To further boost the visibility of Air Seychelles and destination Seychelles in South Africa, Air Seychelles together with the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) chaired a media conference at the Saxon Hotel in Sandton to provide up-to-date information about the airlines’ plans for the South African market as well as the state of tourism in the Seychelles.
The national airline was represented at the event by Chief Executive Officer Remco Althuis and Chief Commercial Officer, Charles Johnson whilst Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive and the Regional Director for Africa and America’s, David Germain represented the Seychelles Tourism Board.
Delivering the opening remarks at the media conference Chief Executive Officer, Remco Althuis said: “South Africa is one of the top market for Air Seychelles and following the strong demand for travel over the busy end-of – year period to the Seychelles, I am pleased to announce that apart from operating up to eight times per week to the largest city in South Africa during the peak season, Air Seychelles will also operate additional services from Johannesburg to the Seychelles in July 2019.
“With the entry into service of the A320neo aircraft in 2019, we expect to provide more seats between Johannesburg and the Seychelles including a greater level of comfort onboard the aircraft which will be equipped with new inflight products customized according to Air Seychelles specifications, reflecting the latest trends in air travel industry.
“At Air Seychelles we are always listening to the feedback received from our guests and we are constantly reviewing our processes to further enhance their travel experience.
“Hence in addition to providing the direct link to the Seychelles, Air Seychelles also has a special prorate agreement with Air Botswana and a codeshare partnership with South African Airways to facilitate the domestic transfer of guests travelling from key cities in South Africa onward to the Seychelles.
“We are also pleased to have STB join us today to also share the plans for the South African market because for us as an airline business it is important to work with the local tourism board not to only boost the visibility of the airline but to also promote bridge between South Africa and Seychelles so as to bring more guests to our shores”.
Highlighting on the state of the Seychelles Tourism particularly for the South African market STB Chief Executive, Sherin Francis said: South Africa is a market which compliment a very important part of our strategy which is to sustain our hostels during the period we considered as the low shoulder period for Seychelles given the peak travelling period are almost quite opposite to that of the European.
“We will keep on working hard with our partners to promote this market as we believe in its potential.”
The media conference ended with an open session of question and answer session to members on the panel. The event was also attended by Air Seychelles Head of Corporate Affairs, Sheryl Barra, Manager International Sales, Michelle Lafortune, the airline General Sales Agents based in South Africa including STB’s Director for South Africa, Lena Hoareau.
