A new dynamic in relationship has been launched in Brazil between Emirates Airline and the tourism destination of the Seychelles, whose Minister responsible for Tourism was in Brazil to open the South American market for Seychelles.

It was a meeting between Ralph Aasmann, the Area Manager for Emirates in Sao Paolo; Marcia Galvao, Emirates Sales Manager for Brazil; and Minister Alain St.Ange and his delegation in which concrete ideas for cooperation were discussed. David Germain, the Seychelles Tourism Board’s Director for Africa and the Americas; and Myra Fanchette, their Tourism Board’s Marketing Executive; accompanied by Luiz Picollo, the Seychelles Consul in Brazil; and Gisele Abrahao of Global Vision Access (GVA) formed part of the Seychelles Minister’s delegation.

The message by the Seychelles delegation from Emirates in Brazil was positive, and confirmed the desire of the airline to work with Seychelles to increase the number of Brazilian tourists to Seychelles. “This long-haul destination for Brazilians is today accessible as never before. One stop in Dubai with Emirates from Brazil will get Brazilians to what is considered the paradise islands of the Indian Ocean,” an Emirates representative said, pointing out that through Emirates, long-haul passengers can travel in First Class all the way to from Brazil to Seychelles.

Alain St.Ange on his part said that the enthusiasm by Emirates was welcomed. He noted that the Brazilian economy was very strong, and he also spoke about the special Agent Rate now being offered from Brazil to Seychelles, and said that this will enable travel agents and tour operators from Brazil to finally discover Seychelles in greater numbers.

“The potential is there. Domestic travel in Brazil is considered expensive, and Brazilians are now moving further afield for their holidays and honeymoons of a life time. Seychelles has the connotation amongst Brazilians that it is a real special destination, and we now need to move in as the time is right. Brazilians, we were told, have been to the USA and Europe year after year and are looking for a new destination, and we are sure that Seychelles is that new destination,” Minister St.Ange said.

Discussions also centered on the airline’s support for the Brazil Samba School, which will be traveling to Seychelles for the island’s 2013 “Carnaval International de Victoria” to represent Brazil at the world’s only “Carnival of Carnivals.”