The Seychelles is attracting a large number of tourists from the UK, according to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
Between January and September 2 this year, 17,286 Brits visited the island nation, a 16% increase compared to the previous year. Britain is the fourth biggest European incoming market for the 115-island archipelago in the Indian ocean, after Germany, France and Italy.
Records from the Central Bank of Seychelles show that the country?s first semester earnings have increased by 27% compared to the same period last year, a figure that has been attributed to the destination?s ongoing sustainability efforts. One initiative is to work together with hoteliers and business to eliminate the use of plastic by 2020.
Sherin Francis, chief executive of the tourism board, said: ?Thanks to the efforts of all parties within the industry, we have been able to achieve amazing growth in tourism earnings. For a small country like Seychelles, where we emphasise conservation, it is important to get more out of each tourist instead of relying on tourism arrivals.?
Seychelles is looking at a steady increase in tourists as British Airways, among other airlines, started direct flights from London this year.
Arrivals to the Seychelles are expected to rise steadily with British Airways launching direct flights from London this year and Air Seychelles increasing the frequency of its services between Seychelles and Johannesburg. Edelweiss Air's planned service to the islands also launches this month.
