Seychelles as Dubai-style gateway to Africa and tourism hot spot
Posted on 06 May 2010 with no comments from readers
The Seychelles Islands are a safe and secure gateway for companies looking to do business with the booming African continent, as well as an unforgettable holiday experience with uncrowded beaches and the taste of paradise.
This is how the Seychelles Tourism Board is marketing this remarkably beautiful collection of islands on the equator at the Arabian Travel Market this week. For Dubai residents The Seychelles is a popular alternative to The Maldives and only a slightly longer four-and-a-half hour flight on Emirates that flies to Mahe six times a week.
Accommodation options
‘We cover the entire spectrum of tourists with accommodation from 60 to 6,000 euros a night,’ director of tourism Alain St. Ange told ArabianMoney. ‘But last year we had only 156,000 visitors so you can still have a beach to yourself, and growth this year will not be more than five per cent.’
For upmarket tourists the recently opened Constance Ephelia Resort at Port Launay is bound to be a magnet set in 134 acres of verdant greenery. It features suites, and a variety of villas with private pools as well as five restaurants and bars.
Or try the new Villa de Cerf with four elegantly presented rooms in a colonial style mansion with the very best in luxury facilities and services.
There is also the new Raffles Seychelles Resort and Residences on the North point of Praslin Island with 90 rooms and 23 villas set to open this December. And the Round Island Resort Mahe with ten exclusive villas and a spa is also due to open later this year.
Island hopping
Visitors to The Seychelles typically commute between the two main islands by helicopter, catamaran or schooner, and perhaps visit a third as an excursion. Each of the islands has its own individual character and beauty.
‘Being four degrees off the equator means that the weather is fine all the year round, and the average stay is 9.2 days, although 6-7 days is ideal,’ says Mr St. Ange.
‘The Seychelles is also safe with no crime, and stable and an ideal gateway for business in Africa. There is no restriction on the movement of funds, no tribalism, and is a free zone base for Africa like Dubai is for the Middle East.’
This was certainly one of the most seductive propositions on offer at the ATM this year and ArabianMoney hopes to report further on this destination.
