Seychelles has a population of only 86,000, but the Seychelles’ tourism industry continues to triumph as the country today, July 6, welcomed on its shores Dalila Ali Mohamed Minouni as its 100,000th visitor to arrive in the islands for 2012.

Unknowingly, Dalila Ali Mohamed Minouni, who is of Moroccan origin but lives in Bahrain, stepped off from her flight onboard the Qatar Airways, landing at the Seychelles International Airport at 6:45 am, as the islands’ 100,000th visitor.

To mark the achievement, a special welcome was organized by the Seychelles Tourism Board. Dalila Ali Mohamed Minouni was personally greeted on her arrival and presented with a gift pack, together with a flower garland by the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, along with the Chief Executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Elsia Grandcourt.

Dalila Ali Mohamed Minouni, who is on her very first visit to the islands, is in Seychelles on a short, two-day stay at Le Meridien Barbarons.

Dalila Ali Mohamed Minouni said she decided to visit Seychelles after hearing her brother, who frequently flies to the island as one of the Qatar Airways crew, talk about the endless charm and beauty of the destination.

“I’m already impressed with Seychelles. It has an air of coziness, and I feel relaxed already,” said an overwhelmed Dalila Ali Mohamed Minouni, adding, “I can’t wait to enjoy the lovely beaches that I’ve heard so much about and to taste the Seychelles Creole cuisine.”

Dalila Ali Mohamed Minouni said that she hopes to come back to Seychelles for a longer stay later during the year.

Seychelles has received its 100,000th visitor earlier than last year, which was on July 16, 2011. This represents a positive sign for the islands’ tourism industry, which is expecting to break a new visitor record if the healthy growth of arrival figures continues throughout the year.

The latest statistical report of Seychelles’ National Bureau of Statics shows that as of Sunday July 1, 98,963 visitors arrived in Seychelles, compared to 92,271 for the same period last year which indicates a 7 percent increase. The figure is itself remarkable as the population of Seychelles is but 86,000.

Seychelles first tagged its 100,000th visitor in 1990 and has since then marked the occasion annually.

This year, Seychelles celebrates its 100,000th visitor achievement just a few days before it hosts Routes Africa 2012, the biggest route development event of Africa.