Seychelles at Meedex tourism trade fair in France |20 April 2013

 
Held at the prestigious Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, the Seychelles tourism delegation was led by Bernadette Willemin, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) director for Europe.

She was accompanied by Sara Jupiter, marketing executive in the Paris office, and two local DMC partners – Mason’s Travel represented by Olivier Larue, and Creole Travel Services by Elise Thivillier. Together they proudly represented the islands.
 
The concept of Meedex, which is to promote a destination as a means of incentive to the professional organisers of international events, was an appropriate platform for Seychelles to put forth its MICE products and offers to both the French market and to the neighbouring countries – Belgium and Luxemburg.

During the face-to-face exclusive meeting with different French-speaking buyers from the three countries, Seychelles was prominently sought as a ‘new destination’ capable of offering unique and engaging experiences in line with the actual market demand for this segment.

While the STB concentrated on the destination’s USPs, the DMC partners extensively presented the various hotel accommodations, the existing adapted facilities, the different excursions and tailor-made activities that can be organised for meetings, incentives, conferences and events in our islands.

The Meedex tourism trade fair has enabled Seychelles to correct the false perception that Seychelles was only a beach destination ideal for honeymooners. This tourism trade fair also enabled Seychelles to show that it has true potential for niche markets such as MICE. The fair, which counted 150 destinations and 60 countries, has allowed Seychelles to establish new contacts and set up a network on the MICE market.