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The Seychelles Tourism Board today confirms the GCC’s status as its fifth largest feeder market. Additionally, the UAE, whose diverse population is well known for its love of travel, is ranked as the sixth major market in terms of annual visitor arrivals. Figures reveal impressive y-o-y growth of UAE visitors during Q1 2015 of 68%, who now account for 75% of the total number of travelers to the Seychelles from within the GCC.
Alain St. Ange, Seychelles Minister for Tourism & Culture, who will attend Arabian Travel Market 2015, said: “It is no surprise that the Seychelles, an island country comprising 115 granite and coral islands, with its unrivalled natural beauty, cultural vibrancy and perfect year-round weather, is proving increasingly popular with GCC travelers. We value our Middle East guests extremely highly, and aided by a growing number of direct flights from various hubs in the GCC, hope that this strong growth trend continues. Being such a diverse destination, unlike any other, we are confident that we can offer memorable experiences for repeat visits.”
The islands remain home to some of the earth’s most rare species of flora and fauna. It also boasts a high proportion of endemic species found nowhere else on earth such as the last eight surviving jellyfish trees, the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and the legendary Coco de mer, which is grown in the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site. A number of rare species can be discovered through popular walks and trails within the Morne Seychellois National Park. The Seychelles is one of the major global biodiversity hotspots, with 47% of the country’s landmass, and some 228 km2 of the ocean, falling under a protected status. Careful stewardship of key tourism assets is essential to the sustainability of tourism and the protection of the island ecosystem.
Sherin Naiken, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board notes: “The Seychelles has taken great care to protect its heritage, and in recent years, has emerged as a world leader in sustainable tourism. Most notably, the creation of the Seychelles Tourism Label (SSTL) has been established to protect the Seychelles’ biodiversity from human induced pressures. We are immensely proud of our unrivalled commitment to sustainability and to safeguarding the Seychelles for future generations to enjoy.”
As a result, the secluded corner of the ocean offers the ultimate in affordable diversity for GCC guests. Accommodation only leaves its footprint on 16 of the 115 Seychelles’ islands, ranging from world-class five star hotels such as the Banyan Tree Seychelles, The H Resort, Savoy Resort & Spa, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, to authentic Creole guesthouses.
In an increasingly crowded world, the Seychelles is fast gaining international recognition for its unique ecosystem, natural beauty and cultural vibrancy, in addition to the vast potential of its diverse tourism industry.
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