Seychelles is making a bold move to enhance its tourism sector by launching a new airline incentive scheme. The scheme aims to boost air connectivity and revitalise the industry.
In a recent press conference, Vice President Ahmed Afif shared the government’s commitment to making Seychelles more accessible to international visitors. The incentive scheme specifically targets airlines operating non-stop flights to Seychelles that exceed seven hours in duration. This strategic focus aims to attract key long-haul flights, ensuring that Seychelles remains connected to major markets and attracting a wider range of visitors.
The scheme is backed by a budget allocation of SCR21 million (approximately $1.5 million) for 2024-2026. This investment will support financial and marketing incentives for airlines, encouraging them to increase flight frequency, maintain operations throughout the year, and explore new routes to Seychelles. By incentivising long-term commitments from airlines, Seychelles aims to attract a consistent influx of tourists, ultimately supporting economic growth and stability within the tourism sector.
This initiative comes at a critical time as the nation seeks to recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected global tourism and travel patterns. With the tourism sector playing a vital role in Seychelles’ economy, the government recognises the importance of building a resilient infrastructure that can withstand future disruptions. By making Seychelles more accessible, the scheme helps position the islands as an attractive destination for tourists from regions further afield, broadening the visitor base and contributing to the long-term viability of the tourism industry.
“Change of Use” Policy Framework for Tourism Development
Alongside the airline incentive scheme, the Seychelles Cabinet has approved a new “Change of Use” policy framework for tourism. This new framework will lift the moratorium on converting residential properties into tourism establishments on the islands of Mahe and Praslin, allowing property owners more flexibility in how they utilise their spaces. This policy shift is designed to encourage sustainable tourism development by supporting high-quality accommodations while maintaining a balanced approach to local housing needs.
Under the updated framework, the government aims to avoid market oversaturation with low-standard units, instead prioritising quality accommodations that align with Seychelles’ commitment to sustainable tourism. The policy also introduces provisions for renovations and standards, ensuring that properties converted for tourism use meet specific quality criteria. This shift is expected to enhance visitor experiences, promote local economic benefits, and provide travellers with more diverse and premium accommodation options.
However, the moratorium on converting residences to tourism properties remains in effect on La Digue Island, where authorities are adopting a tailored approach to protect the island’s unique charm and environmental balance. For properties on Mahe and Praslin, one of the new conditions for tourism conversion applications is that the residence must have been built at least five years prior. This requirement is intended to prevent speculative building solely for tourism and to maintain a stable housing market.
Kreol Cars: Your Island Transportation Partner
With these exciting changes on the horizon, more visitors will have the opportunity to experience the beauty and hospitality of Seychelles. For those planning their travels, Kreol Cars offers an ideal solution for exploring the islands with ease and convenience. Whether you’re arriving on one of the newly incentivised long-haul flights or taking advantage of expanded accommodation options, Kreol Cars is here to make your journey as seamless as possible.
Kreol Cars provides reliable, well-maintained vehicles, ensuring travellers can explore the stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture at their own pace. From airport pickups to daily rentals, Kreol Cars offers flexible options to suit any itinerary, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Seychelles experience without transportation worries.
Seychelles is on track to become an even more attractive destination, and with Kreol Cars as your local transportation partner, you can focus on making the most of your time in paradise. Contact Kreol Cars today to arrange your transportation and start planning your dream journey to Seychelles with complete peace of mind.
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