Seychelles prominent in the minds of Asian travelers

Seychelles’ participation at the 4th edition of the ITB Asia trade fair, held from October 19-21, has reaffirmed the islands of the potential of the Asian travel market and of their interests in the destination.

This was the first time that Seychelles was represented at the ITB Asia, which this year had the participation of more than 750 exhibitors from over 70 countries all interested in tourism originating from Asia.

Seychelles was being represented by a small delegation, headed by the Deputy Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Elsia Grandcourt, along with the tourism board’s marketing executives, Christine Vel, Stephanie Lablache, and Maria Morel. The delegation was also comprised of Jessica Giroux of Mason’s Travel, Freddy Karkaria from Select Seychelles, Johnette Labiche of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, and Air Seychelles’ representative Martin Suresh.

This trade fair is organized by Messe Berlin, which for 45 years has successfully hosted the World’s Leading Travel Show (ITB) that is held annually in March, in Germany.

ITB Asia is a “business 2 business” trade show and convention for the travel industry that is designed to become the primary event for the Asia Pacific travel industry, much like its parent event – ITB Berlin.

ITB is today the premier meeting place for tourism professionals and a platform for networking and establishing contacts.

Seychelles participation at this trade show saw the delegation meeting with companies from all over Asia, including China, Hong Kong, and India, as well as some European companies. Seychelles’ participation at the ITB Asia has indeed been an immense success, said Mrs, Grandcourt.

“The interest is very much there as the Asian travelers are so used to their usual holiday destinations and are now looking for something new to experience, with Seychelles today being very much on their mind,” noted Mrs. Grandcourt, the Deputy CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.