Visitor arrivals up by 6 percent |29 August 2023

Visitors to Seychelles have increased by 6 percent (Photos: Vanessa)

Seychelles has seen a slight increase in the number of arrivals from the beginning of the year up until August 20, 2023, in comparison to the same period last year.

A total of 221,862 visitors have arrived in the country, representing a six percent increase.

By the 33rd week of 2022, a total of 209,357 visitors had arrived in the country.

Records held by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that 6,924 visitors arrived during the week commencing August 13, ending on August 20, a two percent increase from the same week in 2022.

European markets including France, Germany and Russia remain the biggest source of visitors, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The vast majority of arrivals during the 33rd week were for vacation purposes.

The previous week, ending August 13, saw the arrival of 7,558 visitors, 89 percent of whom arrived on vacation.

As per the tourism department’s website, revenues generated from tourism reached an estimated USD 530 million as of July 31, while visitor satisfaction is 89.5 percent, as of August 22.

The department, during its tourism annual performance review meeting, outlined its vision to maintain or exceed the 330,000 arrivals mark, even in the face of global challenges, such as the economic recession in Europe, and sky-high inflation.

In terms of revenue, the department was aiming to hit the $1 billion mark, a feat possible only with the cooperation of all key stakeholders.

Industry partners were urged to provide more quality services, add-ons and to diversify the product offering for clients.

The year 2022 was a bumper year for Seychelles, with arrivals exceeding 335,000.

In light of the arrival statistics, it looks as though the upwards trend will continue, and that the target to maintain arrival figures will be achieved.