SEYCHELLES AT ABU DHABI BRIDE SHOW 2015
Almasalla, ATP News-The Seychelles Tourism sector in the UAE started off on a good note this year with their participation at the Bride Abu Dhabi 2015. The 4-day event was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from Wednesday 28th January to Saturday 31st January 2015.
The event hosted over 200 exhibitors made of local, international and regional brands, all targeting the weddings and honeymoon segment, one of the fastest-growing niches in the Middle East market.
With a tradition spanning 14 years and with over 13,000 visitors, Bride Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of the consumers’ mind for bridal gowns, beauty and hair care products, jewellery, wedding planners, caterers, venues and lastly travel and honeymoon. The event is not only attended by local Emirati ladies, but also by expatriates who are searching for that idyllic, dream-fulfilling destination.
This is the 5th consecutive year that the Seychelles has taken part in this important event. In collaboration with its airline partner, Air Seychelles Ltd, the national carrier of the Seychelles, Seychelles Tourism did not only offer a personal touch to its discerning visitors at this prestigious show through the representatives’ expert knowledge of the destination, but special honeymoon packages were also on offer.
“The Seychelles has always been a dream destination for many travelers and honeymooners in particular. With our dedicated Seychelles hoteliers: Kempinski Resort & Spa, Constance Ephelia Resort & Spa, Banyan Tree Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort and Abu Dhabi-based Omeir Holidays, we managed to put together some very attractive packages for both honeymooners and newly-weds, ”said Ms. Esther, Tourism Attaché from the Seychelles Tourism Office, Abu Dhabi.
Over 200 visitors stopped at the Seychelles stand to enquire about the destination and the special promotions. Prior to, and during the Bride Show, the destination was featured on the organizer’s website as well as on the Al Khaleejiah Arabic radio station. The radio promotion was supported by:
Seychelles Tourism
Air Seychelles Ltd
Savoy Resort & Spa, Seychelles
7° South
The UAE has become a primary source market for the Seychelles Tourism Industry since 2012, and even more so with the additional air access from the Abu Dhabi hub to Seychelles International Airport.
In 2014, the UAE was in the top six outbound international destinations for the Seychelles.
Figures from the Seychelles National Bureau of Statistics show a 26% increase in visitor arrivals from UAE to the Seychelles compared to the same period last year. This is certainly a positive sign for the market and the UAE team looks forward to finishing the year on the same note.
“It goes without saying that Seychelles Tourism continues to be active in this market,” added Ms Esther, “and one of our strategies is to focus on targeting the consumers directly.
This will in turn certainly give the consumers a better understanding of what the Seychelles Islands have to offer visitors in terms of activities, culture, arts and craft, food, products, services.
Visitors often don’t realize how diverse our islands are, so a lot has to be done to change this mind-set.”
With a total of 27 flights from the two hubs (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), the UAE is better connected to the destination than ever before. Other pluses are the short flight-time (4 hours) and the no visa policy on arrival.
“We look forward to another great year!” an enthusiastic Ms Esther said.
