Tourism Seychelles makes a lasting impression on travellers and trade at BIT Milan 2024 |10 February 2024
Tourism Seychelles made a lasting impression on travellers and trade at the BIT Milan 2024 (Photo: Contributed)
Tourism Seychelles took part in the 44th Borsa Internazionale del Turismo (BIT), held in Milan from February 4-6 at the Allianz MiCo. The esteemed event served as a gateway into the global tourism landscape, unveiling the most captivating destinations, activities and the latest trends of the ever-evolving sector.
As the premier marketplace for the ‘Italy’ product worldwide, BIT Milan cements itself as a representative event for the entire tourism sector, with a wide variety of exhibitors, including Italian and international tourism boards, carriers, trade associations, tour operators and new niche destinations.
After an excellent year for Italian tourism in Seychelles, with a notable 6% increase in arrivals by the end of 2023, Tourism Seychelles seized the opportunity to showcase the archipelago as the perfect getaway for couples, families and sustainable travellers.
The event was divided into three thematic areas: Leisure, showcasing destinations and exhibitors; BeTech, focusing on digital services and start-ups; and the MICE Village, with a focus on the meetings industry.
The significance of the Italian market for Seychelles was highlighted during the numerous trade meetings with the top tour operators selling the destination. The event was also the perfect occasion to promote the archipelago’s authentic experiences to the final consumer.
Tourism Seychelles actively engaged in the ‘Outgoing tourism today and tomorrow’ panel discussion with the Federazione Turismo Organizzato (FTO), sharing insights into market trends and performance in the Italian market, highlighting upcoming products, and providing forecasts for the forthcoming season.
Danielle Di Gianvito, Tourism Seychelles' marketing representative for Italy, expressed enthusiasm for the event, sharing, "BIT is a key event in northern Italy for the tourism sector and serves as a precious tool for sharing knowledge and updates on the destination.”
This year, the event attracted over 1,100 exhibitors from 66 countries, engaging with high-profile buyers from various regions worldwide, mainly from Europe. Exhibitors had the chance to foster business relations and explore inbound and outbound opportunities from target countries.
Prominent players from the airline and cruise industries were well-represented at the event, including Aereoitalia, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Eva Airways, Trenitalia, Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Cruiseline. Additionally, renowned names in the network and tour-operator sector, such as Gattinoni, Alidays, Alpitour World, Boscolo, Futura Vacanze, Going, Idee Per Viaggiare, I Grandi Viaggi, Kel 12, Naar, Nicolaus, Veratour, and Viaggi Del Mappamondo, were also present.Through a variety of cultures and unique perspectives, BIT Milan embraces different continents, presenting a global vision on a wide range of destinations and activities: from indulging in culinary delights and local experiences to wellness activities, sports tourism, and even catering to most adventurous travel needs for digital nomads.
BIT Milan provided Tourism Seychelles with an exceptional opportunity to stay updated on the latest trends in the tourism industry, with a focus on sustainability, awareness, personalisation, and digitalisation.
Contributed