Seychelles Tourism Board hosts annual appreciation evening and awards ceremony in China
aTP- Arab tourism portal News- The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its third annual appreciation evening and awards ceremony to reward the tourism and trade partners in China whom they have been working closely with to promote the Seychelles islands as the ideal travel destination for Chinese tourists.
This year’s event took place in Beijing and was attended by Ambassador of Seychelles in China Vivianne Fock Tave, STB’s deputy chief executive Jenifer Sinon and manager in China Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, as well as other high level guests and Chinese tourism partners. STB’s senior marketing executive Stephanie Lablache, marketing executive Elsie Sinon as well as Seychellois who are studying in Beijing were also present. The event was held in collaboration with the Embassy of Seychelles in Beijing.
Addressing those present, Miss Sinon indicated that since diplomatic relations between Seychelles and China were established 40 years ago, the two countries have experienced cordial ties of friendship and collaboration.
“We have been able to make China one of our most important international development partners not only through government to government ties in various sectors, but also through successful cooperation with different trade partners,” she said.
Miss Sinon also highlighted that the achievements made so far can be associated with three significant factors. Firstly, the combined strong leadership and strategic policies of the Seychelles’ ministry responsible for tourism, STB and local trade partners’ partnership over the past five years. Secondly, the encouragement for expansion of air routes that fly from China to Seychelles namely Etihad Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airline, Qatar Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines and just recently Air Seychelles’ direct non-stop flight from Beijing to Seychelles. Lastly, the setting up of STB’s first permanent office within the Embassy of Seychelles in Beijing five years ago.
Since the opening of the office, the tourism cooperation between Seychelles and China has seen an increase in the incoming figures from 2,124 tourists in 2011 to 13,941 in 2015. The office has established itself as an important hub among the Chinese tourism market and travel agencies through different tourism trade fairs, roadshows and other marketing activities to ensure that Seychelles is kept visible as the perfect destination for potential Chinese visitors..
During the ceremony, Chinese partners were rewarded with trophies for the different achievements such as Best Agents, Best Media, Excellent Partners of 2016, Five-Year Special Agents and Five-Year Special Media.
The event also had lucky draws whereby sponsored prizes varied from airline tickets, hotel accommodations and vouchers to be used in Seychelles given by destination management companies amongst others prizes.
Prizes were sponsored by Hilton Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Raffles Seychelles, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, Valmer Resort Seychelles, Constance Hotels, Le Duc de Praslin, Sri Lankan Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Air Seychelles Ltd, Ankeyunda, Etihad Airways, Mason’s Travel , Creole Travel Services and Vision Voyages.
