The Seychelles Islands have long been a favorite among Bulgarian travelers in search of an exotic getaway. This enduring popularity is evident in the consistent growth of tourism from Bulgaria over the past five years. To further solidify its position as a premier winter destination, Tourism Seychelles, in collaboration with the Consulate General of the Republic of Seychelles in Bulgaria, orchestrated two high-impact events in Sofia last week.
The first event, a trade presentation, drew a distinguished crowd including Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Irena Georgieva, alongside Mr. Maxim Behar, the Honorary Consul for Seychelles, and Mr. Martin Zahariev, Vice Chair of Bulgaria’s National Tourism Board. The gathering also included members of the diplomatic community, key figures in the tourism industry, and representatives from the Bulgarian media.
Representing Tourism Seychelles were Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing, and Mrs. Lena Hoareau, Market Manager for Central Europe. In her address as the guest of honor, Deputy Minister Irena Georgieva underscored the enduring appeal of Seychelles for Bulgarian travelers, noting that the islands welcome an average of 1,600 to 1,900 visitors from Bulgaria annually. By August of this year, over 1,500 Bulgarians had already visited Seychelles, mirroring the pre-COVID visitor numbers. The peak year, 2022, saw a remarkable 1,989 Bulgarian tourists, bringing the goal of reaching 2,000 visitors for 2024-2025 within close reach.
Mrs. Willemin and Mrs. Hoareau emphasized that Seychelles offers much more than its iconic white sandy beaches. The islands boast a diverse range of experiences, catering to the evolving preferences of today’s discerning travelers. Mrs. Willemin seized the opportunity to showcase the captivating beauty of Seychelles, highlighting its attractions, rich diversity, and unique experiences, along with recent updates on the island’s hotels. The presentation captivated the audience, leaving them visibly impressed by the destination’s charm and extensive offerings.
Mr. Maxim Behar, the Honorary Consul General for Seychelles, expressed his deep affection for the islands, which he now considers his second home. Following the presentation, a networking cocktail provided a platform for guests to share their personal Seychelles experiences and discuss the insights presented.
The next day, Tourism Seychelles organized an exclusive VIP lunch for select tour operators and media representatives, expressing gratitude for their ongoing efforts in promoting the destination. These events not only enhanced Seychelles’ visibility in the Bulgarian market but also facilitated the building of strong relationships and solidified its reputation as a favored vacation spot for Bulgarian tourists.