The Seychelles Islands remain a top choice for Bulgarian tourists seeking exotic holiday destinations, with the archipelago maintaining steady growth in the market over the past five years.
Last week, Tourism Seychelles, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Seychelles in Bulgaria, organised two prestigious events in the capital city, Sofia, to enhance visibility in the market and actively promote Seychelles for the winter season.
The first event was a trade presentation attended by Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mrs Irena Georgieva; the Honorary Consul for Seychelles, Mr Maxim Behar; the Vice Chair of the National Tourism Board of Bulgaria, Mr Martin Zahariev; members of the diplomatic corps; as well as leading figures from the tourism sector and local media.
Tourism Seychelles was represented by its Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs Bernadette Willemin, and its Market Manager for Central Europe, Mrs Lena Hoareau.
Addressing the crowd as the guest of honour, Deputy Minister Georgieva stated that Seychelles remains a dream destination for many Bulgarians, contributing an average of 1,600 to 1,900 visitors to the islands each year.
“Tourism is a beautiful harbour of tranquillity in times of political and economic uncertainty. This is exactly what Seychelles represents on a global scale – an attractive and beloved destination for Bulgarian tourists,” she said.
By August this year, over 1,500 Bulgarians had already visited Seychelles, which is on par with the figures prior to COVID. The best year on record was 2022, with 1,989 Bulgarian visitors, edging close to the target of 2,000 now set for 2024-2025.
Both Mrs Willemin and Mrs Hoareau emphasised that Seychelles offers more than just beautiful white sandy beaches. The islands are filled with diverse tourist experiences that cater to the modern needs of every type of traveller.
“Bulgaria continues to be one of the important tourist markets for Seychelles, and we are pleased to see such great interest from Bulgarian tourists. We highly value our partnerships here and see significant potential for growth. Seychelles is a year-round destination offering something unique for every Bulgarian traveller. We are committed to enhancing the range of experiences available, both inland and at sea, with a particular emphasis on community tourism and cultural experiences. We want every visitor to feel the magic of our islands and discover their personal paradise here,” said Mrs Willemin.
Mrs Willemin then went on to present Seychelles with all its attractions, diversity, and unique experiences, as well as the latest updates on hotels. The presentation was well received by the guests, who were enthralled by the beauty of the destination and its diverse offerings.
The Honorary Consul General for Seychelles, Mr Behar, also spoke fondly of the islands he had come to love, which he calls his second home.
“Seychelles is the perfect place for adventure seekers – from snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to romantic sunset walks along the beach. The islands offer something unique for everyone and truly create memories that will stay with you long after you return,” he shared.
The presentation was followed by a networking cocktail, during which guests exchanged their experiences of the destination and discussed insights gained from the presentation.
The following day, Tourism Seychelles hosted a VIP lunch for selected tour operators and members of the press, aimed at thanking them for their continued support in promoting the destination. Both activities further strengthened Seychelles’ presence in the Bulgarian market, fostering valuable relationships and reinforcing its position as a sought-after holiday destination for Bulgarian travellers.
