Seychelles Bolsters Tourism Ties with Turkey Through Ankara Workshop and New Turkish Airlines Flights

Strategic Workshop in Ankara Deepens Engagement

Tourism Seychelles recently hosted a dedicated trade workshop in Ankara, Turkey, on September 22-23, 2025, following its participation in the GlobeMeets Fair in Istanbul earlier this year. The event served as a crucial platform to enhance Seychelles' visibility within the Turkish market and foster stronger connections with key industry stakeholders.

The workshop attracted major Turkish tourism industry players, including airlines, tour operators, and hotel groups, all keen to explore the growing appeal of Seychelles as a luxury holiday destination. The initiative was spearheaded by Mrs. Amia Jovanovic-Desir, Manager for the Turkish market at Tourism Seychelles, and featured collaborations with partners such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, 7° South, and Oria Luxe. Presentations during the workshop highlighted the diverse experiences Seychelles offers, ranging from pristine beaches and outdoor activities to rich heritage and luxury resorts, positioning the islands as a destination catering to various traveler preferences, including adventure seekers, cultural explorers, and those seeking serene escapes.

Turkish Airlines Announces New Direct Flight Service

A pivotal outcome of the recent engagement was the announcement by Turkish Airlines of a new direct flight service to Seychelles. The airline will operate four weekly flights between November 2025 and March 2026, significantly boosting accessibility for Turkish travelers. This development is seen as a major step forward in improving bilateral connectivity and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Turkish Airlines has a history of connecting Turkey and Seychelles, having first launched thrice-weekly flights in October 2016. These services were suspended in March 2020 due to the pandemic but resumed on April 23, 2021, initially with two weekly flights from Istanbul, later adjusting to Tuesday and Saturday from July 12, 2021, utilizing an A330-300 aircraft. More recently, in March 2024, a high-level Seychelles delegation, led by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde, met with Turkish Airlines executives, including CEO Mr. Bilal Eksi, in Istanbul to discuss optimizing routes and enhancing connectivity. At that time, Turkish Airlines was operating three weekly flights via its Istanbul hub.

Targeting a Growing Market for Luxury and Cultural Tourism

The increased focus on Turkey as a source market is part of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' broader strategy to diversify Seychelles' tourism outreach. Turkish travelers have shown a growing inclination towards Seychelles for its luxury experiences, making it a sought-after destination for affluent tourists from Turkey. The trade workshop in Ankara was specifically designed to deepen engagement with Turkish travel agencies, allowing them to directly showcase Seychelles' diverse tourism offerings.

Seychelles is actively promoting itself as a destination that combines natural beauty with cultural richness and relaxation. The workshop emphasized:

• Luxury beach resorts and crystal-clear waters
• Eco-tourism and sustainable travel options
• Curated cultural journeys, including guided tours of heritage sites, local markets, and traditional craft experiences

This strategic approach aims to attract high-end visitors from Turkey who are seeking memorable vacations that offer a blend of adventure and relaxation.