10.10.2009 

A major travel agent based in the UK has named Seychelles as the world’s top honeymoon destination.

Sunshine.co.uk last week said Seychelles came out on top, with Marrakech in Morocco as the second best place for newlyweds to head to, while Jamaica came in third followed by Las Vegas.

“Bulgaria was perhaps a surprise entry in fifth, with its diverse history and culture providing some unique sightseeing opportunities for those that have just tied the knot,” said the GoTimeshare.org website.

Other destinations that made the top 10 included New York, Japan and Egypt, but traditionally romantic cities such as Venice and Paris did not make the cut as honeymooners are seemingly looking to more exotic places, it said.

Darren Noel, commercial director at hitched.co.uk, said there has been a subtle move away from the more romantic destinations but not a massive shift.

He added that places such as Seychelles, Mauritius and the Caribbean are now accessible.
Seychelles recently launched a “once-in-a-lifetime chance for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation” campaign giving potential guests the chance to visit our legendary islands, which are world-renowned for their beauty and diversity, and to enjoy the dream of a holiday at up to 50% discounted prices.

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) says on its website: “For a long time the Seychelles islands have been synonymous with a rich man’s playground…a place where extremely well-heeled travellers languish on sleek yachts and on the sun-decks of opulent five-star hotels or on the beaches of exclusive island hideaways, enjoying the rich trappings of vacations which are beyond the reach of all except a very few fortunate individuals.

“Attractive conversion rates of the newly-floated rupee against major currencies are making a real difference to the purchasing power of our visitors and, already, other realities on the ground are evolving. 

“You can enjoy true exclusivity and great luxury at a price but, increasingly, Seychelles is catering to the middle and lower price ranges with a wonderfully diverse array of picturesque small hotels, Creole guesthouses redolent with local charm and great self-catering where you can lead life entirely at your own pace and whim.”

The STB said visitors can enjoy sailing, diving, fishing, island-hopping and trekking as well as the ultimate in romantic breaks – “all without breaking the bank”.