Interview with Terry Munro, the managing director of Beachcomber Tours |27 June 2015

South Africa: an ever growing market for Seychelles

Seychelles’ market share in South Africa is growing fast with some aggressive marketing moves by the Seychelles tourism authorities. This is confirmed by Terry Munro, the managing director of Beachcomber Tours, one of the pioneers and leading South African tour operators for Seychelles.

He welcomes the policy of continued growth adopted by Seychelles and believes that the increasing air seats availability will add to the increase of the market share.

Terry Munro is a leading figure in the tourism world for his remarkable track record on the Mauritius and Seychelles markets. He has developed his tour operating business since more than three decades now and has acquired vast experience on these destinations. He was on holidays some days ago at the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa.
 
Seychelles NATION met him at the resort and obtained an insight into the present situation of the Seychelles destination in South Africa.

Seychelles NATION: How is the Seychelles destination faring in South Africa?

Terry Munro: I believe it is a growing market and this can be attributed to the flights becoming more reliable and the efforts of the tourism department of Seychelles. There are so many more flights a week to Mauritius so there are substantially more holidaymakers going to Mauritius than Seychelles. However, I feel that as the market grows the flights will become more frequent between South Africa and Seychelles.

Seychelles NATION: What are the most attractive selling points for the destination in South Africa?

Terry Munro: The beauty of Seychelles with its private and romantic tiny beaches makes it popular for South Africans with the rich green mountains flowing into the sea. Seychelles offers unique holiday opportunities where one can lay on the soft sandy beaches, snorkel in clear waters where the underwater sea life is so beautiful and protected. One can also explore the various islands with so many sailing opportunities. Yes Seychelles is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world. The cuisine is excellent and my favourite is certainly the fish.

Seychelles NATION: You have been selling the destination for years now. How do you appreciate the efforts of the authorities to continuously upgrade the product and improve relations with the partners?

Terry Munro: The authorities have come to the party in the past couple of years by helping with the promotion of Seychelles. It is wonderful when one has the active support from the tourism department when running a tour operator. While visiting Mahé I was most impressed to see the excellent quality of some of the new hotels going up but at the same time the beauty of the island is maintained.

Seychelles NATION: Your company sells the Beachcomber Group hotels, including Sainte Anne Resort & Spa in Seychelles. What is the appeal of the hotel among your client base?

Terry Munro: The appeal of Sainte Anne Resort & Spa on the South African market is ‘holidaying on your own small island!’ This Robinson Crusoe feeling where the villas are built in the magnificent tropical gardens and one can enjoy meals with the most exquisite views. One can enjoy dinners with one's feet in the sand or in a restaurant that overlooks the sea where one feels they are dining in a tree house. They also love all the activities that Sainte Anne Resort & Spa offers like walks in the forests, snorkelling, bike rides, delightful spa treatments, tennis, gym and so much more. The friendly, caring manager also makes clients feel welcome and at home

Seychelles NATION: You are now on holiday on Sainte Anne island and you now taste the product as a guest and not on business. What are your impressions as such?

Terry Munro: I absolutely love the hotel and all it offers. My wife and I will certainly be back and rather sooner than later and this has been with rather cloudy and windy weather. This holiday is a treat of a lifetime and the only sad problem is that we have to leave soon!