Seychelles rides on strong PR campaign at Dubai trade fair
Seychelles’ participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) trade fair in Dubai this week has been backed by another aggressive PR campaign which had not only increased business on the stand but kept the destination visible in various press.
The Middle East market is an important one for Seychelles and like usual, a strong delegation comprising local tour operators Creole Travel Services and 7 Degrees South, as well as Berjaya Hotels Group and the Sunset and Village du Pecheur hotels, were present.
The Seychelles Tourist Office in Dubai had arranged for a series of press interviews for the Seychelles’ delegation which was given an added bonus when His Highness, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chose to stop at the Seychelles stand after having officially opened the ATM 2010, and held talks with the director of tourism marketing, Alain St Ange.
“It was an honour for Seychelles to have his Highness and his large entourage visited our stand and this brought so much press to stop by as well,” said Mr St Ange.
Whilst the trade were conducting their business, the Seychelles Tourism Board also had a series of meetings, including one with Emirates Airlines where it was confirmed that a plane had already been earmarked for the seventh frequency to Seychelles.
Meetings were also held with Etihad Airlines from Abu Dhabi and with Qatar representatives, different tour operators and investment groups from the Middle East and Asia.
The Middle East remains a region with the biggest growth potential for Seychelles because of the excellent air access that exists, the proximity of the Seychelles Islands to the region, and the favourable flying time between the two, which is but four and a half hours.
Mr St Ange and his delegation also spent time with Emirates Hotels to review the situation on hand for the 458-room hotel project at Cap Ternay.
“The project is on line and the company's representation will be in Seychelles later this year to present to the Government the completed plans of the project, which is hoped to break construction grounds next year,” he said.