19th edition of Seychelles in Your Pocket guide book is out |19 January 2008

Containing more than 400 pages, about one thousand photographs, dozens of illustrations as well as a host of information on Seychelles, this small but encyclopaedic guide, which has now reached its 19th edition, is an indispensable handbook for anyone visiting the Seychelles. Available in four languages and two editions - Italian/English and French/German - it is meticulously updated every year and does not neglect any aspect: from flora to fauna, from architecture to religious and gastronomic traditions.

The book contains maps and detailed descriptions, even of the smallest and most remote islands, routes, as well as addresses, telephone numbers for accommodation, water sports or places where one can enjoy an excellent Creole meal.  The detailed index and the practical division into sections also make the guide easy to consult.

Each year, 30,000 copies of the guidebook are printed and they are distributed by the most important tour operators in Europe and promoted in the most important tourism fairs in Europe; certain tour operators like Alke Viagge in Italy even have personalised copies of the book printed for them and these are distributed to their clients before they even leave their countries of origin.  In Seychelles, the guide is sold in bookshops, shops, hotels' boutiques and other selected retailers.
Major hotel establishments also procure the guidebooks to offer them as an exclusive souvenir to their most important guests. 
Furthermore, Air Seychelles procures several thousands of copies of the guide each year and this is distributed as a complementary gift to all its Pearl Class passengers.  The guidebook is also sold in the In-flight shopping Mall on Air Seychelles.
 
In a foreword to the publication, editor Franca Rolfini writes: “The Seychelles are growing and so is ‘Seychelles in Your Pocket’. Both the small archipelago state of 115 islands and the great little pocket guide containing nearly 500 pages have remained true to themselves and committed to protecting their (bio)diversity. The restyled tourist brand, ‘The Seychelles Islands…Another World’, is not merely a slogan. Doggedly defending an extraordinary environment and aware that it is part of world heritage, this small republic has succeeded in implementing an enlightened tourist policy. Not just sea, but mountains and flora, food and traditions, fishing and trekking. ‘Seychelles in Your Pocket’ is a diligent ambassador for all of this. The covers, by local artist Michael Adams, reflect the wealth of natural and cultural heritage…”

In an opening message which also appears in the book, the chief executive officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, notes that the natural beauty, ecological variety and cultural vibrancy of the Seychelles islands are “well reflected in this highly successful, perennial publication”.

“In its pages, you may remark Seychelles’ recent refreshing of its destination brand to ‘The Seychelles Islands…Another World’. We are confident that this new brand with its colourful logo and evocative strap-line is an accurate and soulful representation of all that our islands have to offer to the discerning visitor weary of the lackluster uniformity of vacation experiences elsewhere..” says Mr Loustau-Lalanne in his opening message.

In fact STB is remarkably highlighted in this 19th edition of the guide through strategically placed posters and other publicity materials that the board uses in its promotional campaigns.