Tourism Seychelles capitalised on a unique opportunity to introduce tourism trade and media partners from Chengdu, China, to the idyllic beauty of Seychelles through a familiarisation trip organised from November 19th to 23rd, 2024.
The event coincided with the arrival of the first Sichuan Airlines flight to Seychelles, carrying the delegation. They were welcomed at the Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, where they engaged in a site inspection and explored the resort’s facilities.
The programme for the delegation featured visits to some of Seychelles’ most important historical and cultural landmarks. Highlights included Mission Lodge, a site of cultural importance; Jardin du Roi, known for its rich botanical diversity; and a tour of the capital, Victoria, where they explored Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, the Hindu Temple, and Camion Hall. Their cultural experience continued with tours of the Seychelles Tea Plantation, La Louise Viewpoint and Cap Lazare Nature Reserve to enjoy panoramic views of the island’s natural beauty.
Focused on resort site inspections, the delegation visited a range of accommodations, including laïla, Seychelles- A Tribute Portfolio Resort , Raffles Seychelles, L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa , Maison Marengo, and AVANI+. They also immersed themselves in the local culture by joining in a traditional Moutya night — a vibrant celebration featuring Creole cuisine, music, and traditional dance, providing a deep dive into the local culture.
The group also had the chance to discover the surrounding islands, starting with La Digue Island, where they visited the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach and the historic L’Union Estate, home to giant tortoises. Following the excursion, the delegation travelled to Praslin Island to visit the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home to the iconic Coco de Mer palm.
To ensure the delegation took home memorable souvenirs of their time in Seychelles, the trip concluded with an exploration of the island’s rich local culture on Saturday, November 23rd. The day began with a visit to the Seychelles Craft Village, where the group experienced the island’s vibrant arts and crafts. Following this, they toured the renowned Takamaka Rum Distillery, famous for producing some of Seychelles’ finest rum, before heading to the airport for their return flight to Chengdu.
This media familiarisation trip provided a unique opportunity for the press delegation to experience first-hand the incredible landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality that make Seychelles one of the world’s most coveted travel destinations. Additionally, the trade agents who were part of the group gained valuable insights into the destination, equipping them to create better packages and promote Seychelles more effectively in the Chinese market in the future.
