Seychelles tourism reps have picked up plenty of air miles this month after attending the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) and South African INDABA fair, in the space of only one week.

15 members of the local travel trade flew to Dubai, in the company of Vice President and Tourism and Transport Minister, Joseph Belmont, to attend the ATM, which ran from May 4 to 7.

Before arriving at the Dubai World Trade Centre for the ATM Minister Belmont, accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Economic Planning, Mr. Ahmed Afif, attended the World Tourism & Travel Council Global Forum in Qatar.

Having attracted some 12,000 travel industry representatives in 2003, the ATM is now billed as providing an, "unparalleled business opportunity for travel trade professionals."

After targeting the Arab market the tourism crowd next jetted to South Africa for the annual INDABA trade fair.

According to the Seychelles Tourism and Marketing Authority, "INDABA has grown in status, quality and diversity to become one of the continent's most valuable icons as well as one of the world's top three 'must visit' travel trade shows."

Although INDABA runs until May 11, many of the weary travellers are expected back in Seychelles on Saturday May 8, ahead of the start of the World Tourism Organisation Commission for Africa meeting, being held this week at the Plantation Club.

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