AGP Executive Report

Seychelles Air Access: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season, with services starting July 8 using wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft (Economy, Comfort and Business) twice weekly between Moscow (Sheremetyevo) and Seychelles International Airport. Seychelles in the Spotlight: As the country marks its Golden Jubilee, U.S. News & World Report has named Seychelles the world’s No. 1 eco-tourism destination in its 2026 Best Countries rankings, citing strengths in protected areas and natural environment. Cruise & Trade Links: STORY Hospitality is rolling out STORY DISCOVERY through GHA DISCOVERY, giving guests access to a global loyalty network across 1,000+ hotels—highlighting Seychelles among its destination focus. Regional Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Victoria mayor joined global mayors in Beijing, pointing to people-to-people ties and China-funded local infrastructure as cooperation priorities. Seychelles Travel Market Boost: Qatar Airways expands its African network with route resumptions and added frequencies, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16. Local Culture & Media: A film screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, celebrating Russia–Seychelles cultural ties. Eco Travel Watch: World Oceans Day is driving attention to the 2026 Corona Beach 100, which includes two UK beaches and spotlights how beach tourism is being marketed globally.

Seychelles Tourism & Culture: A documentary screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, organised by the African Initiative news agency with the Russian Embassy, highlighting long-running cultural ties. Eco-Tourism Spotlight: As Seychelles gears up for its Golden Jubilee, U.S. News & World Report has named the archipelago the world’s top eco-tourism destination for 2026, praising protected areas and air quality (with carbon emissions and water stress flagged too). Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways is set to restart four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, adding more African network capacity alongside new Port Sudan service from July 2. Regional Travel Policy: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for visitors from 40 countries via a free 30-day ETA (Bangladesh is not included). Sports & Travel Brand Links: Constance Hotels & Resorts signs French golfer Emma Falcher as golf ambassador for 2026–2028, with her role spanning Mauritius and Seychelles. Global Travel Watch: Sweden is pushing the EU to tighten tourist visa rules for Russian citizens, arguing leisure travel should not continue while the war in Ukraine goes on.

Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles has been named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Countries rankings, scoring especially high on protected areas, air quality and species richness—though the piece flags ongoing pressure points like carbon emissions and water stress. Flight Updates: Aeroflot will keep regular flights to Seychelles through the summer season, starting July 8 with A350 wide-body service twice weekly (Moscow–Seychelles). More Connectivity: Qatar Airways is expanding its African network and will restart flights to Seychelles from June 16 (four weekly flights), with additional African frequency boosts and a new Port Sudan service from July 2. Hotel Loyalty Boost: STORY Hospitality is launching STORY DISCOVERY through GHA DISCOVERY, giving guests access to rewards and benefits across 1,000+ hotels worldwide, including Seychelles. Culture & Tourism: A film screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, celebrating Russia–Seychelles cultural ties. Travel Inspiration: The Corona Beach 100 list ahead of World Oceans Day names two UK beaches and includes 27 new entries—useful for readers planning beach-led getaways. Regional Sports Tourism: Seychelles’ Adrian Andrade won individual honours at Mauritius’ Africa Region IV Men Team Championship, putting the islands in the spotlight for golf fans.

Seychelles Air Access: Aeroflot says it will keep regular flights to Seychelles during the summer season, starting July 8 with twice-weekly Moscow–Seychelles services using wide-body Airbus A350s (Economy, Comfort and Business). Eco-Tourism Spotlight: U.S. News & World Report has named Seychelles the world’s top eco-tourism destination in its 2026 Best Countries rankings, citing strengths in protected areas, air quality and species richness, while also flagging carbon emissions and water stress. Cruise & Trade Links: AROYA Cruises has signed a strategic distribution partnership with Lufthansa City Center International to expand its reach to European travel trade partners. Hotel Loyalty Boost: STORY Hospitality is launching STORY DISCOVERY, tying STORY Hotels & Resorts into GHA DISCOVERY with rewards and member benefits across 1,000+ hotels. Regional Tourism Tech: Victoria mayor joins a 2026 Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and Global Mayors Dialogue in Beijing, focusing on China–Seychelles city cooperation and tech-empowered tourism. Beach Tourism Watch: Qatar Airways expands Africa connectivity, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16 (four weekly flights). Nature & Heritage: A study identifies the “vanished” Seychelles crocodiles as the westernmost population of saltwater crocodiles, using DNA from living animals and museum specimens.

Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Seychelles has been named the world’s No. 1 eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, scoring strongly on protected areas, air quality, species richness and natural attractions—though the report also flags carbon emissions and water stress. Cruise & Events at Sea: Cruise tourism is set to keep growing, with event-focused sailings gaining momentum as planners look for higher-value, experience-driven meetings—while noting practical limits like meeting space and fixed itineraries. Air Access for Seychelles: Aeroflot will continue regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from July 8, running twice weekly between Moscow and Seychelles on Airbus A350s. More Connectivity in the Region: Qatar Airways expands its African network, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16. Hotel Loyalty Boost: STORY Hospitality joins Global Hotel Alliance, rolling out STORY DISCOVERY so guests can earn and spend GHA DISCOVERY rewards across participating hotels, including Seychelles. Local Travel Culture: Constance Hotels & Resorts signs Emma Falcher as golf ambassador, spotlighting Seychelles and Mauritius golf-and-hospitality experiences. Heritage & Tourism Context: A Mauritius workshop focused on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, strengthening links between communities and heritage sites.

Hotel & Loyalty: STORY Hospitality has joined Global Hotel Alliance, rolling out STORY DISCOVERY via GHA DISCOVERY so guests can earn and spend DISCOVERY Dollars across 1,000+ hotels in 100 countries, with perks like upgrades and breakfast at participating properties. Seychelles Tourism Push: Seychelles launched the “Rediscover Seychelles” campaign to boost domestic travel and local tourism. Air Connectivity (Seychelles): Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, including restarting four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16. Local Governance & China Ties: Victoria mayor attended the 2026 Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and Global Mayors Dialogue in Beijing, highlighting people-to-people links and China-funded infrastructure. Travel Policy (Seychelles Mention): Russia-Seychelles relations were praised by Seychelles’ Youth and Sport minister, stressing equal partnership and sports training cooperation. Heritage & Culture: Mauritius hosted a workshop to strengthen indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, with Seychelles-relevant regional connections discussed. Nature & Travel: A study says Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified by matching DNA from living animals and museum specimens. Beach Inspiration: Corona’s 2026 Corona Beach 100 list is out ahead of World Oceans Day, with Seychelles and other global favourites spotlighted.

Seychelles-Russia Sports Ties: Seychelles Minister of Youth and Sport Kalsey Belle says Russia treats the republic as an equal partner, highlighting athlete training, coach development and Russia-backed infrastructure cooperation. Domestic Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost local staycations and support businesses ahead of the Golden Jubilee. Praslin Travel Mood: A feature spotlights how Praslin “moves at its own pace,” contrasting its calmer, greener feel with Mahé’s drama. Air Connectivity for the Region: Qatar Airways expands its African network, restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16 and adding services including Kigali, Marrakesh and Port Sudan. Visa News for Travellers: Sri Lanka waives tourist ETA fees for 40 countries but leaves Bangladesh out; Seychelles nationals are included in fee-free ETA processing. Heritage & Tourism Context: Mauritius hosted a workshop on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, with regional experts mapping a roadmap. Global Beach Buzz: Corona’s 2026 “Beach 100” list names two UK beaches and highlights conservation-led destinations ahead of World Oceans Day.

Praslin Resort Spotlight: Praslin is described as moving at its own pace, with quieter villages, winding roads through dense greenery, and a more laid-back feel than Mahé—plus a close look at Constance Lemuria’s landscape-first design and sea-facing privacy. Heritage & Culture: Seychelles-linked regional momentum continues after a Mauritius workshop brought UNESCO and heritage experts together to strengthen and document indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean. Tourism Policy & Travel Access: Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16 and adding more frequencies on key routes. Domestic Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee year. Regional Mobility Talks: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to advance the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for smoother transit and tourism stays across member states. Beach Inspiration Round-up: The World’s 100 Best Beaches list highlights Seychelles as part of a wider global beach conversation, with UK spots also making the cut.

Seychelles Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging locals to explore Mahé, Praslin and La Digue via staycations, local experiences and special offers ahead of the Golden Jubilee. Regional Travel Tech & Policy: Victoria mayor joined a 2026 Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and Global Mayors Dialogue in Beijing, focusing on tech-empowered tourism and China–Seychelles cooperation. Air Connectivity for Seychelles: Qatar Airways says it will restart four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, as it expands its African network with added frequencies and new Port Sudan service. Nature & Travel Trends: A new study links Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles to the saltwater crocodile, using DNA from living animals and museum specimens—another reminder of how deep conservation stories can shape destination appeal. Global Beach Buzz: The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2026 names two UK spots and highlights how destinations are leaning into standout coastlines as travel rebounds.

Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging locals to boost domestic travel with staycations, local experiences and special offers across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, timed to the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, restarting flights to Seychelles (from June 16) and adding services to Kigali, Marrakesh and more frequencies across key routes. Gulf Flight Disruptions: With a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, the UAE has fully resumed air traffic and Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait have reopened airspace, while some airlines still adjust Middle East schedules. Nature & Travel: A new push in travel is reframing “eco” as destination-wide protection of living ecosystems, not just greener hotels. Local Culture: Students at the Seychelles Tourism Academy event marked the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture with Russian performances, highlighting growing interest in languages for the service sector. Sports: Equator were crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League as the race for top spots tightens.

Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape,” a Golden Jubilee-linked push for staycations, local experiences and special offers to keep domestic travel strong. Air Connectivity (Seychelles): Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, including restarting four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, plus more frequencies on key routes. Nature & Travel Values: A World Environment Day piece argues travel’s eco shift is moving from “green choices” to destinations treating nature as essential infrastructure for resilience. Local Tourism & Culture: Victoria mayor joined global mayors in Beijing to discuss tech-empowered tourism, highlighting China–Seychelles people-to-people ties and infrastructure cooperation. Beach Inspiration: Corona’s 2026 “Beach 100” list names Seychelles among the wider Indian Ocean inspiration set, while UK spots like Barafundle Bay and Fistral Beach make the global cut. Wildlife Science: Researchers say Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified via DNA matching from museum specimens. Sports (Seychelles): Equator are crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League as the race for top spots tightens.

Seychelles Tourism & Culture: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging locals to boost domestic travel with staycations, local experiences and special offers during the Golden Jubilee year. Seychelles Travel & Connectivity: Qatar Airways says it’s expanding its African network, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16 and adding more frequencies on key routes. Local Leadership on the Global Stage: Victoria mayor joined the 2026 Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit and Global Mayors Dialogue in Beijing, highlighting China–Seychelles ties and China-funded infrastructure. Beach Buzz Worldwide: The World’s 100 best beaches list is out ahead of World Oceans Day, with two UK beaches making the cut—good inspiration for Seychelles travellers planning their next coastal escape. Golf & Hospitality: Constance Hotels & Resorts named Emma Falcher as Golf Ambassador for 2026–2028, with golf and travel experiences across Mauritius and Seychelles. Sports (Seychelles): Equator were crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, with the top-four race still tight.

Air Connectivity Boost: Qatar Airways will restart four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, add two weekly flights to Kigali, and launch daily service to Marrakesh from July 1—while also increasing frequencies on routes like Alexandria, Cairo, Cape Town and Dar es Salaam. Tourism Campaign (Local Focus): The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to drive domestic staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee year. Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO effective May 15, 2026, under a renewed legal mandate to strengthen sustainable tourism marketing and resilience. Regional Travel Integration: Justice ministers across SADC met in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays. Sports & Tourism Tie-in: Constance Hotels & Resorts named French golfer Emma Falcher as Golf Ambassador (2026–2028), promoting golf and hospitality experiences across Mauritius and Seychelles. Beach Soccer Update: Equator were crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, with the fight for top-four spots still tight.

Golf & Hospitality: Constance Hotels & Resorts has named French golfer Emma Falcher as its official golf ambassador for 2026–2028, with her role spanning Mauritius and Seychelles golf-and-stay experiences. Sustainable Travel Pressure: A new Travel Green List highlights European hotspots like Amsterdam, Barcelona and Santorini adding caps, booking systems and cruise limits as visitor numbers rebound. Domestic Tourism Push (Seychelles): The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee. Regional Travel Integration: SADC justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to progress the SADC Tourism UNIVISA plan, aiming for a unified visa for tourism and transit across member states. Seychelles Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO (effective May 15, 2026). Wildlife Science: DNA research has identified the “lost” Seychelles crocodiles as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, linking them to living relatives. Visa News for Africa: Togo and Ghana have moved to visa-free entry for all Africans, joining Seychelles and other countries already running similar policies. Beach & Marine Inspiration: A guide spotlights top places to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, with Seychelles included among the broader Indian Ocean favourites.

Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated, with Vesna Rakic appointed CEO from May 15, aiming to strengthen governance and international promotion. Local Travel Push: The “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign launches June 1 to drive domestic tourism with staycations, local experiences and special offers during the Golden Jubilee. Regional Mobility Talks: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to advance the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA, a unified visa plan for transit and tourism stays across member states. Visa Relief for Visitors: Sri Lanka scraps the ETA fee for UK passport holders (and 39 other countries), allowing up to 30 days—though travellers must still apply online before flying. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists identify the Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, using DNA from living animals and historical museum specimens. Sports & Community: Equator are crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, while the fight for top-four spots goes down to the wire. Travel Inspiration: Pure Luxury’s new “Beaches & Islands” brochure is backed by a holiday-for-two prize draw, with Seychelles featured in its “Insider’s View” ideas.

Seychelles Tourism Boost: The Seychelles Tourism Board is back in business, officially reinstated and led by Vesna Rakić as CEO from 15 May 2026, as the government looks to strengthen destination marketing and tourism governance. Local Travel Push: The STB and Inside Seychelles launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign to drive domestic tourism with staycations, local experiences and special offers during the Golden Jubilee year. Marine Life Mystery Solved: DNA research has identified the Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles as the westernmost population of the saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus—linking the island story to a much wider ocean journey. Diving Interest: A guide highlights top scuba diving spots around Seychelles, from remote Aldabra to Sainte Anne Marine National Park and Curieuse Island. Sports & Community: Equator were crowned champions of the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, with the race for the remaining top-four places going down to the wire. Regional Travel Integration: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for smoother regional transit and tourism stays. Travel Disruption Watch: Middle East airspace disruptions tied to the Hormuz crisis continue to affect flight schedules and routes, with knock-on impacts for travel planning.