STB thanks French press for support |01 April 2017

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has thanked the French press for their valued support given to the destination over the years, which has contributed towards the increase of arrival figures from this European market.

The director for Europe Bernadette Willemin echoed these words of thanks to representatives of the French press during a press conference held at the Hotel Hilton Opera in Paris earlier last month.

Mrs Willemin said arrival figures from France virtually doubled over the last 10 years alone and reached a new record year in 2016 with 43,300 visitors, remaining the top producing market for the Seychelles.         

She was joined at the press conference by STB’s marketing executive Valerie Payet, the general manager of Hilton Northolme and Double Tree Allamanda Resort & Spa, Gregory Thierion, Devi Pentamah the Paris-based cluster sales manager for Hilton Seychelles Hotels and Resort.

Mrs Willemin gave a presentation on Seychelles, giving an overview of the islands’ tourism products and emphasising on the natural beauty of our country.

Seychelles was perfectly described as the place where natural purity and authenticity is perfectly cocooned from the pernicious influences of commercialism. The place where tranquility and simplicity can be found and innocence rediscovered.

The opportunity was timely to bring the warmth of the islands to the audience contrasting the freezing cold weather outside.

Mrs Willemin spoke about the warmth which our visitors can expect to enjoy anytime in Seychelles, land of perpetual summer.

She also talked about the different activities inland and out at sea underlining also the Creole culture and Seychellois hospitality, a population who is in great majority Christians and blessed to be living in a place still considered to be one of the safest in the world. 

Mrs Willemin concluded by explaining the wide range of accommodation choices from the homely comforts of rustic beachside bungalows to the pampered privacy and luxury of five-star resorts, remote islands thus setting the scene for our Hilton partners to take the floor.

Devi Pentamah then took over and transported the journalists to the third biggest island of the archipelago, Silhouette, where Hilton has its biggest property. The exotic, forgotten world of Silhouette represents Seychelles at its pristine best.

The pure unspoiled nature of the island offers unfathomed beauty, representing the true essence of Seychelles.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort is located along a two-kilometre stretch of powder-soft beach and combines the optimum in “fly & flop” relaxation including a first class spa, fine dining and beautiful beaches with exciting activities together with the usual water sports.

This unique holiday experience provides guests with the chance to be at one with nature and to enjoy the very best that Seychelles’ unique environment has to offer.

Mr Thierion proudly introduced the two smallest Hilton resorts in the world – Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa and the Double Tree Allamanda Resort & Spa, both found on the island of Mahé.

Located on the northern coast of Mahé, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is a secluded hideaway along Beau Vallon Bay, with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by white-sandy beaches, tropical gardens and crystal waters and it is a true escape. It has 55 luxurious villas nestled along small beach coves and on the hillside, the Hilltop Restaurant with its panoramic view, Ocean View Bar, Les Cocotiers Restaurant for fine dining under the stars, the Eforea Spa for relaxing treatments, the infinity pool and much more.

Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa retains its old world Seychellois friendliness and charm, enhanced by its excellent service and casual elegance. Your Creole getaway awaits at this hidden treasure - also an inspiration to James Bond creator Ian Fleming.

Mr Thierion then moved to the modern four-star DoubleTree Allamanda Resort & Spa by Hilton located in the South of Mahé, at Anse Forbans. The 30-room property boasts a romantic and superb private beach surrounded by untouched lush tropical foliage, all offering the guests panoramic view of the ocean.

The members of the press left with “le soleil plein la tête” after one-to-one meetings and interviews with the hotelier and STB.