Private sector’s role in developing Kenya’s niche tourism

Though better known for her iconic safaris and exquisite beach experiences, Kenya has huge untapped niche tourism potential awaiting exploration. Niche tourism—a preserve of adventure seekers looking for distinct experiences and enthusiasts of a range of thrills and penchants—presents an opportunity that Kenya’s tourism should consider veering into more intentionally. But which are Kenya’s most viable niche tourism offerings? Let’s consider six of the many.

Tembea Kenya

Cultural tourism can draw from Kenya’s vast traditional heritage with her close to 50 people groups. This form of tourism feeds off the curiosity of visitors desirous of immersions built around unique time-garlanded antiquity of such people as Waswahili or the Maa communities. That is not to say each community does not have its distinctive allures tenable for cultural tourism. Far from it! The best way of embellishing this particular niche of tourism is to include homestays and cultural tours. 

On eco-cum-conservation tourism, Kenya’s noteworthy biodiversity and keen commitment to conservation offer a reasonable foundation for eco-tourism. This niche enchants eco-conscious travellers who have a lot to sample in Kenya.

Adventure and sports tourism offers a low-hanging option for Kenya. Beyond our famed world-class athletes, marathoners and long-distance runners especially, Kenya is ripe for mountaineering, scuba diving, bird-watching, rock climbing, kite surfing and water rafting and more.

Kenya’s culinary diversity is excellent fodder for gastronomy tourism with her wide variety of flavourful dishes. Tourists can explore local food markets, take cooking classes and enjoy food tours that showcase Kenyan cuisine, from traditional delights to modern fusion dishes.

Kenya’s credentials as a travel hub with relatively good weather all year round makes for a perfect wellness and relaxation haven. From relaxation retreats to medical tourism, Kenya has what it takes to grow the wellness tourism niche.

Bird-watching tourism, is a rich niche tourism option for Kenya, courtesy of our diverse ecosystems that include wetlands, forests and grasslands where a wide variety of bird species dwell. Developing bird-watching trails, offering guided tours and promoting bird festivals can easily attract bird enthusiasts from around the world.

For niche tourism to thrive and attract good numbers, we need a strategic partnership with the private sector and feasible business models.

Private sector players are well placed to invest in accommodation facilities that are in sync with specific adventures tourists attracted by different niches would appreciate. For instance, hikers and bird-watchers are more likely to embrace camping sites with tented accommodation as opposed to tourists seeking medical tourism. This reality calls for thoughtfully designed facilities and experiences that offer entrepreneurs opportunities for investments. Transport is yet another area that the private sector can invest in to offer appropriate modes of moving tourists to their destination, be it in luxury vehicles of rugged carriages. Besides, for certain niche tourism experiences we need investors to set up such facilities as yoga studios, spas, botanical gardens, nature trails and so on.

It is one thing setting up niche tourism products but quite another telling the world what Kenya has on offer. Therefore, the private sector has its work cut out in marketing and branding so that tourists in all corners of the earth get the necessary information packaged captivatingly for uptake.

Ms Miano is the CS for Tourism and Wildlife

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Source: Standard Media  

Trips to Africa gain increasing popularity among Chinese tourists.

By virtue of its unique natural landscapes, cultural charm, and diverse tourism experiences, Africa has become a hot tourist destination for Chinese tourists. In recent years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the continent.

Surging bookings for African trips

Data from Chinese online travel service platform Ctrip show that from February to August this year, the number of Chinese tourists traveling to Africa has increased by about 1.2 times compared to the same period last year.

Statistics from Fliggy, another major online travel service platform in China, indicate that the booking volume for flights to Africa this year has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year, with flights to Egypt and Kenya experiencing the fastest growth rates of 236 percent and 167 percent, respectively.

An executive from Chinese online travel agency LY.com said that the average number of tourists traveling to Egypt per month between January and August this year increased by 200 percent compared to the same period last year.

In the past decade, the African tourism market has gradually become familiar to Chinese tourists, said Li Peng, an executive in charge of outbound long-haul business at Tuniu.com, also an online travel service provider in China.

The Chinese Lunar New Year holiday as well as winter and summer vacations are peak seasons for outbound travel, with a significant increase in demand for small-group and customized tours, according to Li Peng.

Li Mengran, the media and public relations manager of Beijing-based travel agency U-tour, said that the company’s services for tours of African destinations have seen a year-on-year increase of 30 percent to 35 percent in reservations. The summer vacation and September-October period have specifically seen increases, as they are the best times to witness the great animal migration in Africa.

The most visited African countries by Chinese tourists currently include Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Mauritius, and Ghana, according to statistics from Ctrip.

Unique, diverse tourism experiences

“The allure of African tourism lies mainly in the experiences of returning to nature and seeking adventure,” said Li Peng.

According to Li Peng, the main attractions in the Northern African region are cultural and historical sites and desert landscapes. Eastern Africa is characterized by its wild natural environment and natural wonders. The highlight of Southern Africa tourism experiences is high-quality leisure travel.

Tourists can explore ancient sites or enjoy their vacations at beach resorts in Egypt, immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Morocco, visit the Sahara Desert, and feast their eyes on the South African’s rich and varied natural beauty, Li Peng said.

Watching the awe-inspiring animal migration in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most popular activities among Chinese tourists, Li Peng noted.

Chinese tourists’ tourism experiences in Africa have become more diverse and immersive, said Li Mengran, pointing out in addition to the traditional destinations of South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, tourists are traveling to more countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius.

The average duration of Chinese tourists’ visits to Africa has extended from 8-10 days to 14-18 days, allowing them to not only explore deep into national parks but also try activities like wild camping, yacht trips, and dune bashing, Li Mengran said.

During this summer, China Tourism Group (CTG), a large travel company in the country, organized a trip to Tanzania for Chinese tourists, who witnessed the great migration of animals in the Serengeti Plain, admired the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, visited the clove flower sea of Zanzibar Island, and also learned about the culture of local tribes.

Promising prospects

Although the cost of African tourism is relatively high, Africa is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination for more Chinese tourists, said Yang Jingsong, director of the international research institute of the China Tourism Academy.

Travel agencies are introducing a variety of themed travel products and convenient services, which are gaining favor among Chinese tourists, Yang said. It is believed that tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will yield more fruitful results, he added.

The deepening tourism exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa will foster the development of diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism products and services catering to travelers eager to explore Africa, said Li Peng.

With the steady development of China-Africa cooperation, Africa will attract the attention of more Chinese tourists, said Han Jie, president of China Youth Travel Service (CYTS) Aoyou Technology Development Co., Ltd.

Qin Jing, vice president of Ctrip, said that China and Africa are highly complementary in tourism, with Africa holding strong appeal for Chinese tourists.

She believes that tourism cooperation between China and Africa will reach new heights, contributing to economic and trade exchanges, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and development for both sides.

Source:   ATTA.

World Travel Awards 2024: Celebrating Excellence and Looking Forward to the Africa Gala Ceremony

The 2024 program of the World Travel Awards (WTA) has already showcased an exciting year for the global travel and tourism industry. With a series of prestigious events held across different regions, the WTA continues to honour the best in the business, from airlines and hotels to destinations and tour operators. As the year progresses, anticipation builds for one of the most highly awaited ceremonies—the Africa Gala Ceremony, scheduled for October at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya.

This upcoming gala is set to showcase the finest achievements in Africa’s tourism sector, further solidifying the continent’s place on the world travel map.

Progress in 2024: A Year of Milestones

The year kicked off with great momentum for the World Travel Awards, as various regional ceremonies took place in key global destinations. Each event brought the industry’s top players together, spotlighting their achievements, innovation, and resilience in a time of gradual recovery from the global pandemic and other economic challenges.

• Middle East Gala Ceremony: Held in Dubai, this event highlighted the region’s luxury offerings and booming tourism development, particularly in hospitality and airlines.

• European Gala Ceremony: Europe, one of the most competitive travel markets, saw a celebration of its world-renowned cultural and historical attractions. Destinations like France, Italy, and Spain took top honours for their hospitality excellence and sustainable tourism initiatives.

• Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony: This region’s ceremony underscored the growing influence of Asia and Oceania in global tourism, with emerging markets and innovation in travel technology taking centre stage.

As these events unfolded, the travel industry continued to recover, with greater emphasis on sustainability, immersive travel experiences, and cultural authenticity

Anticipating the Africa Gala Ceremony in Kenya

Now, all attention turns toward the Africa Gala Ceremony, which will be held on October 18, 2024, at the stunning Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya. Diani Beach, located along Kenya’s southern coastline, is a haven for sun-seekers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts alike. This location—known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical ambiance—sets the stage for a memorable event that celebrates the very best of African travel and tourism.

Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort: The Perfect Host

Set along Diani’s world-famous white sands and turquoise waters, the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort is an exquisite choice for the Africa Gala Ceremony. The luxury resort, known for its eco-friendly design and exceptional service, boasts a golf course, lush gardens, and an array of leisure activities that reflect the serene charm of Kenya’s coast. This makes it an ideal setting for recognizing the continent’s finest tourism brands and experiences.

The resort will host top industry leaders, VIP guests, and media from across Africa and beyond, offering a perfect blend of business and pleasure, where networking and celebration will take place against a backdrop of tropical splendour.

What to Expect at the Ceremony

The Africa Gala Ceremony promises to be an unforgettable evening, with over 100 categories of awards that recognize the excellence of tourism businesses across the continent. These awards will cover everything from Africa’s Leading Airline to Africa’s Leading Hotel, Leading Tourist Attraction, and Leading Safari Destination.

Some highlights we can expect:

1. Honouring Industry Leaders: The event will recognize leading travel companies, airlines, hotels, and tour operators who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and dedication to delivering exceptional travel experiences. There will be special focus on African tourism brands that have not only recovered but thrived in the post-pandemic era.

2. Focus on Sustainability: Many of the nominees this year have placed sustainability at the forefront of their operations. From eco-friendly lodges in Kenya’s Maasai Mara to sustainable tourism practices in South Africa’s winelands, the awards will highlight initiatives that protect the environment and support local communities.

3. Spotlight on Africa’s Hidden Gems: While popular destinations like Cape Town, Marrakech, and Zanzibar are always in the limelight, this year’s awards will also bring attention to lesser-known African travel spots that offer unique experiences. Expect nominations from up-and-coming destinations like São Tomé and Príncipe, Malawi, and Rwanda.

4. Exclusive Performances and Cultural Showcases: The gala will feature Kenyan cultural performances, blending traditional African music and dance with modern entertainment. This will give international guests a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kenya and the wider region.

Why the Africa Gala Ceremony Matters

The Africa Gala Ceremony is more than just an award night; it is a celebration of Africa’s tourism resurgence. In recent years, Africa has emerged as one of the fastest-growing travel destinations globally, driven by its natural wonders, wildlife safaris, and rich cultural diversity. From luxury resorts in Mauritius to wildlife adventures in Botswana, Africa’s tourism landscape is more diverse than ever.

This year’s ceremony is expected to build on the growing trend of sustainable and immersive travel. As more travellers seek eco-conscious and community-driven experiences, African destinations have risen to the challenge by offering authentic and responsible tourism options. The event will amplify these efforts, bringing attention to Africa’s capacity to provide world-class travel while maintaining cultural integrity and environmental stewardship.

The 2024 Africa Gala Ceremony at Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani Beach, Kenya, will be a defining moment for Africa’s travel and tourism industry. As the World Travel Awards continues to recognize and reward excellence across the globe, this ceremony will honour the African sector’s brightest stars. Whether it’s a luxurious beach resort, an airline excelling in customer service, or a safari lodge promoting conservation, the event will spotlight the best of what Africa has to offer.

With its breathtaking setting and a lineup of deserving nominees, the Africa Gala Ceremony promises to be a night of celebration, collaboration, and inspiration for the future of African tourism.

Source:  Breaking Travel News  

ALTF 2024: UNWTO Africa collaborating with stakeholders to eliminate travel connectivity barriers.

The United Nations agency focused on tourism, UNWTO says that despite the growth of tourism in Africa, connectivity—the ease with which people can travel between locations—remains a challenge.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 7th Edition of the 2024 Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF), the UNWTO Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt, said that the organisation is working with stakeholders to simplify visa entry requirements, leverage innovative systems to digitalise visa procedures, and advocate for a single, unified air transport market.

She emphasised, “Despite the growth, connectivity has been identified as a key issue that needs to be addressed to fully unlock Africa’s tourism potential. This was reiterated by Ministers of Tourism at the 67th Regional Commission Meeting for Africa, held in Zambia in July. Enhancing connectivity for seamless travel will not only attract more international tourists but also boost intra-regional tourism, a crucial element for the continent’s tourism growth.”

Grandcourt further stated, “UNWTO remains committed to addressing this issue and will continue working closely with national administrations of member states, regional and international organizations, as well as public and private sector stakeholders.”

Botswana’s Vice President, Slumber Tsogwane said the country is investing in developing its tourism sector, proudly touting Botswana’s beef as the best in the world.

He said, “Tourism in Botswana is a major contributor to the national economy, which is why the government has reviewed its Tourism Policy and developed a National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan to provide a framework for sector growth.”

He concluded by inviting participants to experience Botswana’s unique offerings, stating, “I trust you will have a chance to taste our beef, which is unparalleled globally, experience our cultural diversity, and take home our crafts as memories of Botswana.”

Kwakye Donkor Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), the organizers of the forum, reaffirmed ATP’s commitment to helping African nations unlock their tourism potential.

Director of Trade in Services, Investment, IPR & Digital Trade at AfCFTA, Emily Mburu-Ndoria encouraged countries to implement mechanisms to capitalize on tourism and outlined AfCFTA’s ongoing support initiatives.

The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) is a key Pan-African platform that brings together leaders from Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors.

The forum focuses on sharing insights, developing strategies to boost intra-African travel, and fostering networking opportunities. It also aims to strengthen the global brand of “Destination Africa” and promote tourism growth across the continent.

Source: Joy online.

Kenya eyes five million tourist arrivals by 2027

The Ministry of Tourism is devising a new strategy to increase international tourist arrivals to five million by 2027.

It seeks to achieve this through a Tembea Kenya, which will soon be launched, to boost the number from the current about 2 million arrivals yearly.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano spoke while hosting tourism players at an event in Nairobi yesterday.

“This happens mainly through participation in local and international events, campaigns, policy advocacy, and in creating innovative tourism products and experiences,” Miano said.

“During my interaction with the tourism sector stakeholders this afternoon, I made a commitment to build strong linkages with the private sector and to make the tourism industry the number one contributor of foreign exchange earnings and job creation,” she said.

In the first half of this year, Kenya generated 142.5 billion shillings in tourism revenue during the first, assisted by a significant rise in visitor numbers, according to the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

This represents an increase from 1.06 billion dollars in the same period last year, the KTB reported.

The KTB said that Kenya welcomed 1.03 million international visitors, marking a 21.3 percent increase from 847,810 visitors during the same period in 2023.

Domestic tourism also saw growth, with 2.25 million bed nights recorded, about a 10 percent increase from 2.06 million bed nights in the previous year.

Source:  Travel News.  

Key Stakeholders Convene for Consultative Workshop on Cruise Tourism in Seychelles

The Seychelles Tourism Department, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), hosted a two-and-a-half-day consultative workshop starting on Tuesday, 20th August, to evaluate the cruise tourism sector in Seychelles. The workshop aimed to assess the cost-benefit aspects and strategic potential of this growing industry.

Following a situational analysis conducted by UNECA in April 2024, the delegation returned to present their preliminary findings and report, with the workshop serving as a platform for key stakeholders to engage, provide insights, and contribute valuable feedback.

Leading the inaugural discussions were UNECA’s Professor Pius Odunga, Ms. Carine Rukera, and Dr. Geoffrey Manyara alongside Mr. Paul Lebon, Director General for Destination Planning and Development within the Seychelles Tourism Department, who officially opened the event.

The workshop focused on evaluating the current state of the cruise tourism sector, including infrastructure, services, and market trends. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities within the sector, focusing on environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Additionally, participants got the opportunity to work on enhancing collaboration among government agencies, local businesses, and communities. The workshop also sought to develop actionable recommendations and a strategic plan to guide sustainable growth in the sector.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Rukera highlighted the importance of understanding both the financial benefits and costs associated with cruise operations. She stated, “As we engage with all of you present in these few days, it will be imperative to understand financial benefits and costs associated with cruise operations to be able to grab the sector’s overall impact on the Seychelles economy and local economies.”

Ms. Rukera also reaffirmed UNECA’s strong commitment to collaborating with the government of Seychelles to achieve sustainable development and fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by cruise tourism. She acknowledged the crucial role of the participants’ dedication and expertise in advancing actionable strategies and recommendations for optimising the economic impact of cruise tourism.

Mr. Lebon, in his opening reflections, clarified that the workshop, at this stage, is not intended for validation but is open to suggestions and recommendations.

As part of the workshop’s primary objectives, he highlighted the importance of assessing the current state of the cruise tourism industry in Seychelles, including infrastructure, services, and market trends.

He acknowledged the relevance of risks, such as environmental, social, and economic challenges, and noted the persistent concern of piracy in the Indian Ocean. He indicated that while the situation is currently under control, it remains a potentially volatile point.

The first day of the workshop featured keynote presentations on global trends, sustainability practices, and relevant case studies, followed by panel discussions with government officials, industry leaders, environmentalists, and community representatives. The second day was dedicated to strategic planning, with breakout sessions on infrastructure development, environmental management, marketing strategies, and community engagement.

The workshop concluded with a plenary session where outcomes from the breakout sessions were presented and discussed to prioritise actions and plan the way forward. The consultants are anticipated to return during the fourth quarter of the year to conduct the validation process and present the final report.

Given the global nature of the cruise industry, where destinations like Seychelles have limited bargaining power, UNECA is working on strategies to improve the financial outcomes for Seychelles.

Source: Voyages Afriq.

How Dubai is leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences

Dubai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and embracing innovation has been a key factor behind its transformation into a city at the forefront of the global economy.

The city’s long-term wider approach to leveraging the latest advancements not only enhances the experience for residents and visitors but also boosts the economy by attracting more businesses and investors.

Recognizing the importance of leveraging technology to shape the future of travel and hospitality, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has consistently spearheaded initiatives to raise the bar across multiple sectors, while strategies are in place to improve tourism services with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).

DET has also nurtured innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

Proactively adapting its offering to align with emerging global trends, and to cater to the diverse demands of residents and international travellers, the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors are utilising innovation to ensure that Dubai continues to elevate standards across the tourism ecosystem – from streamlined visa processes and airport smart gates to hotel check-in via smartphone apps and digital platforms showcasing the best of Dubai’s offerings.

This dynamic approach, combined with Dubai’s commitment to excellence and continuous collaboration between the government and private sectors, has been the catalyst for rapid change across the emirate, with world-class infrastructure and exceptional service at all touchpoints contributing towards enhancing the guest experience.

With global travellers eager for novel experiences, this fusion of innovation allows tourists to seamlessly connect with both traditional and modern elements of the emirate’s diverse offering and has contributed towards further highlighting the emirate’s position as a must-visit destination. Dubai’s growing popularity is evident in the steady growth in visitors – from January to June 2024,  Dubai welcomed 9.31 million international visitors, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the objectives of the D33 Agenda, Dubai is committed to advancing with distinctive world-class infrastructure, experiences, and attractions. Dubai’s unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations is demonstrated through the seamless integration of technology into our industry.

This unique synergy of innovation and technological excellence is a testament to our strong commitment to progress and is instrumental in making Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in, aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. The emirate continues collaborating with key stakeholders and global partners to spearhead technology-driven tourism, ensuring a future where innovation enriches every visitor’s experience.”

Source:  Gulf Business.

CS Miano pledges to fast-track strategies to unlock tourism potential.

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has pledged to fast-track strategies aimed at unlocking the immense potential of Kenya’s tourism sector.

Miano said that Tourism is the third largest source of foreign exchange for Kenya, with earnings reaching Sh352.6 billion in 2023 compared to Sh268.1 billion the previous year, marking a 31.5 per cent increase.

Speaking when she took over the ministry from Alfred Mutua who is the new Labour Cabinet Secretary during the official handover ceremony in  Nairobi, Miano said that she would lead consultations in revamping the National Tourism Policy.

“I will ensure the revamping of the National Tourism Policy to serve emerging trends given the ever-changing tastes of tourists with this sector holding significant promise in boosting the country’s economic growth,” said Miano.

The Cabinet Secretary said her priority will be to accelerate the growth of tourism earnings to support the government’s development agenda by seeking a broad consensus with key stakeholders in the spirit of the Bottom-up Economic Model.

Miano said this will be done in a manner to uphold the distribution of benefits accruing from tourism and wildlife conservation more evenly throughout Kenya as she consults with sector players on ways of reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

The Cabinet Secretary was categorical on the need to enhance product diversification that caters to modern tastes and boosts the country’s competitive edge affirming that the Ministry would work closely with all stakeholders to unlock the sector’s immense potential for both domestic and international tourism.

“I will seek ways of entrenching a domestic tourism culture as we disabuse the notion that tourism is for visitors from without, i will also encourage the use of modern information technology to rally the travel industry to not only shore up tourist numbers but also create memorable experiences of our diverse attractions,” said Miano.

The Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, through the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), is collaborating with county governments to develop niche tourism circuits, which Miano said will be a game-changer for the sector.

Miano said that her door is open for all sector players as they seek partnerships that will be beneficial to the sector, with a focus on ensuring synergy with the county governments as well as creating an enabling environment for investment in tourism across the country.

The Cabinet Secretary said there was a need to retool wildlife conservation to respond to current issues like climate change with Kenya being a custodian to diverse wildlife heritage as well as flora and fauna that we must take care of

Miano expressed commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the human-wildlife conflict noting that she will work closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service and other agencies to ensure proper mechanisms for compensation and conservation are in place.

Mutua lauded groundwork laid during his tenure, particularly through initiatives which aim at uncovering Kenya’s hidden tourism treasures expressing confidence that Miano will bring a fresh perspective to boost tourism earnings.

“I am confident that CS Miano will build upon the momentum, especially through the collaborations with counties, to drive tourism revenue growth and wish her success in steering Kenya’s tourism sector to new heights,” said Mutua.

Source: Standard Media.  

Seychelles Strengthens Ties with Chinese Market Through Successful 2024 Roadshow

Building on the success of its 2023 roadshow, Tourism Seychelles, with the support of the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing, has once again hosted a series of trade workshops across key Chinese cities, reaffirming its commitment to the flourishing Chinese market.

This year’s roadshow, headed by Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Director for China & Japan, and Mr. Sam Yu, Senior Marketing Executive for China at Tourism Seychelles, took place between July 22nd to 31st, 2024. It covered the five major cities of Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

The event brought together many key industry stakeholders, including tour operators, travel agencies, wholesalers, and media representatives. The roadshow provided a valuable platform for Tourism Seychelles and its Seychelles trade partners to engage in fruitful discussions, build relationships, and explore new business opportunities.

A special highlight of the roadshow was a networking meeting event organised in Beijing in collaboration with the Ambassador of Seychelles to China, Mrs Anne Lafortune, where partners were given insights and prevailing trends into the Chinese market. The discussions also explored the market’s opportunities and potential, offering a glimpse into what the future holds for local partners.

“This year’s roadshow has been a resounding success,” said Mr. Jean-Luc Lai-Lam, Director for China & Japan at the Tourism Department. “The strong turnout and enthusiastic participation from the Chinese travel professionals demonstrate the growing interest in Seychelles as a destination. We are particularly excited about the potential of the first few direct flights from Chengdu in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles and Chengdu, China, which will further enhance accessibility and boost visitor arrivals from this important market.”

The roadshow also served as an ideal platform to showcase the latest developments and offerings within the Seychelles tourism landscape. Seychelles trade partners actively participated in the workshops, sharing their expertise and promoting their unique products and services. These partners included:

DMC Partners: Ms. Shi Ming Wang, Chinese Representative – 7° South, Ms. Normandy Salabao, Senior Manager Sales & Marketing – Creole Travel Services, Mr. Chamika Ariyasinghe, Business Development Manager – Luxury Travel, Ms. Zhang Junhao, Chinese Marketing Representative – Sey Yeah, Mr. Aaron Zhang, Managing Director – Cheung Kong Travel, Ms. Jona Ladouce, Sales & Contracting Manager – Tirant Tours & Travel.

Representing the hotels were; Ms. Vivienne SU, Regional Marketing Director – Constance Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Shamita Palit, Sales Consultant – Le Duc de Praslin and laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by Marriott, Mr. Sergey Elkin, Director of Sales & Marketing – Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare.

Also present was Chengdu Youth Travel Services (CYTS), the company working on the upcoming flights and packages to be made available to the different Chinese agents and potential visitors.

Speaking about the participation from Seychelles, Mr Lai Lam added, “The roadshow would not have been possible without the all-out support of our Seychelles trade partners. Their dedication and commitment have been instrumental in making this event a success.”

Following the event, Ms. Normandy Salabao, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing from Creole Travels, expressed, “I’m thrilled to share positive feedback on Tourism Seychelles’ recent China roadshow. The event was exceptionally well organised, with engaging presentations and interactive elements that effectively captured the objectives of the roadshow. The team’s tailored approach for the Chinese market was impressive, resonating well with attendees, including well-chosen agents and tour operators, and fostering valuable connections.”

Ms. Shamita Palit, Sales Consultant at Le Duc de Praslin and laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort by Marriott, shared insightful feedback on the recent developments, highlighting that the potential direct flight from Chengdu offers connectivity, visibility, and reach that extends further than China to Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korean and Japan.

She noted that this success signifies an alliance extending beyond tourism to include commerce opportunities between the two countries, necessitating a collective effort from all areas of Government. Reflecting on her personal experience, Ms. Palit remarked that China had surpassed her expectations, offering infrastructure, technology, facilities, diversity, culture, and interests far beyond what she had envisioned.

Ms. Palit sees significant potential not only for inbound leisure tourism but also for corporate groups, incentive travel, enhanced trade imports from China, and even a niche market of outbound holidaymakers from Seychelles.

Seychelles is making significant strides in penetrating the Chinese market, highlighted by the introduction of the first direct, non-stop charter flight between Seychelles and Chengdu, China, operated by Sichuan Airlines.

Seychelles is expecting its first direct flight since 2018 in the second half of 2024. This flight, with an approximate duration of 8.5 hours, marks a pivotal advancement in air connectivity between the two regions. Further discussions are already underway regarding additional flights, underscoring the growing commitment to enhancing travel links and fostering deeper engagement with this key market.

Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General of Destination Marketing at the Tourism Department, remarked that the success of the roadshow and the upcoming flights will reflect in the growth of Chinese visitor arrivals to Seychelles this year. “We are thrilled to see a significant increase in interest for Seychelles from the Chinese market. The Chinese tourism arrival numbers are higher compared to last year. The growth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Tourism Seychelles and our trade partners in promoting Seychelles as a premier destination for Chinese travellers.”

Source: Voyages afriq