Despite the recent downturn in UK visitor numbers, hotel development continues in the Seychelles, and with more than 20 new properties due to open in the next three years there is plenty for agents to keep up with.
Most new hotels will be on Mahé, the main island and seat of the capital, and Praslin, the country’s second island, and on the outlying islands of the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Four Seasons, Emirates, Shangri-La, Raffles and Sofitel are among the groups planning to open hotels on the islands by 2011.
Second hotels are also scheduled from Beachcomber and Constance Hotels. Although they will be small branches in keeping with the country’s low-impact development strategy, the new properties will increase the country’s tourism bedstock by more than 3,000.
“The new hotels will be relatively small developments and will add to the Seychelles’ boutique hotel portfolio,” said Seychelles Tourism Board UK country manager Wendy Betts. “The international names will help expand our brand image.”
Plus many properties are being refurbished. Sainte Anne Resort and Spa near Mahé reopened in August following a refit that saw private pools and sundecks added to 29 of the 87 villas. Two new restaurants opened, bringing the on-site total to four, and the Clarins spa was extended.
While many of the new hotels are five-star, specialist operator Elite Vacations is seeing increased demand for mid-range and guesthouse properties.
Managing director Peter Jackson said: “There has been a more than 25% increase in bookings for four-star-equivalent properties in the last few months, whereas last year five-star luxury properties were in demand.
“Perhaps people are tightening their belts in terms of which hotels they select, but the good news is they haven’t stopped booking.”
Air Seychelles, which operates the only direct service from the UK with two flights a week between Heathrow and Mahé, is considering adding to its winter 2009/10 schedule.
“There has been high demand for our new Pearl business class,” said Air Seychelles UK and Ireland sales manager Mitchell Hawes.
While the islands continue to appeal to couples, Betts said they are also attracting families. On average, visitors stay up to 12 days and ‘hop’ between at least three islands.
New hotel openings
- Allamanda Hotel: A 30-room hotel on Mahé
- Round Island Resort: Ten chalets on an island off Mahé
- Ephelia Resort: Private pool villas on southern Mahé.
- Four Seasons Resort Seychelles: A luxury 55-villa resort on southern Mahé
- Dhevatara Beach Resort: A four-star boutique hotel on Praslin
- Beachcomber Praslin: A resort with 121 rooms, kids’ club and spa.
