As IMEX Frankfurt opened its doors on day one, Seychelles was among destinations using the global platform to reinforce a broader business events narrative beyond leisure. Speaking on the show floor, Rebecca Port-Louis, Sales Lead at Eden Bleu Hotel, said early engagement levels were encouraging as buyers and exhibitors settled into the first day of meetings.
“There is a very nice crowd,” Port-Louise said. “We are still waiting on some of our scheduled meetings, but I think things will gradually pick up as the day goes on.”
Their presence at IMEX underscores a deliberate strategy by Eden Bleu and the wider destination to reposition Seychelles within the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market – an area traditionally overshadowed by the country’s strong leisure image.
A Business Hotel in a Leisure Led-destination
Port-Louis was clear that Eden Bleu operates with a distinct positioning within the Seychellois hospitality landscape. “For Eden Bleu, we are actually the only dedicated business hotel in the Seychelles,” she said. “Our concept is completely different from the traditional leisure resorts. We cater mostly to business clients, corporates, conferences, and meetings.”
Located adjacent to the country’s international airport and capital, the hotel has built its reputation around meetings and events rather than beach-led resort stays. According to Port-Louis, this focus has allowed Eden Bleu to host a diverse range of events, from corporate conferences to weddings, musical productions and fashion shows.
“We customise everything around our clients’ specific requirements, which has worked incredibly well,” she said.
That consistency has translated into industry recognition. Eden Bleu has been named Seychelles’ Leading Conference Hotel for 11 consecutive years and has also held the title of Indian Ocean’s Leading Conference Hotel for the past two years.
Capacity, Capability and Incentive Growth
While Eden Bleu’s current maximum conference capacity stands at 350 delegates in a theatre-style set-up, Port-Louis said the hotel is increasingly looking beyond traditional meetings to grow its incentives offering.
“At the moment, our core focus remains on conferences, but we are actively expanding into the incentive groups market as well,” she explained. “The idea is to invite corporate groups to stay for a few days where they can conduct their strategic meetings, and then we organise excursions around the islands on one of the days, concluding with a gala dinner.”
This hybrid approach – combining structured business sessions with curated destination experiences – reflects a broader shift in buyer demand, particularly among corporate groups seeking high-value, experience-driven programmes rather than volume-led events.
“We have the capacity to cater seamlessly to these types of groups,” Port-Louis added. “So we are looking into expanding further into that segment.”
Seychelles beyond the beach narrative
A key message from Eden Bleu at IMEX Frankfurt is the idea that Seychelles can successfully combine productivity with premium destination appeal. Port-Louis said organisers are increasingly receptive to the concept.
“When people look at it, they often see it strictly as a vacation destination, but we are much more than that,” she said. “You can easily combine both worlds. Essentially, you can play and enjoy paradise at the same time you are working.”
Recent high-profile events have helped reinforce that message. The successful hosting of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2025 demonstrated the country’s capacity to deliver complex international events while maintaining quality and brand alignment.
Does that speak to the fact that Seychelles is not just looking at sheer volume, but focusing on bringing high-quality, premium events to the island? “Exactly – that is absolutely correct,” Port-Louis responded.
As IMEX Frankfurt 2026 continues, Eden Bleu is using the platform to engage with international planners seeking distinctive, well-serviced destinations that offer more than conventional meeting environments. Port-Louise said discussions are expected to intensify as the show progresses.
With Seychelles sharpening its MICE proposition and properties like Eden Bleu leading that effort, the destination is increasingly positioning itself as a credible option for business events that value exclusivity, experience and impact alongside efficiency.
