Better connections with North America’s travel trade expected as STB joins USTOA |26 June 2017

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has been accepted as a member of the United States Tour Operator Association (USTOA).

Through this membership, the Seychelles’ tourism marketing body seeks to establish strategic relationships with key organisations within the travel trade community in North America.

USTOA was created in 1972 by a small group of California tour operators with the aim of having a unified voice to protect the travelling public, as well as to represent the interests of tour operators.

Today, the New York based organisation brings together some of the top names in travel and tourism. It also accounts for a large share of the tour operator market in North America

The membership will hence allow the Seychelles Tourism Board to connect with these industry leaders that represent top destinations and suppliers from around the world.

The STB Director for Africa & the Americas David Germain who spearheaded the initiative to have the membership application processed and approved, said benefits to Seychelles include participation in all events organised by USTOA throughout the year.

“Through publications, meetings, conferences, discussions and exhibitions, the STB will be able to stay up to date on the latest travel industry research, gain market intelligence and travel trends in North America,” said Mr Germain.

One of USTOA’s main events is the Annual Conference & Marketplace which brings together leading North American travel companies with tourism suppliers and destinations from around the globe in an intimate and exclusive setting. The event is set for November 27 to December 1, 2017.

The STB is intensifying its effort in North America as demand for long-haul travel and flights to the Seychelles continue to increase. The aim is to position the island destination as a destination of choice among the North American travellers.

To date, the National Bureau of Statistics has recorded a 67 percent increase in visitors’ arrival from America to Seychelles, compared to the same period last year.

The STB is also a member of the Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, APTA, which also facilitates partnerships and education of members throughout North America.