Home East Africa Seychelles Tourism Forum 2023: Diversification of markets, segments, and products toward sustainability

Seychelles Tourism Forum 2023: Diversification of markets, segments, and products toward sustainability

42

(3 minutes read)

Seychelles’ Tourism Marketing Forum for 2023 witnessed the participation of more than 120 partners representing various segments of the country’s tourism sector. Diversification of tourism markets, segments, products, and the need to have a sustainable tourism sector, were the top topics of discussion at the forum. Tourism is the top economic contributor for Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

Seychelles’ Tourism Marketing Forum for 2023 witnessed the participation of more than 120 partners representing various segments of the country’s tourism sector. Diversification of tourism markets, segments, products, and the need to have a sustainable tourism sector, were the top topics of discussion at the forum. Tourism is the top economic contributor for Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

Representatives of small and large accommodation establishments, boat charters, destination management companies (DMCs), and tour guides were present along with the officials of the Seychelles tourism department. This is the first time the marketing meeting of the department takes this format, where the partners of the industry were engaged in deeper discussions. Also present were two international experts from the Adventure Travel and Trade Association (ATTA),

The prime discussion was focused on diversification, that diversification of the market, segments, and products. There have been a lot of discussions on repeat clientele and how to valorise them. In this segment, participants learned more about the importance of diversification, planting the seed for sustainable long-term results, and being inclusive. Through the discussions on sustainable and conscious tourism approaches, participants received more information on the importance of developing sustainable strategies and maximise from different markets.

One of the experts from ATTA talked about the importance of thinking through a destination’s tourism strategy to make sure that it is sustainable both from an economic point of view, but also in the general climate and environmental aspect. With the right strategy from the beginning, it’s a lot easier and brings a lot more benefits to everybody. So it’s really exploring what tour operators can do towards sustainability, and that it’s a journey. More and more, travellers are looking for sustainable tourism options nowadays.

Read Also:

https://trendsnafrica.com/seychelles-to-develop-a-national-grading-system-for-tourism-establishments/

https://trendsnafrica.com/seychelles-takamaka-rum-gets-accolades/

https://trendsnafrica.com/two-more-seychelles-islands-open-for-new-hotel-development/

The working session outlined that there is a need to take a more quality-over-quantity approach to experience development. Participants learned more about what can be achieved through collaboration and working together, and ways to improve or enhance the existing experiences or products on offer. The existing experiences or products that are on the islands and how to incorporate the concepts of transformation in those experiences that exist now, or new experiences or itineraries are paramount.