Discovering Seychelles: A Familiarisation Trip for Chinese Tourism Partners
Tourism Seychelles seized a remarkable opportunity to showcase the stunning allure of Seychelles to tourism trade representatives and media partners from Chengdu, China, through a familiarisation trip held from November 19 to 23, 2024.
Coinciding with the inaugural Sichuan Airlines flight to Seychelles, the delegation was warmly received at the Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, where they conducted a site inspection and toured the resort's facilities. The itinerary for the group included visits to several notable historical and cultural sites in Seychelles. Key highlights were Mission Lodge, which holds significant cultural value; Jardin du Roi, celebrated for its diverse botanical offerings; and a tour through the capital city of Victoria, where they explored Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, the Hindu Temple, and Camion Hall. The cultural immersion continued with visits to the Seychelles Tea Plantation, La Louise Viewpoint, and Cap Lazare Nature Reserve, where they enjoyed breathtaking views of the island’s natural landscape. The delegation also focused on inspecting various accommodations, including laïla, Seychelles - A Tribute Portfolio Resort, Raffles Seychelles, L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa, Maison Marengo, and AVANI+. They delved into the local culture by participating in a lively Moutya night, a celebration rich with Creole cuisine, music, and traditional dance, providing an authentic experience of the local customs.
The group had the opportunity to explore nearby islands, beginning with La Digue Island, where they visited the iconic Anse Source d’Argent beach and the historic L’Union Estate, home to giant tortoises. Following this adventure, they traveled to Praslin Island to experience the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, known for its unique Coco de Mer palm. To ensure that the delegation left with lasting memories from their Seychelles experience, the trip wrapped up with a deep dive into the island's local culture on Saturday, November 23rd. The day began at the Seychelles Craft Village, where they engaged with the vibrant local arts and crafts scene. They then visited the renowned Takamaka Rum Distillery, known for producing some of the finest rum in Seychelles, before departing for the airport to catch their flight back to Chengdu. This media familiarisation trip offered the press delegation a chance to experience the breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality that make Seychelles one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations.
Additionally, the participating trade agents gained crucial insights into the destination, empowering them to develop better travel packages and promote Seychelles more effectively within the Chinese market in the future.
