High-level tourism delegation to attend WTM trade fair 2012 |03 November 2012

WTM remains one of the most important events for the Seychelles tourism industry, and the Seychelles delegates will be attending the trade fair from November 5 to 8.

The Seychelles islands will be showcased at a 160sqm stand comprising a reception desk that will be manned at all times by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) staff, and a total of 15 tables allocated to hoteliers, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and Air Seychelles.  

Headed by the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, the delegation comprises the chief executive of the STB Elsia Grandcourt and her senior staff Philomena Hollanda who will be representing the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label, Seychelles director for Europe Bernadette Willemin, manager PR & News Bureau UK & Ireland Lena Hoareau and marketing executives for UK & Ireland Maria Morel and Eloise Vidot, along with the principal of the  Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) Flavien Joubert, the special advisor to the Minister for Tourism and Culture Raymonde Onezime. 

Miss Seychelles ... Another World 2012 Sherlyn Furneau is also flying into London to join the delegation in her role as ambassador to the Seychelles islands for the exhibition, which will also be an opportunity for Sherlyn to learn more of the worldwide travel industry. 

The delegation will also be made up of representatives of the fifteen trade partners of the STB -- 7°South, Air Seychelles, Banyan Tree Seychelles, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, Cerf Island Resort, Coco De Mer Hotel, Coral Stand smart Choice Hotel, Creole Travel Services, Hilton Seychelles Resort, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Mason’s Travel, Paradise Sun, Raffles Praslin, Round Island Resort (Mahe) and Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort. 

This four-day business-to-business tourism trade fair are for all those looking to capture their portion of the traveller’s heart and mind in the UK.  It is the platform to meet the key partners in the tourism industry, network, negotiate and conduct business.  By attending WTM, participants have the unique opportunity to efficiently, effectively and productively gain instantaneous competitive lead for their business and stay abreast of the most recent developments in the travel industry.

Since its introduction five years ago, WTM has become the leading global event for the travel industry, attracting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors, as well as international travel professionals; tour operators, hotels, airlines, technology and online travel services under one roof. 
The 2012 WTM event’s programme will deliver interesting and key industry knowledge from some of the industry’s leading professionals. 

It is estimated that this year the events will attract a wide range of press and media from the travel and tourism industry.
A total of 47,776 attended the WTM in 2011, compared to 47,532 in 2010. With exhibiting companies and attendees such as Meridian Club Members, Trade Professionals, Retail Travel Agents, Press (PR’s and Journalists) and exhibitors, this year’s exhibition is expected to see a higher number of attendees.