Emirates re-affirms commitment to Seychelles and to the success of its tourism industry |04 May 2023

Mr Khoory and PS Francis during the signing of the MoU. Also present at the signing ceremony were Mrs Willemin, (third from right); Mr Fathallah (second from right); Mr Kazim (third from left) and Mr Ramtoola (second from left)

Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tourism Seychelles at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 in Dubai.

The agreement reaffirms the airline’s commitment to the island-nation and outlines key joint initiatives the airline and tourism body will collaborate on to promote trade and tourism to the country.

The MoU was signed by Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Sherin Francis, principal secretary Tourism Department, Tourism Seychelles.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Bernadette Willemin, director general Destination Marketing, Tourism Seychelles; Ahmed Fathallah, Tourism Seychelles Middle East Office; Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ chief commercial officer; as well as Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ manager – Indian Ocean Islands.

At the signing ceremony, Mr Khoory said: “Since 2005, Emirates has been serving Seychelles with its services and consistently contributing to the growth of its tourism industry. As a key market in our network, our commitment to the nation continues and our agreement today is testament to the successful partnership we have shared with Tourism Seychelles for more than a decade. We look forward to enhancing the relationship further, building on the successes so far, and contributing to the growth of Seychelles as a destination.”

PS Francis said: “Emirates was the first airline to resume commercial flights to the destination when the Seychelles borders reopened during the pandemic and its support over the years, and especially during the post-pandemic period, has been steadfast. Tourism Seychelles is immensely grateful to this continuous support and commitment. The renewal of this partnership is testament to the mutual commitment and dedication from both sides.”

The agreement outlines mutually beneficial activities designed to boost trade and tourism to the country, including trade shows, trade familiarisation trips, exhibitions, and workshops. Emirates will also support Tourism Seychelles’ award programme, Lospitalite Lafyerte Sesel, which fosters excellence in the island’s tourism industry and recognises top operators and individuals for exceptional service standards.

Emirates launched operations to Seychelles in 2005 and the airline currently operates two daily flights to the island-nation. Emirates was the first international airline to resume passenger services to Seychelles in August 2020, coinciding with the country’s re-opening to international tourists. Emirates’ double-daily service on the Seychelles route is operated by Boeing 777 aircraft and its iconic multicultural cabin crew come from more than 130 nationalities, including Seychellois nationals.

Press release from Emirates