Seychelles is all out this year to turn Ireland into a more profitable market and increase visitor figures from there by 40% by the end of 2014.
The Seychelles Tourist Office for UK and Ireland this year started its promotion on this market on a strong note, attending two fairs in one weekend – Holiday World Show and Bride of the Year Show – in addition to a series of sales calls.
2014 is set to be a great year for Irish travelers with more than 30 new routes available by air, increasing Ireland’s overall air capacity by 5-10%. Etihad and Emirates have also confirmed that they will be increasing flights – double daily out of Dublin – providing more capacity and choice to the traveller wishing to head to the Seychelles.
The Seychelles Tourist Office’s Regional Manager for UK and Ireland, Tinaz Wadia, led the Seychelles’ delegation at the Holiday World Show and said there was notable interest for more affordable holidays as more Irish are keen to travel abroad.
“The show was a big success for Seychelles, considering that it was our second participation there, and Seychelles always comes across as one of the most exciting destinations on the market,” she said, adding that albeit small, this promising market has already shown its potential with a 33% increase from 2012 to 2013.
“We hope with major efforts being put into the market, the increase will reflect an even bigger number in 2014. I’m pleased to say that our annual road-show in UK will this year make a stop-over in Dublin,” she stated.
Ms Wadia was accompanied at the Holiday World Show by Marketing Executive Maria Morel. Also in attendance was Ash Behari from the Coco de Mer Hotel on Praslin.
Major tour operators such as Trailfinders, Travel Mood, Sunway and Cassidy Travel were present at the fair and also promoting the Seychelles through various offers and packages with their respective booking stations, for immediate booking processes and pricing.
Pat Dawson, Chief Executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association, has described the Holiday Show as a fantastic event for travel agents and consumers alike.
“The economic downturn has made it difficult for many to afford holidays the last couple of years but our members have showcased unbeatable holiday offers at the Holiday World Show. Irish travel agents at the show are focusing on quality and affordability as well as dispensing invaluable destination advice. Recent market research has indicated that one in two Irish adults will take a foreign holiday in 2014,” he said.
Celebrating its 25th year of making holidaymakers dreams come true, the show is considered a one-stop shop of inspiration, advice and spectacular offers to broaden the horizons of those seeking their ideal break in 2014.
