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The first workshop in the three-city series was launched in Johannesburg, where some 80 travel agents witnessed the opening of the workshop by the director of tourism marketing, Alain St Ange.

He said South Africa remains a strong and important market, which is why such a large trade delegation was present to update that country on the latest positive developments in Seychelles.

“We are here only to tell a friendly country that we value the support we are receiving from its travel trade and that we remain committed to developing an even stronger working partnership with them,” said Mr St Ange.

David Germain, the regional manager for the South African market, thanked the South African trade for its ongoing support and told them Seychelles is committed to working with them to increase bookings.

Mr Germain also took the opportunity to introduce Marsha Parcou, the new tourism board representative based in Pretoria.
The series of workshops then took the road to Durban, where another 80 travel trade members learned about properties and services targeting the South African market.

After Durban, the last stop was Cape Town, where Seychelles presented its products to some 56 members of the travel trade from the Southern Cape area.

The response has been so positive that Mr St Ange and Mr Germain have confirmed that the Seychelles workshops will become an annual event.

The tourism trade was represented in South Africa by the following: Banyan Tree Resort, Berjaya Hotels, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Hotel, Desroches Island, Constance Hotels (Lemuria & Ephilia), Fregate Island and Eden Island, Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel, Select Seychelles and national airline Air Seychelles.