Tourism in Seychelles

Since the opening of Seychelles International Airport in 1971, tourism has been an important part of the Seychelles economy. The natural beauty of the 115 islands, as well as the distinctive Creole culture, have not only drawn in increasing numbers of visitors but also made the islands a magnet for regional and international firms looking to invest in the industry.

The sector today accounts for 24.8 per cent of the country’s GDP, the highest

for any single economic activity. This is the result not only of the natural

endowments of its beaches and mountains but of deliberate government policies that support the sector. Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, a total of USD 618 million was spent by visitors annually, amounting to an average of some USD 1,444 per tourist.
The pandemic, however, saw a sharp fall in visitor arrivals and a 63 per cent reduction in tourist expenditure. After reopening its borders, Seychelles saw arrivals pick up rapidly, and in 2022 is estimated to have received 250,000 visitors. In the first quarter alone, 91,000 visitors were confirmed to have landed on its shores.

Europe is one of the Seychelles’ principal markets, with the largest numbers of

visitors coming from Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The number of visitors to Seychelles from Italy, Israel, India, Switzerland, South Africa and the United States of America has also increased.

Visitors to the island have a wide selection of alternatives to choose from when it comes to accommodation. Major global brands such as Hilton, Kempinski Hotels, Marriott, Savoy, Banyan Tree and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are among them, as are smaller hotels, guest houses, selfcatering accommodation and villas.

Furthermore, the inner islands distributed around Mahé’s main island provide a safe and peaceful harbour inside the reef for yachts and schooners, as well as providing housing for guests.

Market Potential

The performance of tourism in Seychelles in recent years suggests great things

for the future of the sector, with increased visitor numbers, government income, and a contribution to output, employment and tourism earnings.

The development of sustainable tourism represents a unique and strategic

competitive advantage for Seychelles. The sector has the potential to produce

considerable long-term economic, social, cultural and environmental advantages as tourist investments and earnings rise in future years. In an ongoing bid to promote sustainable tourism, some significant target segments for the Seychelles tourism sector have been identified.

Cultural Tourism

Seychelles has a distinct, colourful and lively Creole culture as a result of decades of coexistence by people from four different parts of the world. Although Seychelles is famed for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear oceans, the highlight of a visit is the friendly Creole people and the unusual Creole food, which incorporates a wide range of cooking techniques such as English, French, African, Chinese and Indian.

ECOTOURISM

Ecotourism is more than just going to see and enjoy nature; it refers to visits to natural or protected areas with the primary goal of preserving them. The Vallée de Mai, an immense forest where the world’s largest nut, the coco de mer, grows wild, is one of two Unesco (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage sites in Seychelles. Aldabra is the world’s biggest elevated coral atoll, with a distinct environment. Seychelles’ incredible biodiversity cam be experienced by hiking through the broad network of nature paths in the national parks, or diving in the islands’ several marine reserves.

SPORTS TOURISM

Seychelles has a tropical and warm climate all year, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal site for a variety of sports activities. During the northwest monsoon, the principal islands enjoy calm seas,but there are high winds during the southeast trade winds season. Water sports such as flyfishing, windsurfing and kitesurfing are great in this weather. Seychelles offers an extensive network of natural paths that can be used for off-the-beaten-track recreational activities such as mountain biking and canopy activities.

SOME TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS