Seychelles Tourism Board is placing the GCC at the centre of its strategy to attract high-value, sustainable tourism, with around six in 10 international visitors reaching the destination through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi.
At Arabian Travel
Market (ATM) 2026, the board is highlighting plans for a new MoU with Emirates,
deeper engagement with regional travel trade and efforts to promote Seychelles
beyond its traditional image as a luxury beach destination.
“The GCC is central to
Seychelles’ tourism future, both as a source of high-value travellers and as an
aviation bridge connecting our islands with the world,” said Vesna Rakic, Chief
Executive Officer of Seychelles Tourism Board.
“Our partnership with
Emirates has played an important role in expanding access to Seychelles. The
new MoU will build on that longstanding relationship and create further
opportunities to strengthen awareness and demand across the region and
international markets.”
Emirates currently
operates 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mahé, while Air Seychelles
provides daily service from Abu Dhabi.
Qatar Airways resumed
four weekly Doha-Seychelles services in June 2026.
Together, the Gulf
hubs provide important connectivity to Seychelles from the GCC while linking
the islands with markets across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The UAE is also
becoming an increasingly important source market. Seychelles welcomed 20,980
visitors from the UAE in 2025, up 6.2% from 19,761 in 2024.
Strong repeat
visitation highlights demand among families, couples and luxury travellers
seeking privacy, personalised experiences and island escapes.
“Travellers from the
GCC already know Seychelles for its beaches, privacy and exceptional
hospitality. Our opportunity now is to introduce them to the fuller Seychelles
story,” Rakic added.
“That story includes
our people, Creole culture and gastronomy, nature, wellness, marine
experiences, adventure and the distinctive character of our different islands.
We want visitors to stay longer, explore further and build a deeper connection
with the destination.”
Seychelles is seeking
to shift from volume to value by encouraging longer stays, broader island
exploration and greater spending across hotels, restaurants, experiences and
local businesses.
The strategy also
places environmental protection and the preservation of Creole culture at its
core.
The approach has
already delivered strong economic results.
Seychelles welcomed
398,841 international visitors in 2025, around 13% more than in 2024, while
tourism earnings increased by approximately 29% to $1.196 billion, more than
twice the rate of visitor growth.
The destination is
also broadening its tourism proposition.
Mahé is being promoted
for its capital Victoria, Creole culture, cuisine, hiking and nature reserves;
Praslin combines beaches with the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai; while La Digue
offers cycling, iconic landscapes and a slower pace of island life. Private and
outer islands provide further opportunities for secluded luxury and marine
adventures.
Air connectivity
remains a priority following disruptions earlier in 2026. Seychelles recorded
31,628 visitors in July, up 1.8% year on year, taking year-to-date arrivals to
232,342.
Ethiopian Airlines is
scheduled to introduce double-daily Addis Ababa services from December, while
Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot have also expanded or resumed
services.
New hospitality
investment is expected to support further growth, including the planned opening
of a Meliá property towards the end of 2026.
“Our ambition is sustainable growth that creates greater value for Seychelles,” Rakic said. “This means strengthening connectivity, diversifying our markets and experiences, and ensuring that tourism benefits our communities and wider economy while protecting the extraordinary natural and cultural assets that make Seychelles unique.” -TradeArabia News Service