Seychelles, comprising an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, received more tourist arrivals by the third quarter of this year, than for the entire year of 2021. This illustrates the rebounding tourism sector in the country.
On July 27, the 182,850th passenger arrived at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue, overtaking the 182,849 visitors who arrived in the island nation in 2021.
Seychelles Tourism Department distributes gifts to mark the milestone
The Tourism Department of Seychelles distributed small gifts as a token of appreciation to the passengers disembarking from the morning flights.
Bernadette Willemin, Director-General for Destination Marketing, said that she was proud of the achievement, given the difficulties faced by the tourism sector of the country in the last two years.
Willemin said that the country is excited to celebrate the significant milestone in its endeavor toward the total recovery of the tourism industry in the country. She stated that surpassing 2021 figures in just the first seven months of the year was only possible due to the collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector. Willemin added that the country would aim at record numbers of tourist arrivals for the current year.
The Director-General emphasized the importance of remaining competitive as a destination, and added that the tourism department has focused on intensifying its online presence and enhancing its marketing strategies.
Willemin added that Seychelles, as a destination would remain focused and maintainn a strong presence in all its markets, and would actively participate in various global trade and consumer events scheduled to take place. She also said, however, that in view of the recent pandemic and the current unrest in Ukraine, global conditions could rapidly change and affect the progress achieved so far.
Europe, accounting for 73.83 percent of all arrivals, remained the top market source for Seychelles, with France and Germany leading the European market. After the leading European market, Asia accounts for the second highest number of tourist arrivals, and is strongly led by the UAE, Israel and India.
Seychelles is gradually making a transition back to pre-pandemic levels, with the lifting of the outdoor mask-wearing mandate and overall easing of Covid-imposed restrictions. The government hopes that given this advantage, it can regain its position from two years ago.