Seychelles Sets Sights on French Market with Dynamic Showcase at IFTM Top Resa Paris
This September, the Seychelles Islands are making a major statement at the heart of Europe’s travel industry, as a high-profile delegation heads to Paris for IFTM Top Resa 2025, France’s leading international B2B travel show. Running from 23rd to 25th September, the Seychelles presence will stand out not only for its strategic ambition but also for its immersive display of the archipelago’s natural beauty, distinct culture, and world-class hospitality.
The Seychelles delegation, comprising 14 tourism experts from eight organisations, aims to spark renewed interest among French and international partners. The team’s lineup reflects the full spectrum of the Seychelles tourism offering, with representation from renowned hotels, destination management companies (DMCs), and yacht charter specialists. This year, the islands’ approach is clear: to deliver a strong, unified message that Seychelles remains at the forefront of premium leisure travel, tailor-made experiences, and high-end escapes.
Leadership for the mission is drawn from the top ranks, with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, leading the charge. He is joined by Ms Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing at Tourism Seychelles. Supporting the leadership team are Judeline Edmond, Market Manager for France, Benelux & Switzerland, and Senior Marketing Executives Maryse William and Jennifer Dupuy. The diverse delegation is further strengthened by local industry leaders, including 7° South, Creole Travel Services, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Mason’s Travel, Raffles Seychelles, Story Seychelles, and VPM Yachtcharter Seychelles.
Throughout the three-day event at Hall 1 – Stand M 082, Seychelles will immerse visitors in the islands’ latest offerings—spanning new products, market trends, and an authentic taste of Seychellois hospitality. The programme includes a series of pre-scheduled meetings with established and prospective trade partners, designed to foster lasting relationships and drive new business opportunities. For the African travel trade, this Paris showcase signals Seychelles’ ongoing commitment to market diversification and collaboration, particularly with partners who can link outbound African travellers to the Indian Ocean’s most celebrated destination.
France has consistently ranked among the top source markets for the Seychelles, with French travellers known for their appetite for unique island experiences, sustainability, and high-quality service. Ms Bernadette Willemin, sharing the delegation’s vision, notes, “We aim to re-engage and charm our French visitors, inviting them to rediscover the islands through new products, fresh experiences, and a revitalised spirit. We are determined to keep positioning Seychelles as the top choice for French travellers and to captivate them with the authentic beauty and unique experiences our destination has to offer.”
What’s on offer at the Seychelles stand goes far beyond glossy brochures. Visitors will benefit from comprehensive updates on the islands’ evolving product landscape, including the emergence of boutique resorts, eco-conscious initiatives, revamped DMC services, and greater connectivity through regional aviation partners. This direct access to decision-makers and product innovators enables industry insiders to stay ahead of market trends and gain fresh insight into how Seychelles is adapting to changing traveller expectations.
For African-based tourism professionals, Seychelles’ presence in Paris provides valuable intelligence on how to position the islands for outbound clients seeking luxury, adventure, or authentic cultural immersion. The delegation’s focus on meaningful engagement also opens the door for new cross-border collaborations, particularly as intra-African tourism grows and Seychelles seeks to diversify its arrivals beyond traditional European markets. African operators attending the event, or tracking developments from afar, can leverage these insights to enhance their own Indian Ocean portfolios, promote multi-destination itineraries, or align with Seychelles DMCs for seamless guest experiences.
Personal connections remain at the heart of Seychelles’ approach. The stand promises not only market updates but also an open invitation to network with the islands’ most influential tourism leaders. Warm Seychellois hospitality will be on full display—complete with coffee and genuine conversation—offering an ideal setting for forging new relationships and sharing business intelligence. This interpersonal dynamic is especially critical in a post-pandemic era, where trust and partnership underpin every successful tourism transaction.
The timing of this showcase could not be more strategic. As the travel sector rebounds and competition for high-value visitors intensifies, Seychelles is making clear that it intends to remain front-of-mind among French and European buyers. Its robust presence at IFTM Top Resa 2025 is a statement of intent: to maintain its edge in luxury and tailor-made travel, reaffirm its reputation for safety and quality, and showcase the diversity of its tourism ecosystem—from pristine beaches to vibrant Creole culture and marine adventures.
Looking ahead, the Seychelles’ approach at IFTM Top Resa holds important lessons for the wider African travel industry. The delegation’s proactive engagement, dedication to product innovation, and investment in relationship-building serve as a model for other African destinations aiming to win market share in competitive source markets. For travel professionals across the continent, keeping a close eye on these developments can inspire new strategies for product development, partnership building, and market diversification.
Ultimately, the Seychelles’ dynamic presence in Paris this September is about more than just marketing; it’s about storytelling, partnership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As Africa’s tourism landscape evolves, the Seychelles Islands continue to set a benchmark for how destinations can balance tradition and innovation, win the loyalty of discerning travellers, and remain agile in the face of changing global dynamics.
For those attending IFTM Top Resa, the Seychelles stand will be a must-visit—an opportunity not just to discover what’s new, but to connect with the passionate people shaping the future of Indian Ocean tourism. For Africa’s travel sector, this moment is a call to action: to think bigger, act bolder, and embrace the changing currents of the global tourism marketplace.
