The Seychelles Tourism Board has reaffirmed its commitment to international connectivity and high-value, sustainable tourism following the signing of a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emirates Airlines at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai. The agreement renews a successful strategic partnership first established in 2013, solidifying Dubai as a premier gateway connecting global travellers to the pristine shores of the Seychelles archipelago. A Powerful Aviation Bridge Connecting the World The strategic alliance between Tourism Seychelles, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Emirates Airlines comes at a pivotal moment. Gulf hubs remain at the heart of the destination’s international reach, with approximately six in ten visitors arriving in the islands via Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi. Emirates continues to support steady visitor growth by operating 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mahé. This double-daily service offers effortless connections across the airline's global network of nearly 140 destinations, linking the archipelago directly with key source markets in Europe, the GCC, Asia and the Americas. The renewed agreement will see Emirates and Tourism Seychelles collaborate on joint international marketing campaigns, trade promotions and familiarisation trips designed to showcase the evolving beauty and luxury of the island nation. High-Value, Sustainable Tourism at the Forefront Speaking at Arabian Travel Market, Vesna Rakić, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board, highlighted the shift towards attracting discerning travellers who value long-stay immersive experiences. "The GCC is central to the future of tourism in Seychelles, both as a source of high-value travellers and as an aviation bridge connecting our islands with the world," Rakić noted. "Our partnership with Emirates has played a vital role in expanding access to Seychelles. The new MOU will build on that longstanding relationship and create further opportunities to strengthen awareness and demand across regional and international markets." This high-value strategy is already yielding impressive economic results. In 2025, Seychelles welcomed nearly 400,000 international visitors - a 13% increase year-on-year. Crucially, tourism earnings outpaced arrival growth, surging by approximately 29% to reach $1.196 billion. The figures demonstrate a growing appetite for premium, tailored luxury escapes, with the UAE market alone seeing a 6.2% increase in visitor arrivals. Beyond traditional sun, sea and sand, the destination is inviting travellers to stay longer and explore further, taking in rich Creole gastronomy, vibrant local culture, wellness, and world-class marine conservation across the islands. Your Gateway to Paradise at Eden Island For guests and property owners at Eden Island, enhanced global aviation links mean seamless travel from runway to residence. Located just ten minutes from Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, Eden Island offers an exclusive sanctuary for long-term stays, family holidays and luxury retreats. With private moorings attached to every luxury Apartment, Maison and Villa, guests can step off an Emirates flight in the morning and be out on the water by the afternoon. Whether you are embarking on an island-hopping adventure across Praslin and La Digue or taking advantage of our deep-water marina facilities, world-class connectivity ensures your Seychelles sanctuary is always within easy reach. Planning your next island escape? Discover our collection of luxury waterfront Apartments, Maisons and Villas, or contact our reservations team to curate your stay.
