Two new Scandinavian Ambassadors, accredited to Seychelles this week, were quick to highlight the potential of the environment in attracting their compatriots to the country.

Speaking at State House Tuesday March 16 in the morning, newly accredited Swedish Ambassador Mr Bo Göransson said that Swedish people shared the environmental concerns displayed in Seychelles and that the safeguarding of the natural environment in Seychelles will go a long way towards drawing in Swedish visitors.

Ambassador Göransson shrugged off a recent downturn in visitor arrivals, attributing it to a general tourism slow down, and went on to say that recent visits by high profile Swedes, such as the Royal Family and senior politicians, had helped put Seychelles on the Swedish tourism map.

He also said that the safety and security found in Seychelles, when compared to some other East African countries, also worked to secure Seychelles a favourable impression amongst would be Swedish visitors.

Ambassador Göransson's words were echoed by his opposite number from Finland, Ambassador Matti Kääriäinen who said that Seychelles is becoming increasingly popular amongst Finnish tourists.

Currently Finnish visitor figures are limited to roughly 500 per year, but Ambassador Kääriäinen expressed his hope that this would increase.

He also pointed to Finland's small population, of only 5.2 million, and the fact that neighbouring tourism giant Kenya attracts a similar number of Finnish holiday makers, as proof of Seychelles' success in luring Fins to holiday here.

LINKS