The destination through its marketing body, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), featured at the Mahana Tourism Fair in Lyon from March 8, 2019 to March 10, 2019, an opportunity for many French visitors to discover more about the exotic islands of Seychelles.
Held over three days, the event received over 26,100 visitors at the Halle Tony Garnier in Lyon, France.
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Destination Seychelles rubbed shoulders with the best exotic destinations during the 39th edition of the fair; presenting itself in its most favorable light through a short island-hopping video highlighting the three main islands of Seychelles – Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and the various available activities such as hiking, diving and sailing, among others.
The STB team in the Hexagon was represented by STB Marketing Executive based in Paris Ms. Valérie Payet displayed the destination’s feature, the stand was honored by the presence of the Seychelles Consul for Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Mrs. Virginie Mathieu on the first day of the fair.
They also took the opportunity to inform visitors about Seychelles’ investment in sustainable tourism, culture and heritage.
The team noted that frequent questions asked at the Mahana Fair refer to the best season to visit Seychelles, the available activities and flight connectivity to the destination.
STB’s Regional Director for Europe, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, explained that the Mahana Tourism Fair is an opportunity to shift the perception that Seychelles is an expensive destination with only luxury hotels. She explained that the strategy behind the STB’s participation to the fair was to provide the chance to show that the destination remains accessible experience for all.
“The fair has been a good opportunity to promote our official website and to show potential visitors that Seychelles offers a large range of affordable accommodations such as guesthouses, small family Seychellois hotels, and self-catering establishments,” said Mrs. Willemin.
She added that people were pleasantly surprised and happy with this information. Mrs. Willemin commented that the trend has changed and people are more and more looking for holiday’s destinations where they will be able to meet the local people and interact with them.
“Seychelles remains a dream and paradisiac destination that people hope to visit once in their lifetime. This fair definitely allows increasing Seychelles visibility and people’s awareness about the destination,” Mrs. Willemin concluded.
The Seychelles’ stand Mahana Tourism Fair recorded visitors from diverse lifestyles and demographics; ranging from young couples looking for their honeymoon getaway, to people looking to embark on an unforgettable cruise, not forgetting those looking for the best destination for diving.
The STB stand also provided visitors with the occasion to share their experience and memories made during their stay in the island nation.
