Indian Travellers Will Feel ‘Right at Home’ in Seychelles, Says Tourism Secy Sherin Francis

Indian tourists will feel “right at home” in Seychelles, said Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary for Tourism, on Monday, as she highlighted India’s entry into the top 10 source markets and its growing role in driving the island nation’s tourism growth.

Underscoring the deep-rooted cultural and historical connections between the two countries, Francis said, “I would like to say that any Indian visitors choosing Seychelles as a holiday destination would be right at home here.”

She added, “Many of the forefathers of people in Seychelles today came from India. Seychelles and India share the Indian Ocean.”

Francis also emphasized India’s growing importance to Seychelles’ tourism industry, noting that direct flights have strengthened connectivity between the two nations.

“India for us is a very important market, in the sense that we share historical ties with India,” she said. “Now that we have direct air connectivity to Mumbai and a good network in India, we see India developing as a very significant market for Seychelles. India is already on our list of the top ten markets,” she added.

According to data from the High Commission of India in Victoria-Mahe, 7,602 Indians visited Seychelles in 2023, accounting for 2.2 percent of total arrivals — a 53.4 percent rise compared to 2022.

Francis further noted that sustainability remains central to the nation’s tourism development strategy.

“Sustainability is a key aspect of our tourism development... It is important that visitors respect the environment and appreciate the work we are doing to keep this place clean, green and pristine,” she said.

Looking ahead, she expressed interest in deepening collaboration with India across creative and cultural sectors, particularly in film and media.

"With India and Seychelles coming closer, there are many areas where we can grow, and we can learn from India. In terms of cinematic development, we can find ways to work for India in areas of movies, film shootings and other artistic works," Francis noted.

Her remarks coincided with Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan’s official visit to Seychelles, where he attended the swearing-in of President-elect Patrick Herminie and addressed the Indian community.