THE Seychelles islands has lately recorded a remarkable upsurge in tourist arrivals from the UAE market, which has resulted in the country reaching over 10,000 visitors arriving from this market.
The weekly visitor arrivals bulletin, issued by Seychelles’ National Bureau of Statistics, shows that Seychelles has, from the start of this year until the week ending October 21, 2012, welcomed a total of 10,052 visitors arriving from the UAE.
This outstanding figure of 10,052 visitors from the UAE reflects an impressing 58 per cent growth over last year, which saw a total of 6,375 UAE visitors arriving in Seychelles. More so, it represents an increase of 142 per cent over 2010 arrival figures from UAE, which was 4,153 visitors.
Performance index of visitors from other Middle East countries are on an upward climb. To date, Seychelles has recorded 5,063 visitors from other Middle East countries, which is 57 per cent above the 2011 figures (3,230).
The tourism board has set a target of 21,500 visitors from the Middle East for 2013.
The overwhelming increase can be attributed to the good air connection that exists between the UAE and Seychelles. Currently, Seychelles is linked up with the Dubai hub through Emirates Airlines which operates 11 flights per week. Also making Seychelles easily accessible to the region are Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.
Elsia Grandcourt, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board added, “To increase visitor arrivals by continually offering unique products and services which are value for money and tailored to the Arab market and to increase awareness of the destination throughout the Middle East with an emphasis on niche segments”
“Bookings in the GCC region do still tend to be closer to the dates of travel, however with no visa restrictions and an array of accommodation offerings on the main Island of Mahe in addition to the other inner and outer islands, Seychelles remains easily accessible to this region, she added.