Seychelles Tourism Board is placing the GCC at the centre of its strategy to attract high-value, sustainable tourism, with around six in 10 international visitors reaching the destination through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi.

At Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, the board is highlighting plans for a new MoU with Emirates, deeper engagement with regional travel trade and efforts to promote Seychelles beyond its traditional image as a luxury beach destination.

“The GCC is central to Seychelles’ tourism future, both as a source of high-value travellers and as an aviation bridge connecting our islands with the world,” said Vesna Rakic, Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Tourism Board.

“Our partnership with Emirates has played an important role in expanding access to Seychelles. The new MoU will build on that longstanding relationship and create further opportunities to strengthen awareness and demand across the region and international markets.”

Emirates currently operates 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mahé, while Air Seychelles provides daily service from Abu Dhabi.

Qatar Airways resumed four weekly Doha-Seychelles services in June 2026.

Together, the Gulf hubs provide important connectivity to Seychelles from the GCC while linking the islands with markets across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

The UAE is also becoming an increasingly important source market. Seychelles welcomed 20,980 visitors from the UAE in 2025, up 6.2% from 19,761 in 2024.

Strong repeat visitation highlights demand among families, couples and luxury travellers seeking privacy, personalised experiences and island escapes.

“Travellers from the GCC already know Seychelles for its beaches, privacy and exceptional hospitality. Our opportunity now is to introduce them to the fuller Seychelles story,” Rakic added.

“That story includes our people, Creole culture and gastronomy, nature, wellness, marine experiences, adventure and the distinctive character of our different islands. We want visitors to stay longer, explore further and build a deeper connection with the destination.”

Seychelles is seeking to shift from volume to value by encouraging longer stays, broader island exploration and greater spending across hotels, restaurants, experiences and local businesses.

The strategy also places environmental protection and the preservation of Creole culture at its core.

The approach has already delivered strong economic results.

Seychelles welcomed 398,841 international visitors in 2025, around 13% more than in 2024, while tourism earnings increased by approximately 29% to $1.196 billion, more than twice the rate of visitor growth.

The destination is also broadening its tourism proposition.

Mahé is being promoted for its capital Victoria, Creole culture, cuisine, hiking and nature reserves; Praslin combines beaches with the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai; while La Digue offers cycling, iconic landscapes and a slower pace of island life. Private and outer islands provide further opportunities for secluded luxury and marine adventures.

Air connectivity remains a priority following disruptions earlier in 2026. Seychelles recorded 31,628 visitors in July, up 1.8% year on year, taking year-to-date arrivals to 232,342.

Ethiopian Airlines is scheduled to introduce double-daily Addis Ababa services from December, while Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot have also expanded or resumed services.

New hospitality investment is expected to support further growth, including the planned opening of a Meliá property towards the end of 2026.

“Our ambition is sustainable growth that creates greater value for Seychelles,” Rakic said. “This means strengthening connectivity, diversifying our markets and experiences, and ensuring that tourism benefits our communities and wider economy while protecting the extraordinary natural and cultural assets that make Seychelles unique.” -TradeArabia News Service