AIR Seychelles is looking to start thrice-weekly direct flights between Mumbai and Seychelles by the end of this year, according to Seychelles Tourism and Culture minister, Alain St Ange, who was in New Delhi last week.
Pending approval by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, the airline is expected to use Airbus A320 aircraft on the route.
“India’s outbound tourism potential is unparalleled and we are here to claim a share of this growing market. Presently, Indian travellers can reach Seychelles via Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Colombo.
“Indian filmmakers will also have an opportunity to gain access to the stunning and unexplored filming locations of Seychelles through direct flights,” said Ange.
He also revealed that there were talks to include India’s Andaman islands in the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Organisation that includes Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka as member islands.
A first-ever Seychelles roadshow was held in New Delhi and Mumbai last week gathering trade members from both countries.
Lubaina Sheerazi, head, Blue Square Consultants, which represents Seychelles Tourism Board, said: “We are targeting honeymoon, luxury, adventure and experiential travellers, and leveraging various media to reach out to and engage with them.
“We will also be conducting roadshows and destination trainings, participating in trade fairs, investing in marketing activities and scheduling fam trips as a part of our strategy.”
