Foreign airlines have the advantage of being able to market Seychelles well in their own stronghold areas and can therefore boost tourist arrival figures.

They should therefore be offered attractive packages so that they can consider flying to Seychelles.

Chairperson John Stravens of the national U-First committee said this on Friday March12 after addressing potential beneficiaries of the tourism industry at Anse Royale.

"Each additional foreign airline that would come to Seychelles would contribute to the marketing effect because each has its own marketing network by which it can increase the number of tourists coming here.

"Of course it depends on the airlines themselves, but if they are approached with interesting packages and encouragement, that would go a long way towards luring them to come here," he said.

Mr Stravens said that with the introduction of more high class hotels Seychelles now has a complete range of ideal catering and accommodation facilities, but the destination itself needs to improve in other aspects.

"We need to give to the visitor the confidence that coming to Seychelles is worthwhile, interesting and offers value for money," he said, when asked what in his organisation's assessment are the areas tourism partners need to improve on.

"The three partners in tourism, namely the government, the private sector and the population at large need to contribute realistically and professionally in studying the requirements of the industry," he said.

Tourism public relations officer Wilna Richmond, who was present during the meeting, said that many of the 20 participants at the talks are "very much into tourism-related businesses and are working together in eco-tourism projects in the districts."

"Their products are of a high standard and they have been advised to approach managers of the locally-based tourism establishments to see if they can negotiate possible marketing deals," said Ms Richmond, who is the public relations manager in the Ministry of Tourism and Transport.

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