Seychelles makes first appearance at Ireland’s biggest tourism show |31 January 2013

Representing the islands at this reputed trade fair were staff of the Seychelles Tourism Board’s London Office and Seychellois students currently undergoing their Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management studies in Shannon College of Ireland.

Seychelles secured its participation at the three-day show following initial discussions in November last year by the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St Ange and a tourism delegation.

During a press conference and lunch with partners, it was agreed that the Irish trade will strongly support the Seychelles tourism authorities in re-launching the destination on that market.

The Holiday Show in Dublin was one of the activities agreed on for this new campaign in Ireland and last week, Seychelles made its presence felt with a strong participation in this fair, supported by Etihad Airways as an airline partner.

The Seychelles Tourism Board Office in London, which also covers the Irish market, was represented by marketing executive Maria Morel, assisted on the stand by the first-year Seychellois students on the Advanced Diploma Management course at Shannon College.

Speaking from Dublin, Ms Morel said the show got off to a good start and there was so much interest in the destination.

“There is a great need for more awareness on Seychelles in the Irish market, and it is very encouraging because the trade wants to work with us and we have all the support we need to re-launch ourselves on this market,” Ms Morel said.

Ms Morel explained that since the tourism delegation visited Ireland in November, there has been a lot of discussions with numerous partners and The Holiday Show was the beginning of what she hoped would be a good year for their marketing efforts on that market.

Ms Morel also noted that the presence of the Seychellois students on the stand was very helpful because the trade and visitors also got to interact with them and engage in very enlightening discussions.

“This partnership with the students comes after discussions held by Minister St Ange and the chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Elsia Grandcourt, during their visit to Shannon College last year. It was agreed that the students would help and would be involved in Seychelles’ activities to make the destination more visible in Ireland. It would also be wonderful exposure for them,” Ms Morel said.

One of the Seychellois students attending the travel show, Erron Raoul, said that though they had an idea of what goes on at trade fairs, they were amazed to see at what level business are conducted, and how the Seychelles Tourism Board is dedicated in its role of promoting the islands and ensuring that there is follow-up.

“We came here with some knowledge, but I’m happy to say that it is much more than that and we are also gaining so much in return. It is a very good exposure for us and we are happy to be able to promote our country alongside the Seychelles Tourism Board. We are looking forward to more such opportunities in the future,” Erron said.