Russia is today ranked the fifth best performing market for Seychelles and with an uptrend in its arrival figures during the last two years, it consolidates its position as one of the country’s main source markets with a high growth potential.
Increased visitors’ arrival from this market is widely believed to have come as a result of the favourable flight connections between Seychelles and Russia, notably by Emirates and Qatar Airways. The Air Seychelles’ flight out of Paris also proves to be an added support for the flow of arrivals from the Russian market.
In 2008, a total 6,569 Russians visited the archipelago whereas the following year, the figures increased to 8,098 – signifying a boost of 23% in spite of the ailing global economy, which was a knock-back to world travel.
Year-to-date figures, that is from January to last week of July, show that a total 5,621 visitors have so far been recorded from Russia, which represents an increase of 878 visitors as compared to the figures of the same period last year.
By all indications, this is promising to be a favourable year for the Russian market.
With the relatively good performance of the Russian market, the Seychelles tourism trade is eager to grow and increase its market share. The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) has been intensifying its promotional activities in this part of Europe to create more awareness of the destination and attract more visitors to the islands.
For the first six months of this year, Seychelles has been more active on the Russian market than it was throughout 2009. Apart from its usual participation in the annual MITT trade fair in March, Seychelles will be for the first time this year attending the Otdykh Leisure Fair in September.
Seychelles earlier this year also appointed a Tourism Ambassador for Moscow, Christina Autefault, to represent the islands on this market. Mrs Autefault has already been doing her fair share to help raise the country’s profile among Russian travellers and tourism operators. Earlier this year, she organised a presentation with the Association Moskva Accueil that brought important exposure for the island destination.
Contact: Lena Hoareau, Seychelles Tourism News Bureau / + 248 724208 / lena.h@seychelles.com
Glynn Burridge, Seychelles Tourism News Bureau / + 248 724228 / glynn.b@seychelles.com
Line Mancienne, Seychelles Tourism News Bureau / +248 724249 / line.m@seychelles.com