Recent figures indicate a peak in visitor arrivals for the Seychelles and a strong outlook for the remainder of the year.
According to the latest figures from the Seychelles National Bureau of Statistics, the country welcomed 294 071 visitors from January 1 to November 3, 2024, a 1% increase compared with the same period last year.
The figures reveal a steady upward trend in visitor arrivals, with numbers consistently rising since mid-October. Following a slow performance in the second and third quarters, arrivals rebounded robustly from week 40 (ending October 6), with weekly counts surpassing those of 2023 and 2022.
Notably, the week ending October 20 saw over 8 000 arrivals, and visitor numbers for week 44 were even 3% higher than the same period in the country’s best year, 2019.
European travellers account for 73% of the total visitor numbers for the year to date, highlighting Seychelles’ enduring appeal in Europe and reinforcing its status as a highly desirable destination in these markets.
Three key European markets remain central to this success, including Germany, which leads with 50 194 visitors (17% of total arrivals), followed by France, 36 895 visitors, and Russia, 27 955, making up a combined 39% of all arrivals.
Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, said: “The current numbers are very encouraging and reflect the combined efforts of the Seychelles Tourism Department and its partners in boosting the country’s visibility, accessibility, and appeal. Access to better connectivity has notably contributed to this growth, especially towards end of September, with weekend arrivals often reaching pre-COVID levels.
“This shows the potential impact of improved air access to our islands. Overall, this growth highlights the resilience and adaptability of our local tourism industry as we continue to draw travellers in a rapidly changing global landscape.”
Building on this positive momentum, Seychelles continues to attract other key markets, with the UAE and US showing strong performance compared with last year. Visitor numbers from the UAE reached 16 435, up 18%, while the US recorded 9 621 visitors, a 14% increase. South Africa showed steady improvement with a 3% rise in visitor numbers this year.
Bernadette Willemin, Director General for Destination Marketing, said the surge in arrivals was a direct result of the collaborative efforts of teams across various markets, supported by impactful marketing campaigns. By working closely with strategic trade partners both locally and internationally, participating in global events, and leveraging local initiatives, these efforts have been crucial in showcasing the islands’ viability as a destination.
“We are thrilled to see this positive momentum in our visitor arrivals. It is a clear indication that Seychelles remains a top destination of choice for travellers seeking a unique and memorable holiday. We look forward to continuing this upward trend with the continued support of our partners, as we strengthen our efforts to enhance the visitor experience,” said Willemin
With an anticipated strong performance in the final months of 2024, Seychelles tourism looks set to close the year on a positive note. The industry’s ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving trends and deliver experiences ensure it remains a favourite among global travellers.
