Treasure hunt gives travel agents unique window into Seychelles |18 June 2007

Italian tour operator Alke Viaggi, working with Creole Travel Services, along with the Seychelles Tourism Board, Air Seychelles and a trio of local resorts, spearheaded the treasure hunt educational concept as a unique way to get travel agents to learn more about the destination, and to translate that knowledge into increased sales.

“Familiarisation trips and educationals are common tools, but one of the challenges is to make them something worth remembering,” said Amanda Lang of Creole Travel Services. “This treasure hunt concept will help them learn about the destination and what it has to offer travellers in a fun and engaging way that ties in with the intriguing history of Seychelles.”

The treasure hunt educational is being conducted in two groups, the second of which will be in Seychelles later this month.

The itinerary for the first group, which arrived in Seychelles on June 10, brought the agents to Praslin, Silhouette, Ste Anne and Mahé, to learn about the history of the islands, the flora and fauna, the beautiful attractions and the different activities the destination had to offer, all while staying at five-star accommodation on Ste Anne, Constance Lemuria Resort on Praslin and Labriz Silhouette.

At different stages of the educational trip, the agents had to fill out questionnaires about the certain activities they participated in, from excursions to the Vallee de Mai and glass-bottom boat trips, to learning about the La Buse site at Bel Ombre with treasure hunter John Cruise-Wilkins.

The top scoring agent is being awarded entry into a raffle draw for a car, which for an entire year will be “Seychelles” branded with the logos of the sponsors, to provide the destination with some additional exposure throughout Italy.

The prize-giving and presentation of certificates to the travel agents was held during a gala dinner last night at Ste Anne.