Alain St Ange of Seychelles Tourism Board. Alain St Ange of Seychelles Tourism Board.

The Seychelles islands are looking to counter their reputation as a destination solely for the rich, while maintaining its exclusiviy.

Seychelles Tourism Board director of tourism Alain St. Ange said the new focus was respecting holiday makers’ situations regarding the economy.

"Seychelles is offering more flexibility and a lot of added value," St. Ange explained.

"We are not talking mass tourism, but we are talking about making the Seychelles affordable and getting the message across that it is not just a once-in-a-lifetime destination."

The tourism board is in the process of organising a road show for the Middle East travel trade in October or November.

"We have a good relationship with the trade, but we are taking it to the next level," he said.

The tourism board has already taken the revamped Seychelles message to the European market and, according to St. Clair, the message has gone down well.

 

And, the initial response from the Middle East market has been equally positive, he said.

"Seychelles is perfect for Middle East families and it accommodates them very well," St.Clair added.

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