Emirates Airline to work closer with Seychelles on Brazilian market |01 September 2012

This was during a meeting between Seychelles’ Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange, who was in Brazil to open the South American market for Seychelles, Ralph Aasmann, the area manager for Emirates in Sao Paolo, and Marcia Galvao, Emirates’ sales manager for Brazil.

Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) director for Africa and the Americas David Germain, STB’s marketing executive Myra Fanchette, Luiz Picollo, Seychelles’ consul in Brazil, and Gisele Abrahao of Global Vision Access (GVA) formed part of the Seychelles delegation.

Concrete ideas for cooperation between Seychelles and Emirates Airline were discussed during the meeting. Emirates Airline confirmed its desire to work with Seychelles to increase the number of Brazilian tourists to Seychelles.

“This long haul destination for Brazilians is today more accessible as never before. One stop in Dubai with Emirates Airline from Brazil will get Brazilians to what is considered the paradise islands of the Indian Ocean,” said an Emirates representative, adding that through Emirates’ long haul passengers can travel on first class all the way from Brazil to Seychelles.

Minister St Ange said the enthusiasm by Emirates was welcomed. He noted that the Brazilian economy was very strong and he also spoke about the special agent rate now being offered from Brazil to Seychelles. The minister added that this will enable travel agents and tour operators from Brazil to finally discover Seychelles in greater numbers.

“The potential is there. Domestic travels in Brazil are considered expensive and Brazilians are now moving further afield for their holidays and honeymoons of a lifetime. Seychelles has the connotation among Brazilians as a real special destination and we now need to move in as the time is right. Brazilians, we were told, have been to the United States and Europe year after year and are looking for a new destination and we are sure that Seychelles is that new destination,” said Minister St Ange.

Discussions also centered on the airline’s support for the Brazil Samba School who will be travelling to Seychelles for the islands’ 2013 ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ – the world’s only carnival of carnivals.