Tourism Seychelles Targets Saudi Market with Sports and Luxury Travel Focus
Tourism Seychelles has taken a significant step in expanding its presence in the Saudi Arabian market by participating as an exhibitor at the TBO Riyadh Event. This strategic engagement marks the organization’s first market activity in Saudi Arabia for 2025 and underscores its commitment to strengthening ties with the Kingdom’s travel industry. The event, which attracted over 300 attendees, including leading travel companies from Riyadh, provided an invaluable platform for Seychelles to showcase its diverse tourism offerings and forge strategic partnerships.
The TBO Riyadh Event allowed Tourism Seychelles to connect directly with travel agents, discuss strategies for promoting the destination, and explore collaborative opportunities. This initiative is part of Seychelles’ broader effort to position itself as a dynamic destination that goes beyond leisure, targeting niche markets such as sports tourism, luxury travel, and adventure experiences.
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025: A Game-Changer for Sports Tourism
One of the key highlights of Tourism Seychelles’ participation was the promotion of the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, which will take place from 1st to 11th May 2025 at the Paradise Arena in Mahé. This historic event will bring together 16 teams from around the world, offering a unique blend of world-class sports and Seychelles’ stunning natural beauty. Travel agents were encouraged to leverage this global sporting event as an opportunity to promote Seychelles as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and adventure seekers.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Fathallah, Representative of Tourism Seychelles in the Middle East, emphasized the significance of this opportunity: “Seychelles continues to position itself as more than just a leisure destination; we are evolving into a dynamic hub for cultural, luxury, and sports tourism. With the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, along with enhanced air connectivity through Air Seychelles’ new flights, we see great potential to attract more visitors from Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.”
Strengthening Partnerships with Key Industry Players
Tourism Seychelles’ collaboration with TBO, one of the region’s leading B2B travel platforms, was a central focus of its participation in the Riyadh event. This partnership reinforces the importance of working closely with prominent industry players to expand Seychelles’ presence in the Saudi market. The event served as a launchpad for future collaborations, with Tourism Seychelles planning to showcase its offerings at the TBO Travel Business Show in Dubai and Qatar later in 2025.
By engaging with travel agents and industry stakeholders, Tourism Seychelles aims to ensure that its partners have the tools and information needed to effectively promote the destination. This collaborative approach is expected to drive increased visitor numbers from Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Enhanced Air Connectivity and Market Potential
Air Seychelles’ new flights to the region are set to play a pivotal role in supporting the destination’s growth in the Saudi market. Enhanced air connectivity will make Seychelles more accessible to travelers from Saudi Arabia, further boosting its appeal as a top-tier destination. The combination of improved flight options and targeted marketing efforts positions Seychelles as a competitive choice for Saudi travelers seeking unique experiences, from pristine beaches to high-profile sporting events.
Opportunities for African Travel Agents
For African travel agents, Seychelles’ intensified focus on the Saudi market presents exciting opportunities to tap into a growing segment of affluent travelers. The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, in particular, offers a unique selling point for agents to promote Seychelles as a destination that combines luxury, adventure, and world-class sports. Additionally, the collaboration with TBO and other key players ensures that agents have access to the latest tools and resources to market Seychelles effectively.
Tourism Seychelles’ efforts to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia reflect a broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings and attract visitors from new markets. By focusing on sports tourism, luxury travel, and enhanced connectivity, Seychelles is positioning itself as a dynamic and versatile destination. For travel professionals across Africa, these developments highlight the potential to leverage Seychelles’ growing appeal and drive new business opportunities in the region.
As Seychelles continues to evolve its tourism strategy, its commitment to fostering partnerships and promoting unique experiences ensures that it remains a top choice for travelers from Saudi Arabia and beyond. With the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025 on the horizon, the destination is set to shine on the global stage, offering unparalleled opportunities for both visitors and industry stakeholders.
