Maldives in dialogue with Seychelles to improve tourism relations

Discussions have been held to collaborate with competitor Seychelles in tourism efforts.

Online business news provider eTN said on Friday that Seychelles Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St.Ange and Maldives Tourism Minister Adheeb met and exchanged ideas on working together at the ITB Tourism Trade Fair in Germany.

The Seychelles newly-appointed Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange told the press at ITB that the two countries are competitors in the tourism industry, but new opportunities can be explored if they collaborate.

“We can offer unique tropical holidays, and the time had come to spell that to the world,” Alain St.Ange told eTN.

The paper says that discussions were held between the two countries to initiate a Travel Fair to promote tourism in Indian Ocean islands, and that Maldives has agreed to study this opportunity further. Alain said that Maldives and Seychelles need one another’s assistance in promoting tourism.

Minister Ahmed Adheeb said before departing to Germany to participate in the ITB Fair that discussions will be held with relevant parties to promote tourism in Maldives.

“We will hold press conferences to change the negative image that has been created of Maldives. This will be our main goal at the Fair,” Adheeb told the press before departing to Germany.

Maldivian delegation at the ITB Fair consists of about 250 people this year. Maldives has also decided to participate in the travel fair to be held in Russia.