(Seychelles News Agency) - It is no secret that the Seychelles archipelago is seen as one of the top destinations in the Indian Ocean region. This was highlighted by the many awards the island nation of 93,000 inhabitants received at the World Travel Awards for the Indian Ocean which took place in the Maldives earlier in July  

SNA brings you the five winners from Seychelles at the 24th edition of the 2017 World Travel Awards.  

Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline

The Seychelles national carrier, Air Seychelles, came out as the leading airline, leading airline business class, leading airline brand and leading cabin crew. Established in 1978, the airline currently has a fleet of four Airbus that serve the international routes and six Twin Otters serving the domestic routes. Air Seychelles offers international flights to Abu Dhabi, Antananarivo, Johannesburg, Mauritius, Mumbai, Durban, Düsseldorf and Paris. Air Seychelles also operates daily domestic flights and charter services throughout the archipelago.

“Clinching four accolades at the World Travel Awards is the crowning moment of what has been an incredible year for Air Seychelles,” said Roy Kinnear, chief executive of Air Seychelles.

(Air Seychelles) Photo License: CC-BY

Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination

Seychelles came out on top as the archipelago is today a sought-after destination for cruise ships around the world. The islands offer calm and safe turquoise-coloured waters and the opportunity to explore over 100 islands.

“We are surrounded by the ocean, and this is one attribute that we always recommend to our visitors – to discover Seychelles by sea. The award is testament that Seychelles remains one the best cruise destination there is to experience,” said Sherin Francis, chief executive of Seychelles Tourism Board.

(Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Port

Seychelles’ Port Victoria is still the leading cruise destination in the Indian Ocean for the fourth consecutive time. The award underscores the increased cruise ship business in Seychelles after a period of decline during the Somali pirate years. Port Victoria welcomed 27 cruise ships this year, according to the tourism statistics. Port Victoria set a new record in April last year when MS Queen Victoria measuring 294 metres long docked in the Seychelles.

“There is a large group of people that rallies tirelessly to support the national cruise strategy that has led us to where we are today,” said Andre Ciseau, the chief executive of Seychelles Port Authority. 

(Seychelles Port Authority) Photo License: CC-BY

Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort

Seychelles-based hotel Constance Ephelia took the top spot for the second consecutive year. Located on two of the most beautiful beaches on Mahe, the main island, and overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay, the hotel enjoys a unique location set within 120 hectares of land with luxuriant and rare vegetation.

Saving energy and water, recycling, composting and protection of fauna and flora are some of the initiatives that have enabled this Indian Ocean Constance establishment to receive the Green Globe certification. The hotel has also made significant contributions to sustainable management in Seychelles.

(Constance Ephelia Resort) Photo license: All Rights Reserved

Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board

Seychelles Tourism Board won the award again this year. The board which is a public-private sector has the primary function to promote and market Seychelles as the most desirable tourist destination. There are 18 Seychelles tourist offices around the world that serve as vital first-hand information links between the island nation and potential visitors, tour operators, travel agents and the media.

“We do not have even a quarter of the resources other tourism boards have given our size but yet we are seen as very effective, and this is because we do our work with a lot of passion and enthusiasm,” said the chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board. 

(Gerard Larose, Seychelles Tourism Board) Photo License: CC-BY