The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) took part in the Arabian Travel Market from May 4-7, 2015 which was held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Now on its 22nd year, the Arabian Travel Market, is said to be the biggest yet with over 2,700 exhibitors in addition to the 400 main stand holders with a projected number of 23,000 visitors.
The Arabian Travel Market being the biggest gathering of travel-related companies in the world, focused on family travels with highlights on travel technology business.
This year, the exhibitors added Hall 6 as part of the exhibition area to accommodate the increasing numbers of exhibitors and attendees. The Seychelles Tourism Board was elated to take part in this year’s event as the Middle East is Seychelles’ fifth market feeder.
With the face-to-face meeting opportunity given to the attendees and its partners, many stand visitors were fascinated with the islands and plan to visit Seychelles as part of their summer itinerary.
The Seychelles Tourism Board had a very successful run in the recently-concluded Arabian Travel Market as there were so many attendees who visited the stand and met with different STB stand partners such as: 7⁰ South Ltd – Virtuoso Onsite, Air Seychelles, Banyan Tree Seychelles, Coral Strand Hotel, Creole Travel Services, Eden Bleu Hotel, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles, The H Resort, Seychelles, and Vision Voyages DMC (Pty) Ltd.
The Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken, and its Director of Marketing, Rose-Marie Hoareau, graced the event with their presence.
Along with the Regional Manager – Middle East, Ahmed Fathallah, they met different prospective clients who showed keen interest in visiting Seychelles.
Miss Naiken accommodated different media interviews to share the latest news about the islands and convey wonderful reasons to visit Seychelles. She also attended the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Seychelles Tourism Board and Emirates Airlines.
The Arabian Travel Market was a perfect venue to show the beauty of the Seychelles islands, to introduce the destination to individuals who are not aware of its majestic beauty, and to infuse its presence in the market.
Since in a few weeks it will be summer season once again, the Arabian Travel Market opened doors of opportunity not just for the Seychelles Tourism Board but also to its 11 partners for them to show the attendees their latest offers.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, visited on the first day of the event.
There were also a number of seminars available for the exhibitors and attendees which helped them on how to properly tap their market. The four-day event gave the Seychelles Tourism Board the chance to show everyone the paradise in Seychelles.
“The good turnout of attendees and their interest with Seychelles inspired us more to join travel events like this. With the pleasing result of the Arabian Travel Market for the Seychelles Tourism Board, preparations for us to take part in the one next year is on its way,” said Mr. Fathallah.
Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .
