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Seychelles cruise ship season is coming to an end and Seychelles has welcomed 38 vessels with around 68,000 visitors during that time. Despite receiving fewer ships than the 2022-2023 season which was a total of 52, the country received vessels with much larger passenger capacity this season.
Seychelles cruise ship season is coming to an end and Seychelles has welcomed 38 vessels with around 68,000 visitors during that time. Despite receiving fewer ships than the 2022-2023 season which was a total of 52, the country received vessels with much larger passenger capacity this season.
The principal secretary for Tourism, Sherin Francis described the season as a successful one coupled with the smooth running of all logistical operations. She added that operators respected all regulations and facilities in place during the season and no incidents were reported like in previous years. One of the challenges is to maximise tourists’ spending when they arrive in Seychelles, but there has been some improvement. She stated that the tourism department is doing a comprehensive study on the spending patterns of the visitors on cruise vessels. Seychelles is being assisted by UNECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa) where by July or August this year, the country will have a report, which will give a better idea of the benefits we receive from cruise ship passengers, said the principal secretary. Francis added that the data collected at the moment is not enough to get the information needed.
The chief executive of the Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA), Sony Payet, explained that with so many passengers entering the country at once, it is important that all partners work together to ensure smooth operations. He also spoke of the need for a more vibrant Victoria, the capital, explaining that tourists need to have more things to do and to spend on, especially if they come into port on a Sunday when everything is closed.
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https://trendsnafrica.com/seychelles-cruse-village-to-promote-sustainable-tourism/
The cruise ship season will close with the last ship expected in Port Victoria on Sunday, May 19. The next season will re-open in October 2024 and 44 ships have already been booked, a figure likely to increase in the coming months.
