STB targets northern cities with second dedicated roadshow in Italy |16 November 2017

The Seychelles Tourism Board conducted its second dedicated roadshow in Italy from October 16-19, 2017, targeting travel agents from the northern part of the country.

Starting off in the port city of Ancona, the roadshow moved to Bologna, Verona ‒ famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ before ending in Turin, recording an excellent turnout in all four cities.

Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) director in Italy, Monette Rose led the Seychelles delegation comprising representatives of Emirates Airline, Hotel L’Archipel, Hilton Seychelles, Carana Beach Hotel, Denis Island, Indian Ocean Lodge and H Resort Beau Vallon Seychelles. They all had the opportunity to present their products to the Italian travel agents, who were very eager to learn more about the Seychelles and what it has to offer as a tourist destination.

The aim of the roadshow is to further improve knowledge of the Seychelles’ products in Italy, strengthen existing relations between the Italian and local trade partners, and allow them to forge new partnerships.

Ms Rose said: “Building upon the success of the first roadshow held in October 2016, this year’s event was aimed at further positioning Seychelles on the Italian market.”

A quiz was organised in all four cities to assess the travel agents’ attentiveness to the various presentations. One prize was up for grabs in the cities of Ancona, Bologna and Verona, while three prizes, including a holiday package to Seychelles as the first prize, were presented to winners of the quiz in Turin.

The STB office in Italy uses various marketing strategies and campaigns to promote the islands; these include workshops and other events, as well as digital marketing tools, making use of social media platforms like Facebook.

These promotional efforts are geared towards the segments who are most attracted to island destinations like the Seychelles, including honeymooners, families, nature lovers, those interested in discovering the Creole culture, island hoppers, among others.

Ms Rose said STB has recorded increased interest in the destination among the Italian sea lovers.

Italy, which is Seychelles’ third main market in Europe and fourth leading market overall, has sent 20,757 visitors to the island destination up to November 5 this year. This represents a 4 percent growth compared to the same period last year.

The STB director in Italy is already eying central and southern Italy for the third Seychelles dedicated Roadshow on that market in 2018.