“The World” cruise ship arrives in Aldabra. It left Praslin Island at midnight on Saturday, February 28, where it has been at sea for two days before anchoring at Aldabra this morning. SIF will be managing their stopover at Aldabra and Assumption Island.

“The World” is not just any cruise ship – it’s a cruise ship with a difference where their permanent residents travel to various destinations around the globe. Minister St Ange had the honor of delivering a unique lecture “from the heart” to over 120 of its residents in advance of the visit to Mahe last week. Officials from “The World” were quoted as saying that “they were extremely impressed” and said “it was one of the most genuine and interesting lecturers they had heard.” Senior Seychelles tourism officials ensured that this stopover was etched in “The World’s” history by delivering a framed photograph of the Seychelles for the ship’s Hall of Fame.

All hands were on deck at 7°South DMC last week. Staff organized a range of excursions for the residents onboard once they docked at each of the three main islands. Tourism service providers were able to offer the best of Seychelles during the visitors’ stopovers. This ranged from small bicycle hire operators, local guides, restaurants, Eden Plaza shops, hotels, and restaurants, as well as fishing and boat charters for various island excursions. It is hoped that the visit of “The World” will have a cascading effect on the numbers of visitors to the beautiful shores of Seychelles through its own advertisements and word-of-mouth recommendations.

This visit highlighted the uniqueness of destination Seychelles and was a welcomed boost to its tourism sector.

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