Travel and Tourism (Commonwealth Union) _ The Department of Tourism embarked on a significant journey on June 20th by boarding Air Seychelles’ inaugural flight from Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The twice-weekly flights signify the start of a new connection between the two destinations.
The flight accommodated 110 passengers, including esteemed officials such as Mrs. Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director for Destination Marketing, and Mr. Sandy Benoiton, CEO of Air Seychelles. They were accompanied by Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis, Principal Secretary for Sports, and various valued trade partners.
Upon arrival at Colombo at dawn, the flight received a warm welcome with a water cannon salute and a lively performance by the Sri Lankan team at the airport. The Sri Lankan Tourism Board extended gracious hospitality, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration.
To commemorate the occasion, the Department of Tourism, in partnership with Air Seychelles, organized a trade event on June 21st. During the event, Mrs. Francis and Mrs. Willemin unveiled the endless possibilities brought forth by this newfound connection. The Colombo route not only opens doors to previously untapped markets but also presents an opportunity for Seychelles to learn from Sri Lanka’s successful tourism practices and further enhance its own industry.
On June 22nd, Mrs. Sherin Francis and Mrs. Bernadette Willemin paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Tourism. They were accompanied by Dr. Udeni Arawgoda, the Consulate of Seychelles for Sri Lanka, Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and Mr. Nalin Perera, Director General for Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The fruitful meeting confirmed the benefits that await all parties involved in this transformative partnership. As a gesture of goodwill, the two ministries exchanged souvenirs, solidifying the bond between Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
With the launch of these new flights, Seychelles and Colombo are poised to redefine travel experiences. With shared aspirations, these two breathtaking destinations have joined forces to offer travelers unparalleled adventures and boundless possibilities.
