(Seychelles News Agency) - The national airline of the Seychelles islands has been presented with two trophies at this year’s World Travel Market (WTM) taking place in London, England. Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive, Manoj Papa, was presented with the awards for ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Cabin Crew’ by the World Travel Awards president and founder Graham Cooke.

The regional winners were announced at the World Travel Awards’ regional Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, held at in Abuja, Nigeria in September and the global ceremony was held on Tuesday at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London.

The prestigious World Travel Awards, established in 1993, recognise the very best travel organisations in the world through a global vote by travel professionals from 171 countries.

Air Seychelles, which was established in 1978, entered into a strategic partnership with UAE-based Etihad Airways in 2012 after the Abu Dhabi carrier purchased a 40 percent stake in Air Seychelles.

Air Seychelles business class offers lie-flat seats, a dine-anytime concept, personal on-demand inflight entertainment and in-seat power on its two wide-body Airbus A330-200s and the airline’s 140-strong cabin crew are renowned for their Creole warmth, professionalism and hospitality.

The Seychelles delegation at the WTM this year is headed by Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange and is complemented by a large private sector component. In a press release issued yesterday, the minister stated that Seychelles tourism prospects were looking more positive on the UK market.

"Airline discussions have been held and new investments inquiries attended to. Our arrival figures are showing signs that the UK tour operators are pushing the islands once again,” said St Ange.

Some 10,705 tourists from the UK and Ireland have visited Seychelles since the beginning of the year up to the week ending November 2, 2014 according to figures available from the Seychelles National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which is at the same level when compared to last year's figures of 10,676 for the same period.

Hilton scoops Seychelles’ top hotel awards

The Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, situated on the island of Silhouette, has also been recognised as ‘Seychelles’ Leading Resort’ for the third year running at the World Travel Awards.

The hotel also bagged the ‘Seychelles’ Leading Spa Resort’ award for the second consecutive year.

Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa, situated in the north of the main island of Mahé, also won the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort’ and ‘Seychelles’ Leading Boutique Hotel’, both for the second year in a row.

The Hilton Hotels & Resorts group was also recognised as the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand’ at the awards.

The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa team is presented with an award for the Indian Ocean's Leading Villa Resort by Graham Cooke, President and Founder of the World Travel Awards. Present also were the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St. Ange and the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken. (Rila Group) Photo License: CC-BY

According to a report from Breaking Travel News, the Hilton Seychelles Cluster General Manager, Claus Steiner said it was a great honour for the hotel chain to receive multiple awards.

“Both Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa and Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa welcome guests from many different countries and I am delighted that our continuous efforts to offer superior levels of personalised service, have once again been globally recognised,” he said.