Top Resa, the international French travel market, opened in Paris on Tuesday with Tour Hebdo, the French magazine for tourism professionals bringing out a 34-page special issue dedicated to Seychelles.
The magazine opens with a full-page interview with Bernadette Willemin, the Seychelles Tourism Director for Europe. Mrs. Willemin speaks of the 2010 record year for Seychelles in visitor arrival numbers, with France remaining the main market. Tour Hebdo also writes about the ten reasons for tour operators and travel agents to recommend Seychelles to their clients. They list the unique flora and fauna, a controlled tourism industry for an environmentally-friendly Seychelles, an ideal year-round climate (as Seychelles has no winter months), no visa requirements for any nationality, minimal time differece with Europe, no vaccination requirements (as Seychelles remains a disease-free country), empty and deserted beaches, two World Heritage Unesco Sites (Vallee de Mai on Praslin and Aldabra Atoll), diversity of islands and activities, the charm and sympathetic Seychellois people as points that seperate Seychelles with its competitors.
Tour Hebdo also brings out the unique selling points of the islands of Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, and several of the other smaller islands. They also write about the Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria and remind everyone that the next edition is set for March 2-4, 2012. Tour Hebdo lists all the new hotels and accommodation units and different excursions available in Seychelles, and they end with a travelers booklet of what is needed for a delightful Sychelles holiday.
Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, who is heading the Seychelles delegation to Top Resa, said that he was happy to have had this Tour Hebdo special hit the press stands as Top Resa 2011 opened its doors. “This was a special boost for the Seychelles at Top Resa 2011. Tour Hebdo is a respected magazine for tourism professionals, and they will help the whole Seychelles delegation push Seychelles at the French Trade Fair,” said Alain St.Ange.
