Seychelles puts GCC at the heart of high-value tourism growth as revenue reaches $1.196 billion
. . . bets on Gulf connectivity to drive high-value, sustainable tourism; Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi become vital gateways
Seychelles is placing the Gulf at the centre of its next chapter of tourism growth, with strong air connectivity through Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi helping the island nation attract high-value travellers while opening its doors to a broader experience beyond its famous beaches.
At the Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, the Seychelles Tourism Board is set to sign a new memorandum of understanding with the Emirates, building on a longstanding partnership and further strengthening Dubai’s role as a key gateway to the Indian Ocean destination.
The Gulf’s importance to Seychelles extends well beyond its role as a source of visitors. Around 60 percent of international travellers to Seychelles connect through Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, making the three aviation hubs an important bridge between the islands and major markets across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Seychelles is also seeing solid demand from the UAE itself. The destination welcomed 20,980 visitors from the UAE in 2025, compared with 19,761 in 2024, an increase of 6.2 percent. The tourism board sees continued potential among families, couples and luxury travellers looking for privacy, personalised experiences and an easily accessible island getaway.
Connectivity is central to that strategy. Emirates operates 14 weekly flights between Dubai and Mahé, while Air Seychelles runs a daily Abu Dhabi service. Qatar Airways resumed four weekly flights through Doha in June 2026, giving travellers across the Gulf additional options for reaching the archipelago.
But Seychelles is seeking to change the way it is experienced and marketed. Rather than relying solely on its image as a luxury beach destination, the country is promoting its Creole culture, local cuisine, nature, wellness, hiking, marine activities and distinctive island communities. Mahé offers cultural and nature experiences around Victoria, Praslin combines its beaches with the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, while La Digue is known for cycling, dramatic landscapes and a slower island lifestyle.
The strategy is increasingly centred on value rather than visitor volume. Seychelles recorded 398,841 international arrivals in 2025, an increase of about 13 percent from the previous year, while tourism earnings climbed by around 29 percent to $1.196 billion. The stronger growth in earnings highlights the economic importance of attracting visitors who stay longer, visit more islands and spend across hotels, restaurants, activities and local businesses.
Air connectivity is continuing to expand in 2026. Seychelles recorded 31,628 visitors in July, up 1.8 percent from July 2025, taking year-to-date arrivals to 232,342. Ethiopian Airlines is scheduled to introduce double-daily Addis Ababa-Seychelles services from December 1, adding more than 1,000 seats a week, while Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways and Aeroflot have also restored or expanded services.
New hospitality investment is adding to the destination’s appeal, with a Meliá property expected to open toward the end of 2026. The development will add to Seychelles’ mix of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, guesthouses and private-island properties.
For the Seychelles Tourism Board, the Gulf strategy ultimately goes beyond increasing arrivals. It is about using the region’s powerful aviation network and affluent travel market to generate greater economic value while protecting the natural environment, marine ecosystems and cultural heritage that underpin the country’s tourism industry.
