Turkish Market Set for Growth as Tourism Seychelles Hosts Dynamic Workshop in Ankara

Tourism Seychelles is strategically strengthening its presence in the Turkish market, recently showcasing its diverse offerings at a dedicated destination workshop in Ankara. This event followed the team’s participation at the GlobeMeets Fair in Istanbul, signaling a robust commitment to unlocking new business opportunities and deepening industry relationships between Seychelles and Turkey.

The Ankara workshop gathered an impressive line-up of leading travel trade partners, all eager to gain deeper insights into Seychelles’ vibrant tourism landscape. The initiative, led by Mrs. Amia Jovanovic-Desir, who manages the Turkish market for Tourism Seychelles, aimed to broaden the understanding and appeal of the islands among Turkish operators and their clients. Collaborators from across the industry spectrum, including Ms. Dorina Verlaque (7° South), Mr. Yusuf Demir (Turkish Airlines), Mr. Okan Cedetas (Qatar Airways), Mrs. Gamze Basol (Eren-Constance Hotels & Resorts), and Ms. Berfu Karatas (Oria Luxe), contributed their expertise and perspectives, making the workshop a milestone in bilateral trade engagement.

The event spotlighted Seychelles’ comprehensive range of accommodation options, spanning boutique guesthouses, self-catering apartments, and globally renowned luxury brands. Attendees explored the islands’ unique selling points—from island-hopping adventures and unspoiled beaches to rich biodiversity and immersive cultural experiences. Insightful presentations from partners such as 7° South offered updates on the destination’s latest products, while representatives from Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Constance Hotels & Resorts, and Oria Luxe shared their own innovations and travel solutions.

A pivotal moment came when Mr. Yusuf Demir announced that Turkish Airlines will operate four weekly flights to Seychelles between November 2025 and March 2026. This commitment marks a significant leap in connectivity, making it easier for Turkish and regional travelers to access the Indian Ocean archipelago. For Africa’s travel sector, this enhanced air link is a timely opportunity to develop new itineraries and partnerships, benefiting both inbound and outbound traffic.

Beyond the formal presentations, the workshop celebrated Seychelles’ vibrant culture. Attendees were treated to destination videos and traditional rum sampling, offering a genuine taste of the islands’ heritage and lifestyle. The spirit of Seychelles was further conveyed through branded gifts, brochures, and curated promotional materials designed to empower Turkish partners in marketing the destination more effectively to their clientele.

Reflecting on the event, Mrs. Amia Jovanovic-Desir emphasized the importance of collaborative engagement, noting: “This initiative has reinforced our ties with travel agencies, airline partners, and hospitality providers in Turkey. The strong interest shown in joint promotions and collaborative projects signals great potential to elevate Seychelles’ profile in this market further.”

Positive feedback from the Turkish trade community was immediate and enthusiastic. Workshop participants reported feeling more knowledgeable and confident in promoting Seychelles, with several expressing readiness to launch new packages and campaigns tailored to the evolving preferences of Turkish travelers. The consensus was clear: ongoing education and direct engagement are key to building long-term momentum in this emerging market.

Mrs. Jovanovic-Desir also took the opportunity to thank Ms. Dorina Verlaque, Sales Executive at 7° South, for her vital role in the event’s success. Such partnerships between destination management companies, airlines, hotels, and local experts are increasingly central to the travel industry’s ability to adapt and thrive—particularly in dynamic markets like Turkey, where consumer tastes are rapidly changing.

The Ankara workshop is part of a wider strategy by Tourism Seychelles to deepen its international reach and diversify its source markets. Since the beginning of 2025, the islands have welcomed over 1,300 Turkish visitors—a testament to the effectiveness of targeted trade engagement and the growing curiosity among Turkish travelers for Indian Ocean experiences. With Turkish Airlines resuming four weekly flights later this year, industry observers anticipate a substantial uptick in arrivals, creating fresh opportunities for African operators to form new connections and capitalize on this upward trend.

For Africa’s travel professionals, the Seychelles-Turkey partnership provides valuable lessons in regional collaboration, destination marketing, and the importance of tailored trade events. As airlines increase frequencies and new products are launched, business leaders are encouraged to remain agile, building relationships that respond to shifting demand and evolving travel patterns. The Ankara workshop stands as a model for how focused, well-executed industry events can translate into real growth and new business for the continent’s travel sector.

With a renewed emphasis on cultural connection, product diversification, and air connectivity, Tourism Seychelles is poised to further elevate its standing in the Turkish market. The momentum generated by this workshop is expected to extend into the coming season, with both sides keen to explore collaborative initiatives that will shape the future of travel between Africa and Turkey.