The Seychelles tourism trade joined the island’s Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange; their Tourism Board CEO, Elsia Grandcourt; Mohamed S. Al Geziry from Mohamed Al Geziry, the islands’ representatives in Dubai; and Aliette Esther from their Abu Dhabi Office, for the Middle East tourism trade fair, the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

This tourism trade fair has grown in importance especially because of the importance of Dubai as an international hub for international travelers. Tour operators and press from everywhere converge in Dubai for this tourism and travel fair, and Seychelles was again represented to ensure that the island’s tourism industry remains relevant.

Destination management companies (DMCs) Creole Travel Services and Masons Travel joined Air Seychelles, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, and Coral Strand Hotel in Dubai to help consolidate the Seychelles through the Dubai hub.

This tourism trade fair was the opportunity for the Seychelles delegation to meet with the three airlines, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar, to discuss the way forward in the promotion of Seychelles.

The Seychelles Minister was also interviewed by different TV channels including the MBC (the Middle East Broadcasting). The fair was seen as being one of the biggest ATM events in many years.

It was also at this ATM that Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, was a speaker at the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Ministerial meeting on tourism, travel, and aviation.