Gulf Seychelles is looking to further fuel inbound leisure tourism from the Gulf, capitalising on the growing success of its marketing efforts in the region.

The Seychelles Tourism and Marketing Authority (STMA) is leading a team of tourism officials to the ATM for the second consecutive year as part of these efforts. The STMA will be headed by its CEO, Francis Savy, and include representatives of hotels, destination management companies and Air Seychelles.

The authority has actively marketed the Indian Ocean island country to both leisure travellers and investors in the Gulf region.

Leisure traffic has shown a remarkable increase, facilitated by the newly introduced twice weekly direct Air Seychelles flights from Dubai, the authority said.

"We are delighted with the results we have achieved over the past year, and we are confident that the growth in both leisure and investor markets will continue over the next 12 months," said Levy.

"The Seychelles is only a four hour-flight away from Dubai, which makes it a perfect destination for short breaks and long weekends for GCC nationals as well as expatriates in the region.

"It is our aim to develop this market further in co-operation with our travel trade partners throughout the Gulf."

The authority's marketing programmes are being coordinated and implemented by Dubai-based Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy which was appointed last year as its representative office.

"Through our sales team, we have received exceptionally positive feedback from the travel trade in the region," said chairman Mohammed Al Geziry.

"The stunning natural scenery of the islands, combined with a fascinating culture, superb hotels and excellent flight connections have made The Seychelles one of the fastest growing leisure destinations for the Gulf market."