A group of 12 GCC travel agents were whisked off on a fam trip to uncover the secret side of the Seychelles.
A group of 12 travel agents were whisked off to the Seychelles for a four-day trip round the islands in January, hosted by Emirates Airlines and Seychelles Tourism Board.
With Emirates having recently announced plans to launch a double-daily service to the Seychelles by the end of the year, the airline and tourism board were keen to give local agents some first hand experience of the destination.
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The group comprised of travel agents from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. As part of the whistle-stop tour of the islands agents visited Sainte Anne, Silhouette, Praslin and Mahé Islands.
While the focus is usually on the big chain hotel brands, this was the first fam to be shown some of the islands’ smaller accommodation establishments, that are part of the ‘Seychelles Secrets’ portfolio — such as: Augerine Guesthouse, Les Villa’s d’Or, Cote d’Or Chalets and Villa de Mer.
The group also heard a ‘Seychelles Secrets’ presentation which was delivered by Amia Jovanovic-Desir and Peter Moncherry of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB).
Throughout their stay, agents enjoyed overnight stays at a number of different hotels, including the Constance Hotels: Lemuria and Ephelia; Labriz Seychelles and BeachComber St Anne Resort.
And at the end of the trip the group was hosted at a gala dinner at the Constance Ephelia Resort by the STB, with the agents dancing the night away to entertainment from Seychellois artist Dave Sinon.
Mohammad A Almasoud, Riyadh branch manager, Almojil Travel & Tours said it was great to experience the ‘secret Seychelles’: “We discovered new places not promoted very well in our local press,” he said.
“My impression of the accommodation was that it was very good. We found all the hotels to be very luxurious. The highlight of the trip for me was the resorts. They all provided great services.”
Sujesh from Al Qayed Travel and Tours, Doha described Seychelles as a “dreamland.” “This calm, quiet island is a paradise for the tourists, especially for honeymooning couples and small families who like to spend their time mingling with nature.
The exotic beaches and climate are the gift of god. The fish dishes are too tasty and we experienced the taste of octopus salad for the first time,” he added.
Mohammed Ashraf, Holidays and Travel consultant, Trans Arabian Sea Air Travels agreed: “Seychelles is a dream destination with exotic beaches.
It’s a perfect way to relax and make the best out of holidays. This destination will be popular thanks to the beautiful islands and the luxurious accommodation.
I would sell it to honeymooners, UAE nationals and to our corporates. The highlights of the trip were the great cuisine, the peaceful and relaxing spas and the variety of accommodation for a comfortable stay.
The resorts were just excellent and it gave us a clear insight as to how a beautiful place with the best of services has made Seychelles truly a ‘Dream Destination’”.
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