Seychelles remains more optimistic with the South American Market following ABAV TOURISM EXPO in Brazil

 The Seychelles’ tourism industry is optimistic that the South American Market can become one of its important markets due to the growing interest in our islands.

The Seychelles Tourism Board director for Africa, UAE and the Americas, David Germain, led a small Seychelles tourism delegation at the ABAV Feira das Américas Exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in South America.  The ABAV Exhibition took place from the 16th to the 19th October  and Mr Germain was joined by Mason’s Travel’s sales manager Agatha Antignani and 7°South’s assistant operations manager Kenneth Jeannevol at this important tourism exhibition in South America.

The Seychelles delegation returned home last week satisfied and very optimistic that visitor arrival from South America (more specifically Brazil) will grow in future at a faster pace than before.

“The Brazilian Travel Trade is confident that Seychelles can be the “new” exotic destination for the Brazilian Traveler from 2012 onwards.  The meetings went well with the local trade partners from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and the North American Tour Operators present” says Mr Germain.  “The volume of long haul holiday tourists and first time visitors is increasing in Brazil and Seychelles has the potential to exploit its strength as a “choice” holiday destination to the Brazilian Market as all component are in place including our major airline partners, such as Qatar Airways and Emirates Airlines who are both flying directly to Brazil and Argentina respectively” he said.

Mr Germain had meetings with Mr Renato Hagopian, the Sales Manager of “Qatar Airways” in Rio de Janeiro and Mr Ralf Aasmann, the Area Manager of “Emirates Airline” in Brazil, they discussed Joint promotional activities for 2012 and both airlines are keen to work together with the STB in South America.

Seychelles’ participation at the ABAV trade show forms part of the Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) focus and action plan for an increased market share from the Americas in future, working with its partners as much as possible to offer South American travelers different holiday package options to visit Seychelles such as the “Dubai / Seychelles” and “Africa / Seychelles” holiday package.

Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and South African Airways are all flying directly to Brazil and Argentina from Dubai, Doha and Johannesburg respectively, providing good connections to Seychelles.

Seychelles to address IIPT Panel WTM 2011 in London on “Seychelles as a Model of Best Practice in Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change”

It is now confirmed that, Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board will speak as part of the IIPT Panel at the 2011 World Travel Market (WTM) on “Seychelles as a Model of Best Practice in Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change”.

IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore has announced that four prominent international experts will come together on a panel at World Travel Market to discuss the challenges of climate change to tourism and present leading models of best practice.  The panel will be moderated by the IIPT Founder and President, Louis D’Amore himself.

Both the Seychelles and Caribbean region are heavily dependent on tourism – and both are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and impacts on human health.

Members of the panel will discuss how they have worked with stakeholders to address the impacts of climate change on the environment, economic development, tourism, and community livelihoods using holistic approaches to provide practical strategies and capacity building.  The session will also provide a perspective on the natural marriage of tourism and the various forms of solar energy as a response to climate change and in shaping sustainable tourism development.

The IIPT Panel: “Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change” is set to take place on 08 Nov 2011 from 14:00-15:00 at the known location of North Gallery Room 9.

The panel line-up is as follows:

Geoffrey Lipman FTS, Director, greenearth.travel and Advisor to Secretary-General UNWTO, and President ICTP (International Council of Tourism Partners)

Alain St.Ange, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board

Dr. Murray Simpson, Co-Director and CEO, CARIBSAVE Partnership, and Oxford University Centre for the Environment

Max Haberstroh, International Tourism Consultant

After all the presentations are made, and after Q & A – there will be two brief announcements by Geoffrey Lipman regarding International Council of Business Partners – and Timothy Mushibwe, Chairman, Zambia Tourism Board re UNWTO 20th General Assembly 2013 being co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Following is the seminar description as it appears on the 2011 WTM website:  http://www.wtmlondon.com/page.cfm/Action=Seminars/SeminarID=34  and will appear in the WTM catalog:

It is important to note that the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has stated that “Climate change is the pre-eminent geopolitical and economic issue of the 21st century.  It rewrites the global equation for development, peace and prosperity.”

This IIPT session at WTM 2011 will feature outstanding models of best practice in meeting the challenges of climate change – with a global perspective of best practices – the Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean – and the Islands of the Caribbean. Both the Seychelles and the Caribbean region are heavily dependent on tourism – and both are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and impacts on human health.

Learn how they have worked with stakeholders to address the impacts surrounding climate change, the environment, economic development, tourism and community livelihoods using holistic approaches to provide practical strategies and capacity building.

The session will also provide a perspective on the natural marriage of tourism and the various forms of solar energy as a response to climate change and in shaping sustainable tourism development.  As well, key outcomes will be presented from the recent 5th IIPT African Conference on Tourism and Climate Change held in Lusaka, Zambia.

Seychelles looking forward to hosting the launch of ICTP on its 2011 WTM Stand

It is now confirmed through a Press Release issued on the 19th October from Brussels and Honolulu that the ICTP Tourism Organisation will be formally launched at the Seychelles Stand (AS550) on 08 November, 2011, 16.00h at WTM 2011 in London.

The Press Release duly signed by Juergen Thomas Steinmetz and Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Chairman and President of the ICTP states:

“ICTP will be at World Travel Market on behalf of its growing group of destination members who are committed to quality and green growth.

We will formally launch the coalition at the Seychelles stand (AS550) at 16.00h on 08 November. Come and enjoy the party and meet our founding members.

You will discover the unique characteristics of ICTP as a “grassroots grouping” designed to help quality destinations and their stakeholders learn how to share the green growth opportunities, as well as access the tools and funds that will be available for our common transformation.

You will also learn about our grass roots support for the excellent initiatives of UNWTO, WTTC and IATA to mainstream the sector in policymaking, as well as our own core advocacy, supporting the sustainable growth of aviation; Streamlined Travel and fair coherent taxation.

You will find out about our low cost / high focus support system that can help you better achieve your goals and those of your community, customers and employees in sustainably developing your travel & tourism heritage”.

Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and himself a founding member of the ICTP has said that he was honoured to have the launch of the ICTP on the Seychelles Stand at the 2011 WTM in London.

Seychelles, as a country remains dependent on its tourism industry.  Alain St.Ange said to the Press in China where he was on a working visit as part of a delegation headed by the Seychelles President, Mr. James Michel that he believed from day one on the need for such a body as the ICTP to run alongside the UN WTO (United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation).  “Countries depending on tourism as an industry must be able to meet and plan joint strategies together.  We must find a body that is focused on marketing and visibility drives as we consolidate our own individual industry” Alain St.Ange said.

“Working alongside Juergen Thomas Steinmetz and Professor Geoffrey Lipman, the founding Chairman and President of the ICTP has been so far enriching, and I look forward to the launch of the official launch of the ICTP so that the many ideas we all have can be developed for a stronger tourism industry for the organization’s registered members” Alain St.Ange told the Chinese media in Beijing.

Seychelles Small Hotel Chain to make its presence count at 2011 WTM in London

The Tourism World will meet from the 07th – 10th November, 2011 in London, UK, at the World Travel Market (WTM).  Le Relax Hotels, a small chain of hotels from the Seychelles, will this year be descending on London for its 3rd Participation at WTM.

Robert Toussaint, the Operations Manager of Le Relax Hotels said, as he issued communiqués announcing his participation at WTM 2011, that: “We trust with your support we will grew up as a partner and develop our relationship base on our existing products and our upcoming projects. Please allow us the opportunity to meet with you between the above mentioned dates at the Seychelles Stand, your presence and time will be very much appreciated”.

“WTM in UK, is among the main marketing events, where the world meets, giving us the perfect opportunity to showcase our final products for 2011/2012 Contracted Season to the world.  We are not asking much of your time.  What we need is the possibility to be known, and with you, all is possible. If it is your first interaction with us, the possibility will be extended for an educational visit in our beautiful islands and the only chain of hotels in Seychelles covering all three main islands” said Robert Toussaint.

The Le Relax Hotels Operations Manager has invited Tour Operators to learn more about their products by visiting them as this opportunity is not a dream.  “It is a reality and with you as our partners we can make it all happen by joining hands together to bring the extra to our guests next time they choose to visit the Seychelles Islands under one brand name “Le Relax” with the possibility to visit and stay on the three main islands Mahé, Praslin and La Digue as a island hopping package” Robert Toussaint said.

Contact details for the key Staffs for Le Relax Hotels and Resort:

LE RELAX HOTELS MANAGEMENT LTD.

PO BOX 215 – Mahé – SEYCHELLES

Tel : + 248 4380 700 – Fax : + 248 4344 560

Robert Toussaint (Operations Manager) – marketing@lerelaxhotel.com

MAHE:

Le Relax Hotel & Restaurant,

Anse Royale, Mahe, Seychelles.

Tel : +248 438 29 00, Fax : +248 437 19 00

Reservation – Romana Laporte (Reservation Officer) – helpdesk@lerelaxhotel.com

Roland Thomas (Operations Manager) – mm@lerelaxhotel.com

PRASLIN:

Le Relax Beach ResortGrand Anse, Praslin, Seychelles.

Tel : +248 429 46 46, Fax : +248 423 30 50

Natalie Mussard (Operations Manager) – beachresort@lerelaxhotel.com

LA DIGUE:

Le Relax Beach House

Anse Réunion, La Digue, Seychelles.

Tel : +248 423 44 33, Fax : +248 423 44 34

Dhruv Joshi (Operation in Charge) – beachhouse@lerelaxhotel.com

Le Relax Hotels in collaboration with Le Recif Car Hire in Mahé, and Privilege Rent-A-Car (Pty) Ltd in Praslin offers affordable rates, and attractive discounts for long term bookings.  For any more information please visit our website http://www.lerecifcarhire-seychelles.com or contact us on booking@lerecifcarhire-seychelles.com

Link for Le Relax High Resolution Photos:

FTP Server: ftp://41.223.216.49

Username: OTO PHOTOS

Password: oto

Seychelles impresses travelers at trade fairs in China and Moscow

The Seychelles Islands has recently made its mark at the two trade fairs in China and Russia.  The Creole Tropical Islands of the Seychelles were present at the Guilin International Tourism Expo in China and at the Otdykh Leisure Trade Show in Moscow.

Seychelles was being represented at the expo for business and leisure travels in China by a small delegation comprising of Seychelles’ tourism professionals from the Seychelles Tourism Board, and the local Destination Management Companies of Mason’s Travel and 7°South.

The trade fair in China was held from 16 to 18 September 2011, at the Guilin International Conference & Exhibition Centre, where it brought forth the participation of 59 countries worldwide including that of Seychelles.  Also taking part at the exhibition, were 19 provinces and over 80 cities from China.  The launching of the exhibition started off with a Gala Dinner on September 17, followed the next day by the opening ceremony, whereby the Seychelles flag floated proudly together with those of the other participating countries throughout the event.

Seychelles’ participation at the exhibition saw the islands awarded with the “Best Organized Booth Award, ahead of all the participating countries.  Over 40 local Tour Operators in the Guangxi Province from Nanning (the Capital of Guangxi), Guilin (host City) and Yangshuo City visited the Seychelles booth and a showed high interest in Seychelles as a destination.  This included the major Tour Operators such as CCT (China Comfort Travel), CITS (China International Travel Service), CYTS (China Youth Travel Service), and CTS (China Travel Service).

Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, the Seychelles Tourism Board’s marketing executive based in China has said that the China Guilin International Tourism Expo was the ideal gathering point to get Seychelles known in this market with the large number China’s professionals in the travel and leisure industry being present.  “The Seychelles stand at the China Guilin International Tourism Expo has helped to elevate the visibility of Seychelles Islands, with media coverage provided by local media agencies such as Xinhua News Agency Guangxi (TV) Guilin Radio and Guilin Evening News,” said Mr Lai-Lam.  A total of over 6,000 trade visitors and over 160,000 public visitors attended the three-day exhibition.

After the tourism trade fair in China, Seychelles was then showcased in Moscow at the Otdykh Leisure Trade Show, which was held between 21 and 24 September.

Representing the islands at the Moscow tourism trade show were representatives of the Seychelles Tourism Board and trade partners, namely Air Seychelles, Raffles Hotels and the local Destination Management Company 7°South  who once again ensured that the Seychelles remains visible in Russia and in the surrounding region.  Andre Butler-Payet, the Seychelles Tourism Board’s marketing executive for the Eastern European who is based in Hungary has said the island’s tourism board recognizes the true potential that lies in Russia as an important emerging market with unprecedented purchasing power.  “The Otdykh Leisure Trade Show was a stepping-stone to tap into that potential, bringing Seychelles to the forefront as the ideal destination for Russian travelers,” he reiterated.

Russia is currently Seychelles’ sixth largest market and despite the adverse effects of the global economy over the past few years the country’s market share continues to grow steadily year on year in terms of visitor arrivals.  This trade fair was significant in assuring that Seychelles has to position itself as the preferred holiday destination for Russians in order to cement this growth, said Mr Butler-Payet.  “The message received from this trade fair is that Seychelles should increase its promotions and tourism campaigns to ensure more penetration in the region, as well as to reconfirm its commitment for next year’s trade fair considering its importance for our tourism industry,” he added.

Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board has said that the continued participation of the Seychelles at these different Tourism Trade Fairs is in line with the island’s policy of diversification.  “As we continue to work to consolidating our European market, we need to open new doors for our tourism industry that remains the pillar of our economy to continue to grow,” said Mr St.Ange.

Seychelles and the International Press – A Relationship that pays dividends

The Creole islands of the Seychelles continues to work alongside the International Press and they are not shy to say that this has helped to make these mid ocean islands more visible.

TOP RESA 2011, the French Tourism Trade Fair in Paris saw Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, at his best with the International Press.  He was covered by a series of Television Networks and print publications and he never looked for excuses not to be interviewed on the state of the island’s tourism industry.

The Seychelles Stand at TOP RESA saw many television cameras lined in the corridor of the fair ground up waiting for their interview slot. “This is a first even for Seychelles.  We go out of our way to look for press coverage and we always value the attention given to us” says Alain St.Ange.

Seychelles depends on their tourism industry and the PR angle with the press undertaken by the island’s tourism board is an example to be followed.  Today these once dreamy islands are on Google Alert virtually daily and are seen on most online news wires.  Their Tourism Board must be congratulated for their willingness to talk to the press and to assist press in discovering their islands.

Dozens of members of the International press descended on Seychelles last March for their carnival.  This was probably the largest contingent of press on the island at one go, but it resulted in a shock treatment for television viewers across the world as the beauty of these mid ocean islands and its unique carnival were beamed into millions of homes.  Very few Tourism Boards have the energy to be that receptive and welcoming to the press fraternity, but Alain St.Ange from the Seychelles says and continues to say “We have nothing to hide, what you see is what we are, so feel free to discover Seychelles at your own pace because we have no NOGO areas”.

New Mauritius Minister for Tourism and Seychelles Tourism Board’s CEO meet at TOP RESA 2011

The new Tourism Minister of Mauritius, Michael Sik Yuen and the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Alain St.Ange met as they were both in Paris for the French Tourism Trade Fair – TOP RESA 2011.

It was the first meeting between the two since Minister Michael Sik Yuen replaced Nando Bodha as head of the Mauritius Tourism.

In Seychelles, it is President James Michel who personally holds the portfolio for tourism with Mr St.Ange as his chief executive officer, as is Mr Didier Robert, the President de la region in Reunion, who also holds the tourism portfolio under his office with Pascal Viroleau as his right hand man for the island’s tourism.

Mr Michael Sik Yuen, the Mauritius Minister responsible for tourism discussed about the possibility of visiting the Seychelles in January to see for himself the developing tourism infrastructure, especially the new resorts.

Seychelles, Mauritius and La Reunion are all part of the ‘Vanilla Islands’ grouping and the more that these Indian Ocean Islands are seen to be working together, the better it will be for the ‘Vanilla Islands’ promotional campaign.

French Minister meets CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board during TOP RESA 2011

Minister Marie-Luce Penchard, Mr Didier Robert of La Reunion and Mr Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles

French Minister Marie-Luce Penchard, the Minister responsible de l’intérieur, de l’outre-mer, des collectivités territoriales et de l’immigration, in the French Government, met and discussed tourism in the Indian Ocean and the new partnership with La Reunion Island with Alain St.Ange, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board as she toured TOP RESA 2011, the French Tourism Trade Fair in Paris.

Alain St.Ange met with Minister Marie-Luce Penchard together with Mr Didier Robert, President de la Region La Reunion as she visited the tourism trade fair.

Mr Didier Robert explained to the Minister the excellent working relationship between Seychelles tourism and that of La Reunion, and that the two islands were set in working for the consolidation of their working partnership.  Alain St.Ange explained to Minister Penchard the sales pitch being developed with the Green of La Reunion and the Blue of the Seychelles depicting the spectacular mountains of La Reunion and its volcano with the warm turquoise blue seas of the Seychelles lapping its clean and white sandy beaches.

Seychelles has entered a new era in cooperation with La Reunion following the signature of an agreement in Paris at the same TOP RESA Tourism Trade Fair where Mr Didier Robert and Mr Alain St.Ange met with Minister Marie-Luce Penchard.

It must be noted that France remains the main tourist market for Seychelles.

Seychelles and La Reunion sign Partnership Agreement

Mr Didier Robert, President de la Region of La Reunion Island and Mr Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, have signed a Partnership Agreement that sets the stage for a closer working strategy between La Reunion Island’s Tourism (IRT) and the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB).

Mr Didier Robert, who personally holds the portfolio for tourism in La Reunion Island, was accompanied at the signing ceremony, which took place at TOP RESA in Paris, by Mr Pascal Viroleau, the Head of the IRT of La Reunion.  Mr Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles was on his side accompanied by Mrs Bernadette Willemin, the Seychelles Tourism Director for Europe.

The Partnership Agreement between La Reunion Island and the Seychelles speaks of the continued promotion of the two islands for the ‘Vanilla Islands’ concept and of how the two islands complement each other.

The 6 Point Agreement covers the Exchange of know how, the development of joint marketing initiatives and actions among others.  The Agreement also provides for regular meetings to monitor the implementation of the partnership.

At the signing ceremony on the Seychelles Stand at Top Resa in Paris, in the presence of a large number of Press, Mr Didier Robert, President de la Region La Reunion, spoke about how the two islands, La Reunion and the Seychelles, complement each other as a twin center options for holiday makers.  He also spoke about the closeness of the population of La Reunion and that of the Seychelles.  In his address at the signing ceremony, Mr Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board also spoke about the concept of twin center between La Reunion and the Seychelles, saying that the ‘Swiss like mountains’ of La Reunion and the white sandy beaches and blue turquoise seas of the Seychelles remains an attractive combination for the tourism industry.

“Like La Reunion where Mr Didier Robert, the President de la Region, personally holds the tourism portfolio, in Seychelles it is also Mr James Michel, the President of the Republic who holds the tourism portfolio giving tourism the highest possible recognition and showing clearly the importance of this industry for the two islands” said Mr St.Ange to the Press after the signing ceremony.

Seychelles delegation attends key trade fairs in France & Italy

A delegation from Seychelles’ tourism industry traveled to France over the weekend to represent the destination at the French Tourism trade fair – TOP RESA – in Paris, this week from 20 to 23 September.

The Seychelles Islands delegation is headed by Alain St.Ange, the Chief Executive Office of the Seychelles Tourism Board, and by the Tourism Board’s Director for Europe, Bernadette Willemin, alongside other representatives of the country’s Tourism Board.

The delegation also comprises of representatives from the Tourism Board’s trade partners keen to consolidate their presence on the French Market.  These include Air Seychelles, the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino, Creole Travel Services, Desroches Island Resort, Kempinsky Seychelles Resort, Le Meridien Seychelles, Le Relax Hotels, Mason’s Travel, Raffles Praslin Seychelles and Seychelles Connect.

TOP RESA is one of the world’s major tourism trade fairs and this in terms of the number of visitors and exhibitors alike, enabling participants to renew their contacts as well as meet and make new professional contacts, discover or re-discover new tourism products and services.

The Seychelles delegation will participate at this year’s TOP RESA with a 60.5 sqm stand with its brand decoration.

It is to be noted that after TOP RESA, a Seychelles delegation, which will be headed by the Deputy Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board – Elsia Grandcourt and will consist of representatives from 14 companies from the tourism sector, will be attending the TTG trade fair in Italy, from 6to 8October.

In a meeting held with the delegations for both trade fairs, Mr St.Ange, the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board echoed the importance of having Seychelles present at these international trade fairs.  In addition, he discussed with the private sector on pertinent points facing the Seychelles tourism industry and briefed members of the delegation on how best to present Seychelles in each of the markets so as to make the most of the opportunities and to work as one team.

“Our presence at TOP RESA and TTG will enhance the various marketing efforts that have already been undertaken to develop these markets, and most importantly the opportunity for us to make Seychelles better known,” said Mr St.Ange.

France remains the main tourism market for Seychelles with Italy maintaining its position as the second most important market.

The delegation attends the fair every year.