30th IBTM World in Barcelona STB and trade partners promote MICE tourism |09 December 2017
Seychelles has once again taken the opportunity to showcase its potential as an island destination that has more to offer other than sun, sea and sand.
The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) took part in the 2017 IBTM World – a trade fair dedicated to meetings, events and incentives industry (MICE) decision makers.
The 30th annual event was held in Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region from November 28 to 30.
The Seychelles delegation took the opportunity to highlight the island destination’s readiness, and availability of the right infrastructure to receive guests from the meetings, events, conference, incentives and business travel industry.
STB together with local travel trade representatives showcased the diversified products on offer for the MICE segment. Through pre-scheduled appointments, they also had the opportunity to connect with the right buyers from different parts of the world, building relationships and developing business opportunities.
STB’s regional director for Europe based in Paris, Bernadette Willemin, led the Seychelles’ delegation comprising representatives of a destination management company and hotels.
Debra Malbrook from Creole Travel Services, Stephane Vilar and Solanna Camille from AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, Manuel Policarpo and Celia Ponzo from Eden Bleu Hotel formed part of the Seychelles team at the event.
The Seychelles’ honorary consul general in Barcelona, Juan Gaspart Solves, also graced the island destination’s stand on the opening day of the trade fair, while Miss Seychelles … Another World 2014 Camilla Estico, who is actually studying in Barcelona, joined the Seychelles stand for the 3 days.
Mrs Willemin said: “Incentives and Conferencing in Seychelles is now a real possibility, hence it is important that the Seychelles tourism industry is represented at key trade shows such as IBTM World. It provides the perfect setting to keep our islands top of mind when it comes to qualified international buyers and it also provides our industry partners with a platform to build relationships and convert that into business.”
The Seychelles islands have benefited from a marked increase in air access in recent years. Austrian Airlines, which graced the Seychelles skies for the first time in October this year, is the latest to join the list of international airlines flying to the destination, which is expecting two well-known European carriers – British Airways and Air France -- to also start serving the Seychelles route next year.
On the home ground, more hotels are today equipped with facilities and modern technology to accommodate meetings and conferences.
The IBTM World was therefore timely and provided the perfect platform for Creole Travel Services, Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, and Eden Bleu to present their respective offers for meetings and events, gain valuable sales leads and establish themselves as key players in the MICE industry.