n New tourism body
Ministers of the Indian Ocean Commission have approved the setting up of a Regional Tourism Organisation to promote Mauritius, the Seychelles, Reunion, Madagascar, the Comores and Reunion. The new body will result in the formation of a UK regional tourism chapter toco-ordinate promotional activities such as press trips, educationals for operators and agents, joint partnership campaigns and training seminars.
n STMA strategy
The Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority will this month complete $300,000 research to select a new worldwide branding and image for the Seychelles. The results and subsequent tourism strategy will be unveiled at ITB in Berlin in March. The recently formed STMA, a division in charge of marketing tourism overseas, will eventually consist of a staff of around 20 people. It is looking to fill several key positions in the capital, Victoria. Contact Ian Robinson for more details by e-mail: marketing@seychelles.net
n kuoni liveaboard
Kuoni has added a new liveaboard in the Seychelles to its diving programme which it has relaunched under the brand Kuoni Worldwide. Indian Ocean Explorer will operate itineraries from Mahe including one which takes in World Heritage site Aldabra. Prices start from £1,948 per person for seven nights.
n Concorde offer
Air France and Air Seychelles are offering a one-off trip on Concorde in March to the Seychelles to celebrate the aircraft’s 30th anniversary. Clients travel Concorde one way and Air Seychelles the other. The package, including six nights’ accommodation on Mahe and Praslin, costs $6,400 and is bookable through Elite Vacations.