Seychelles goes into 2011 with its image as a tropical paradise even stronger, with new markets showing a keen interest in the destination and offering it as a new holiday option to their visitors.

 

Tourism has long played a key role in Seychelles’ economic development, and the last two years have been crucial as the country doubled its efforts to increase the number of visitors.
 
The hard work has paid off as the number of international tourists arriving in Seychelles last year improved by 10% on 2009 and, in the process, the islands set a new record with 174,529 arrivals.

Speaking of Seychelles’ successful year in 2010, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) chief executive Alain St Ange said the islands have everything it takes to make a holiday like no other.

“Sun, sand and sea are our most popular attributes, but we also have other strong selling points such as nature and ecotourism, marine-related activities, island adventures, romance and culture, which together make us a rich country in terms of tourism,” he said.

“Because we have so many islands to discover, we can say that we have diverse destinations to discover in one destination.
 
“We are indeed a unique destination, and there is plenty to do with many places to discover. This is why we continue to have such a strong appeal on the international tourism market.”

Seychelles comprises 115 islands scattered like precious stones on 1.4 million square kilometres of azure ocean, and the country is famously referred to as a true melting pot of different cultures, a tribute to its multi-ethnic origins.

Already famous for its legendary beauty, the islands can guarantee you even more, such as a glorious tropical climate all year round and a temperature that seldom drops below 24
degrees, or rises above 32 degrees Centigrade.

Several international hotel groups have expanded into Seychelles and these resorts, coupled with medium-sized and smaller hotels as well as homely guesthouses right on the beach, mean the destination also offers an amazing diversity of accommodation.

Guests to the islands can expect a unique holiday package which allows them to stay and enjoy a wide range of island experiences, very apt considering the destination’s slogan – The Seychelles Islands…Another World.

The concept of diversifying visitors’ options forms a very strong backbone in the country’s marketing initiatives and is a commitment that the Seychellois people keep close to their hearts.

 Each visitor to Seychelles must be offered a unique and authentic experience that should provide lasting memories.

 “We have to set ourselves apart from our competitors, as travellers are more and more looking for individual and unique experiences, not just the ordinary holidays which they could have anywhere,” said Mr St Ange.

“Our guests should leave our islands with a lasting memory of their visit.”

With its high reputation for wellbeing, many people are nowadays also travelling to Seychelles to find some much-needed rest and relaxation. Celebrities and travellers from all over the world flock to our beaches not only for their picture-perfect scene but because they are uncrowded and offer total relaxation to the minds, bodies and souls, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

As far as romance is concerned, Seychelles is in the elite group of the world with over 2,000 visitors’ weddings per year. The flourishing wedding and honeymoon niche is increasingly appealing to this category of tourists who are still looking for the relaxing and romantic island paradise they dream of.

Walking barefoot on white sandy beaches, and watching the sunset as it disappears over the horizon while the loving couples say “I do”, is now a very familiar scene in all hotels in Seychelles, but each has its own personalised touch to suit clients’ expectations.

Whether couples want to celebrate their union to the lapping of waves, or under an arch of tropical flowers on lush green terrain further inland, Seychelles is geared up to provide a series of wedding packages.

For whatever reason one travels to Seychelles, the islands are just the place to experience a truly  memorable stay in 2011, with new, attractive prices, value for money and a destination that welcomes you to live your dream.