Seychelles Set to Surpass 2019 Visitor Record as Air Connectivity and Revenue Reach New Heights
With fewer than ten weeks left in the year, the Seychelles is on track to achieve a historic milestone in tourism, poised to surpass its 2019 arrival record thanks to robust growth in visitor numbers and revenue. The latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics confirms that the island nation has already outperformed its 2025 forecasted targets, highlighting the sustained global appeal and resilience of this Indian Ocean destination.
By the close of Week 42 (ending 20 October), Seychelles had welcomed 308,854 visitors in 2025—a 12% increase over the same period in 2024, when arrivals stood at 276,892. This upward momentum signals an impressive rebound and sets a clear path toward reclaiming, and potentially surpassing, the pre-pandemic peak of 384,204 visitors reached in 2019. These figures also mark a significant leap from the total arrivals recorded in 2023 (276,675) and 2022 (267,254), cementing 2025 as a landmark year for the country’s tourism sector.
The surge is not a fleeting trend but part of a steady, year-long escalation. Week 42 alone saw the arrival of 9,190 visitors, one of the highest weekly tallies of the year. Other standout weeks—such as Weeks 8, 15, 16, and 41—registered similar peaks, reflecting consistent demand and the islands’ enduring magnetism. The Seychelles’ ability to maintain high performance across multiple months underscores both its strong brand and the effectiveness of its recovery strategies.
The tourism sector’s resurgence is being powered by a diverse mix of source markets. Germany retains its status as the leading origin of visitors, with 41,726 arrivals so far in 2025. France (33,589) and Russia (27,619) follow as the second and third most significant contributors. Other key markets—Italy, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Switzerland, the United States, and Poland—have also delivered substantial numbers, reflecting Seychelles’ broad international reach and its appeal to a range of traveler demographics.
Financial performance has kept pace with visitor arrivals. According to the Central Bank of Seychelles, tourism revenue for the January to September period in 2025 reached 803 million USD. This figure highlights the sector’s central role in the national economy, driving foreign exchange earnings, supporting employment, and underlining the importance of continuous investment in tourism infrastructure and services.
Mrs. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, attributes the success to the collective efforts of all industry players. “The consistent growth we are witnessing this year is truly encouraging. With around ten weeks left in 2025, we remain hopeful that Seychelles will surpass its projected visitor and revenue targets. This progress is a testament to the resilience and hard work of our industry partners, our airline and hospitality sectors, and the enduring appeal of our islands as a world-class destination. It has taken five years of dedication and collaboration to bring Seychelles back to this level of performance, and the results speak for themselves.”
One of the most notable drivers of this resurgence has been the return of key international airlines and the launch of new routes, which have brought Seychelles’ air connectivity to its highest point since 2020. Enhanced flight availability from major European hubs, combined with improved links across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, has helped boost capacity and ensure that travelers find it easier than ever to access the islands. Expanded partnerships with carriers have not only increased the frequency of flights but have also diversified the network, opening up new opportunities for source markets beyond the traditional strongholds.
For the African travel industry, Seychelles’ performance offers valuable insights into the strategies that are shaping recovery and growth in the region. The destination’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions, focus on diversified source markets, and invest in air connectivity are all key factors that other African destinations can emulate. The emphasis on building strong relationships across the airline and hospitality sectors has also played a crucial role, creating a resilient ecosystem capable of weathering global disruptions while maintaining a premium appeal.
Looking forward, the Seychelles’ upward trajectory is expected to continue as the year draws to a close. The combination of exceptional natural beauty, world-class accommodation, and improved accessibility has restored traveler confidence and strengthened the islands’ positioning as a leading Indian Ocean destination. For industry professionals across Africa, Seychelles’ success story serves as a compelling example of how targeted investments and collaborative efforts can accelerate recovery and set new benchmarks in tourism performance.
As air connectivity rises and new markets are tapped, Seychelles is not just recovering lost ground but charting a new path for the region’s tourism industry. The country’s achievements in 2025 underscore the importance of innovation, partnership, and adaptability—principles that will continue to shape the travel landscape in Africa and beyond for years to come.
