Visibility and relevance in the world of tourism

An annual event not only delivers the impact of the beauty of the Seychelles and the various reasons to visit, but also creates an amazing bond between the Tourism Board and its partners, who together

An annual event not only delivers the impact of the beauty of the Seychelles and the various reasons to visit, but also creates an amazing bond between the Tourism Board and its partners, who together as a team, stand side by side, proudly presenting travel to the โ€œSeychellesโ€ฆ another world.โ€

The 13th edition of the dedicated Seychelles Roadshow – Escapades Seychelles took place in France from May 30 – June 2, 2016. As always, this event was extremely well supported with a great turnout, by the Seychelles private sector partners, French tour operators, journalists, and travel agents. Seychelles has been working hard to maintain its visibility in France to ensure that it remains relevant as a holiday destination in France, which remains the main tourism source market for the islands.

For 2016, the train-and-dine evenings took place in Reims, Versailles, Bordeaux, and Lyon, where a most successful attendance of the French travel trade graced the islandsโ€™ promotional expedition with their presence.


The support from the local Seychelles private sector trade was immense, including so many faithful participating hotels, together with the airlines, Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways. The delegation consisted of the Seychelles Tourism Board European Director: Bernadette Willemin, accompanied by Marketing Executives Jennifer Dupuy and Valerie Payet; Etihad Airways/Air Seychelles: Nawell Benzbir, Nadia Perreira, and Christine Ozouf; Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa: Tony Rodach and Patrick Genie; Beachcomber Sainte Anne Island: Veronique Ibrard; Constance Hotels and Resorts: Virginie Fimbel; Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites: Ash Behari; Eden Bleu: Isabel Turon Lagau; Domaine de lโ€™Orangeraie, Domaine de La Reserve and Cat Cocos: Guillaume Albert; Denis Private Island, Indian Ocean Lodge, and Carana Beach Hotel: Prisca Constance; H-Resort Beau Vallon Beach: Isabelle Le Strat; and Hilton Seychelles: Devi Pentamah.

For an event to be so well supported by both the Seychelles private sector trade partners and the travel trade alike, over the many years of its existence, goes to show that the right mixture of ingredients was used to create this perfect marketing recipe and tool of success, said Bernadette Willemin, the European Director of the Seychelles Tourism Board. She also added that it is very important to host such dedicated Seychelles events abroad, thus bringing the beautiful islands of the Seychelles into the limelight and forefront, together with the unified help of its trade partners.

Bernadette Willemin went on to also say that the French market has had remarkable increases in passenger numbers to the destination and so far this year, has enjoyed a 20% increase, year-on-year. This has been made possible by powering events such as these – in taking the islands and the products they offer directly to the doorstep of the agents, as well as the support of the local hoteliers and airlines in participating in such events, creating more awareness of a destination that is safe, easy to access, and affordable to visit.

With high-tech, giant-screen presentations, state-of-the-art technology brought together the Seychelles as amazing islands in a panoramic destination feature. The images and descriptions of the Seychelles islands conveyed the message of what makes the islands unique and sets them apart as a destination of choice among the French, and the reasons why they should experience the variety and diversity of what the country has to offer.

“We look forward to another year of hard work, support, dedicated motivation, and further success in growing, maintaining, and nurturing the French market in its pole position it enjoys on the podium of successful sales to the Seychelles. The Seychelles Escapades will come back to France and take place between May 29 and June 1, 2017,” said Bernadette Willemin, the Seychelles Tourism Board European Director.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) .



About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...