid-ocean islands we need to continue looking at the best and

most direct flight for our would be visitors from their destination

on days they want and at prices they feel acceptable. We do not

own the money that sits in the wallets of our potential visitors,

they own their money and we need to continue to entice them by

offering what they want and expect.

Promotion of Heritage is vital for the success of any

country. What steps are you taking for this especially

UNESCO’s World Heritage sites?

Seychelles is conscious that we cannot consolidate our tourism

industry without showcasing our culture and our heritage. This is

more so because we are proud of what we are and what we have

to offer to our visitors in that field of culture and heritage. Sey-

chelles today has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (The Vallee

de Mai Coco de Mer reserve on Praslin Island and the Aldabra

Atoll) and we are finalising the needed documentation to seek

recognition of our island's only slave ruins. The Venn's Town

Mission Lodge where freed young slaves were housed after being

brought to Seychelles has so much historical value and we are

hoping that the UNESCO will see merit to have this property list-

ed and preserved as we preserve and care for the two sites we

already have in Seychelles . We have to keep telling the world we

have these sites in Seychelles which we preserve and protect as

good custodians.

You are the creator of Carnaval Internationale de Victoria

(The Carnival of Carnivals). What was the aim and how

successful has it been?

When I was mandated to create an International Carnival in

Seychelles for the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and for the

Region as a whole we saw the opening for a unique event that

would be seen as the carnival of carnivals. We wanted to create a

carnival where all the best and most known carnivals would

parade side by side and followed by Cultural Troupes from the

Community of Nations. The bench mark was raised high because

we wanted to offer to the world a platform where they could

showcase their culture, their country's unique selling points and

their people as they flew they National Flag to the world press.

We wanted to create a carnival that could be seen as a tourism

trade fair for showcasing countries and helping them to remain

relevant as tourism destinations in their own right. After three edi-

tions we can say that we have not only managed to stage such an

event, but that we have staged a very successful carnival of car-

nivals. The Press Fraternity continues to descend on Seychelles in

larger numbers because of the uniqueness of the event and the

diversity it showcases.

What’s your commitment to green and eco standards?

Seychelles is one country that believes in the protection of its

environment and as such must be a believer in green and eco stan-

dards in its tourism development. Two years ago we launched our

very own Sustainable Label for the Tourism Industry and contin-

ue to encourage tourism operators to buy into this scheme for the

long term benefit of our islands. Seychelles today has declared

over 50% of its total land area to protected national parks. To

move forward our Ministry will continue to work with the private

sector because we are all after the preservation of the uniqueness

that makes Seychelles stand tall in the world of tourism.

I was fortunate to be present when you were elected as

President of Vanilla Island of the Indian Ocean. You have

been re-elected for a second term. What did you achieve over

your tenure and what are your plans ahead?

The Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Organisation is the

grouping of the six islands - Seychelles, Mauritius, La Reunion,

Madagascar, Comoros and Mayotte. We decided to group our-

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Global Destinations Sep - Oct 201314

selves beyond politics and its complexities to promote our region

as a tourism region in its own right. The firm mission when I was

elected was to turn the club like group into a formal Regional

Organisation. Then we had to get the Organisation known and

increase its visibility. This we have achieved as the Vanilla

Islands are today known as a tourism region. The plans for the

future is to find the necessary funds to move the organisation for-

ward and to bring into our grouping the other islands of the Indi-

an Ocean who also believe in tourism as the industry for econom-

ic growth and for creating jobs for their respective islanders. The

strong points of each island must be pulled together to make the

region stronger for the benefit of all the islands of the Indian

Ocean.

There was a lot of talk regarding a single visa. What’s the

status?

We are looking at the best approach to tackle this thorny issue.

Seychelles operates a No VISA Policy. We say that we are friends

of all and enemy of none and as friends

everyone can visit us and no one requires a

visa to do so.

Coming to the India, How do you plan

to attract the Indian community?

We are looking at India as our next impor-

tant target market. We want to move in to

have our fair share of that market and we

know that we are the new destination for

Indian Holiday makers. We had big chal-

lenges because of no direct flights linking

Seychelles and India. Now with Sri Lankan Airlines doing a

direct non stop flight from Colombo in Sri Lanka and the Sey-

chelles the opportunity is finally arrived for Seychelles to move

into India to claim its share of that important market. We are now

moving to have representation in India for our Tourism Board and

we know that we shall be discovered as the new holiday destina-

tion for Indian Holiday makers.

How do you plan to position Seychelles as a leading tourism

destination?

Seychelles is a leading tourism destination not by the way we

will position it, but because it is the tourism destination with a

difference. It is small and quaint, it is clean and inhabited by but

a small population, it is a destination that has a small but impor-

tant local Indian Population, it is disease free and it is safe, it is a

destination that remains but some five hours flight time from

India, it is a destination that welcomes Indian Passport Holders

without any VISA. Is that not enough to be seen and appreciated

as the new destination for the Indian travellers?

You have strong links with international travel press organ-

izations and deal with all the top travel publications. How do

you manage this?

Seychelles has nothing to hide as a country. As the Minister

responsible for Tourism and Culture I work with an open door to

the press. I respect the press and value their friendship. The press

can make a destination or break it. We continue to invite the press

to visit our small country to discover what continues to attract the

Who's who in the world to spend their holidays or even their hon-

eymoon in Seychelles. I meet the press on every trip I do and I

continue to call press conferences everywhere I go because I

believe I need the press to always be well informed and updated

on our Seychelles.

What are the key priorities for the next five years?

The next five years is a time of consolidation and for imple-

menting what we have tabled in the Tourism Master Plan. This is

important because this is what Seychelles wants and needs.

Everyone involved in the tourism industry of Seychelles was

involved in the drafting of this Master Plan and we owe it to Sey-

chelles to implement it to ensure we continue to grow our tourism

industry for generations to come.

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Global Destinations Sep - Oct 201316

Though diplomatic ties

between India and Seychelles

have existed since Seychelles

gained independence in 1976 but

giving a boost to the bilateral rela-

tions will be the first Seychelles-

India Day that is scheduled from 4th

- 6th October 2013.

The Seychelles Ministry of

Tourism and Culture is planning to

attract more visitors to their country.

One of the major steps taken to

increase visibility of Seychelles in

India and thus increase visitor arrival

numbers to Seychelles is to establish the first Seychelles-India

Day. Under the aegis of the dynamic Seychelles Minister for

Tourism and Culture H.E. Alain St. Ange the first Seychelles-

India Day will be held from 4th - 6th October 2013. The event is

being held in close collaboration between Ministry of Tourism

and Culture and Indian High Commission.

“Together with the Indian High Commissioner we are happy to

announce the Seychelles first India day celebrations. Seychelles

celebrates through Commonwealth Day its ties with Britain. It’s

French heritage is celebrated through La Francophonie Day, and

its ancestral bond with Africa is celebrated through FetAfrik

annually on Africa Day. Who we are today is also annually cele-

brated through our Kreol Festival, but our historical ties with

India and China remained the two missing elements on our calen-

dar of events.” said H.E. Alain St.Ange.

H.E. St.Ange further added that the first Indian day celebra-

tions in Seychelles, which will take place in the heart of Victoria,

will do justice to the multi-ethnic diversity of Seychelles as it

bridges Seychelles cultural bond with India. “The flair of India

will showcase Victoria, the Creole Capital of the World to an

event of food, personalities and through the rich culture of India.

For three days the event will bring the best talents within the

community to highlight a fusion of Bollywood movies and stars

in captivating performance enthralling people of all ages. An

Indian exposition tracing the first Indian settlers in Seychelles

until present day will also be on the program.’’ highlighted H.E.

St.Ange.

“This event will offer a place for the people of Seychelles to

embrace India’s diversity of culture and for people to connect

together’’ said H.E. Thanglura Darlong, Indian High Commis-

sioner.

The sponsoring of the event according to the Indian High Com-

missioner and the Minister for Tourism and Culture will be

secured among the local business community who are already

committing themselves to this particular event. H.E. Alain

St.Ange said that he has also brought the event up in discussions

with the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to

seek support through their avenues of cooperation with India.

“A strong involvement of local and Indian businesses in the

sponsoring of the event is crucial for its success. The Chamber of

Commerce and Industry has agreed in principle to work with the

Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the Indian High Commis-

sion in making this festival a success.

It is important that the business com-

munity comes out as a block in bring-

ing a new taste in the list of events in

Seychelles’’ outlined H.E. St.Ange.

The event has already participation

from top celebrities and performers

primarily from the world of Bolly-

wood of India. “I am very much

encouraged and I am enthusiastic

about the efforts put into the organi-

sation of the first Seychelles-India

Day. We’ve have now set up sub-

committees for fund raising, for the

exhibition and for the organisation part of the celebrations,” said

H.E. Thanglura Darlong.

The Seychelles-India Day Celebrations will kick off with on

Friday 4th October with an official opening ceremony in Victoria.

Activities will continue during the weekend in the capital with a

food court of Indian food and several musical performances. A

photo exhibition tracing the cooperation between Seychelles and

India will be one of the highlights of the event.

“The Seychelles-India Day Celebrations is a golden opportuni-

ty to give the Indian community living in Seychelles its rightful

recognition. Above all it is a positive move for the growth of our

relations with India and for Seychelles to mark through its very

own calendar of events the historical link with India. Many young

Seychellois today trace their family lines back to someone who

arrived from India,” said H.E. Alain St.Ange said.

Sri Lankan President, H.E. Me Mahinda Rajapaksa had also

announced that Sri Lankan Airline were keen to start flights to

Seychelles this year. This is expected to further enrich this event

and should be a big boost to this coming Indian Day Celebration.

“Sri Lankan Airline will bring new life to the drive initiated by

the Tourism Board to develop tourism from India. The first edi-

tion of India day timely coincides with the confirmation that Sri

Lankan Airline will be flying to Seychelles soon,’’ said H.E.

St.Ange.

First India day in Seychelles

From India the best options to reach Seychelles is either

Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates or to be launched SriLankan

airlines. Ethiopian Airlines operate flights from Mumbai to

Seychelles via Addis Ababa. Seychelles was Ethiopian’s

41st destination in Africa and 65th worldwide.

Tewolde Gebremariam, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said,

“Ethiopian will now provide more options for passengers

flying from any part of the world to the Seychelles and vise

versa to the cosmopolitan city of the living museum of nat-

ural history, where colourful blend of peoples of different

races, cultures and religions are found.”

The flight schedule is very convenient for Indians via

Addis Ababa to Seychelles. Ethiopian does have promo-

tional fares and special offers for this sector. Also Star

Alliance Members will benefit as they will get miles for

their travel and gold card holders will get lounge access as

Ethiopian Airlines is a Star Alliance Member.

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Global DestinationsSep - Oct 2013 17

Can you throw light on the present tourism scenario?

At current we are 13% above for the same period of last year.

An indicative figure which shows that we will end up with a pos-

itive growth again this year. This number has been consolidated

by growths in our emerging markets namely the Far East, Middle

East and eastern European countries.

How do you place Seychelles as a value for money

destination?

One can very much enjoy an affordable and memorable holiday

experience in Seychelles. We have beachfront to Mountain View

accommodations, depending on your choice where one can still

enjoy a premium-personalized service. I would suggest your

readers to visit our Seychelles Secret website on www.seychel-

lessecrets.com to view a selection of our homegrown value for

money holiday choices.

What should tourists plan when they visit Seychelles?

With countless of beaches, one will not resist relaxing and sun-

bathing for the major part of their holiday. However, for a true

Seychelles’ experience, it is wise to plan your trip so to have a lit-

tle bit of everything. There are a lot of immaculate snorkeling

spots in Seychelles and if you are a bit more adventurous, we

encourage you to try diving, sailing and fishing. Your Seychelles’

experience is not complete if you do not try out the Creole cuisine

and experience its people, heritages sites and museums and of

course a walk in the streets of its small capital, Victoria.

What are the most popular sightseeing zones and how

many days would be ideal for a visit?

For anybody who visit Seychelles, they are drawn by the obvi-

ous of what our tiny archipelago is famous for; The world

UNESCO site, Vallée de Mai on Praslin, our second largest

island. The island is also home to the Anse Lazio beach, which

has been rated as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. From

there, it is also customary for the holiday-goers to hop off to our

fourth largest island La Digue, a cultural island. We encourage for

one to also include

other nearby

islands on the itin-

erary, which will

however add a few

more days to their

program. The

island hopping

also provides great

opportunities for

one to plan in

between other

seabased activities

such as snorkel-

ing, diving and

fishing. To enjoy our distinctive Creole cuisine it is worth to hop

around to the various Creole restaurants around the islands as

each of them offers their own specialty.

How do you plan to project it as a honeymoon destina-

tion?

Our everlasting summer period coupled by the simplicity,

calmness and laid-back atmosphere of our islands poised itself

naturally as the honeymoon destination. Secluded and taken

away from the hustle and bustle of city life, surrounded by

clear azure waters and countless of silky sandy beaches, Sey-

chelles remains a dream honeymoon destination.

What exactly is Seychelles Tourism Academy?

The Seychelles Tourism Academy is the institution in Sey-

chelles responsible for the training of our Seychellois students

for careers in the tourism sector. The institution provides an

array of international courses where the learning experience has

been tailor made to provide our students with maximum exposure

so as to competently serve our leading economic sector.

How do you view the Indian market?

The Indian market is one with potentials for Seychelles. We

only needed to understand their travel patterns and holiday

options. Geographically, we position well for India for short

weekend off holiday provided we have the right air connectivity.

Is Air Seychelles planning to start flights from India?

Air connectivity is very important when we start to promote a

potential market. Seychelles is still trying to look for a direct con-

nection with India. Right now, the most direct route seems to be

through Dubai or Abu Dhabi on Emirates or Etihad airways

respectively. However, I am happy to announce that later this year

we will be having a direct connection to Sri Lanka through Sri

Lankan airlines. That would definitely bring the destination much

closer to our market.

Cover story photos courtesy Seychelles Tourism Board

“For a true Seychelles’ experience, it is wise to plan your trip so to have a little bit of everything”

Seychelles Tourism Board recently appointed a new CEO, Sherin Naiken. In an e-interview with Global Destinations shehighlighted on what one can do on a visit to Seychelles. Excerpts