Seychelles’ tourism industry recovered 90% by the end of 2022, exceeding the global average of 60%. The expected visitors were estimated to be around 330,000. Challenges included the loss of key markets due to geopolitical issues and the need for improved coordination. The focus for 2023 will include product diversification and enhancing visitor experiences amidst economic uncertainties.

By the year’s end, Seychelles’ tourism sector showed remarkable recovery, achieving 90% restoration since the COVID-19 pandemic, surpassing the global average of 60%. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the total number of visitors reached 311,108, a figure well below the 353,215 recorded in 2019, prior to the pandemic. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, estimates that 2022 may close with around 330,000 visitors, contingent upon favorable global situations.

The challenges faced during 2022, particularly at the year’s onset due to persisting COVID-19 concerns and geopolitical instability, were significant. Francis noted that the war between Russia and Ukraine led to a swift reduction in visitors from these countries, which significantly impacted Seychelles, as Ukraine was the fourth-largest source of tourists and Russia held the top position. There were also remarks on the need for improved coordination with agencies for destination preparedness, particularly in addressing tourist management.

Notwithstanding the decline from the Ukrainian and Russian markets, the tourism department maintained an optimistic outlook. Since reopening borders in March 2021, Seychelles implemented essential health protocols, allowing for effective recovery. As other COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in traditional markets—including Germany, France, and the UK—cancellations were offset by new bookings from these sources, leading to a total that surpassed the original target of 258,000 visitors.

Currently, the primary markets for Seychelles include France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Italy. This year saw increased efforts to diversify tourist experiences, particularly in cultural tourism, culminating in the launch of cultural bazaars, beginning with an event during the Tourism Festival on La Digue.

Looking towards 2023, the government plans to introduce diverse experiences to encourage visitors to engage more and spend during their stay. Francis highlighted the critical importance of product diversification across adventure tourism, gastronomy, and entertainment—expressing concern over recession impacts in Europe and subsequent increases in travel costs. Seychelles anticipates visitor numbers for 2023 to be comparable or perhaps slightly lower than this year, emphasizing that increased expenditures per visitor remain a priority.

Bernadette Willemin, the Director General for Destination Marketing, stated that future efforts will not solely focus on visitor numbers but also on enhancing revenue through product diversification. She stressed the necessity for all stakeholders in Seychelles to ensure visitors have a memorable experience, which would encourage additional spending. Additionally, discussions regarding the new tourism tax slated for 2023 underscored the importance of delivering value for money to tourists.

In conclusion, Seychelles has exhibited a robust recovery in its tourism sector, having achieved a 90% return since the onset of COVID-19, significantly outperforming the global average. Future strategies will focus on enhancing visitor engagement and diversifying products to foster increased spending. As potential challenges from global economic conditions loom, the emphasis remains on providing value and memorable experiences to tourists, ensuring sustainable growth for the industry in 2023.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com

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