Air Seychelles joins partners to boost arrivals |20 February 2010

In particular, the national airline is intensifying its efforts to work with other tourism partners, particularly the hotels, to promote Seychelles as an affordable destination.

“What we are doing is aimed at enhancing services and tourism tools to attract as many tourists as possible amid the aftermath of the economic crisis,” said Jocelyn Bonnal, its director for marketing and sales.

The beginning of 2009 was not good for tourism here as it saw a fall of 15% in visitors compared to the previous year. So Seychelles, in partnership with hotels such as the Hilton Northolme and the Lemuria, began various advertising campaigns on its international routes that offered special deals on air fares and room rates.

The air ticket offers include the Companion Promo, where a couple travelling to Seychelles get a 50% reduction on the second ticket. This is valid until March 25.

Then came the 1-2 Duo Promo – where the second ticket is free – and the Family Promo – 1st child free, reduction of 50% on second child – from the United Kingdom and Germany. This promotion is valid until May this year.

Air Seychelles also stepped up its campaigning on the French route. Describing the series of promotions as fruitful, Mrs Bonnal said the company recorded an increase of 3,000 French visitors.

“This is very encouraging, but all these campaigns will be successful only if all the tourism partners join Air Seychelles to initiate and invest in advertising and marketing campaigns that promote Seychelles’ tourist attractions in a fresh and memorable way,” she said.

Mrs Bonnal said though there are already promotions and special packages that have proved successful, Air Seychelles still welcomes other interested hotels willing to grant similar room offers. 

The airline is also working in close collaboration with the Seychelles Tourism Board to help market the destination and ensure it stays competitive on the world market.

Mrs Bonnal spoke about the company’s plan to further develop routes to Asia, which she said is a good market.
“We are even looking into the possibility of offering flights to and from China, whereby Chinese tourists can spend five days here,” she added.