AGP Executive Report

Winter Sun Planning: A new guide rounds up the best winter sun destinations for 2026 and beyond, pointing travellers beyond “fly-and-flop” to culture and adventure in places like the Caribbean, Maldives and Seychelles. Seychelles Tourism Recovery: Seychelles says July and August visitor arrivals are running ahead of last year, with Week 35 up 21% year-on-year, Russia still the top source market, and tourism earnings up 4.7% alongside a slightly longer average stay. Air Seychelles & Access: A travel feature highlights Air Seychelles’ resumed Israel service and the ease of connecting via Mauritius, positioning Seychelles as a short, low-jetlag winter escape. Qatar Airways Network Boost: Qatar Airways announces a major 2026–27 winter expansion to 170+ destinations, including increasing Seychelles flights from 4 to 7 weekly from 1 March 2027. Luxury Wellness in Seychelles: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island launches refreshed spa wellness medical screenings with personalised multi-day programmes built around guest health biomarkers. Culture & Diplomacy: Seychellois youth showcase Creole traditions in Moscow, while the “Under One Sun” exhibition opens in Victoria with Russian and Seychellois artists. Sports & Travel Disruption: PTL Bazar Brothers’ CAF Confederation Cup tie is reshaped into a single decisive match in South Africa after travel restrictions blocked the Congo leg. Safety Alert (Not Seychelles): A shark attack at Glenfield Beach near Geraldton sends a surfer to hospital and prompts a local beach closure and investigation.

Seychelles Tourism Recovery: Visitor arrivals in July and August are now beating last year, with Week 35 up 21% year-on-year, Russia still leading growth (+27%), and earnings up 4.7% as the average stay edges to 9.4 nights. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways is expanding its 2026–27 winter network to 170+ destinations, including a boost to Seychelles from four to seven weekly flights starting 1 March 2027. Luxury Wellness on a Private Island: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island rolls out 60-minute Wellness Medical Screenings using non-invasive biomarker analysis, then builds personalised multi-day programmes. Culture & Diplomacy: The “Under One Sun” exhibition opens in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois plein-air works, with tourism and cultural ties front and centre. Travel Inspiration: A review highlights Seychelles’ “wild magic” and the ease of getting there via Air Seychelles, plus practical tips for exploring Mahé. Global Visa Updates (for travellers): New Zealand’s working holiday visa now covers 45 countries, while Thailand cuts its border 60-day visa-free stamp to 30 days from 15 September.

Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways is expanding its 2026–27 winter network to 170+ destinations, with 186+ weekly flights via Doha and faster onboard Wi‑Fi as Starlink rolls out to more routes (up to 340 Starlink-enabled flights daily). Africa–Seychelles Link: The airline also plans to grow services to Seychelles, adding capacity from four to more flights (details in the release). Seychelles Travel & Wellness: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island launches refreshed spa and wellness medical screenings, using non-invasive biometric checks to build personalised multi-day programmes. Regional Tourism Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Creole culture was showcased by young participants at an international children’s cultural forum in Moscow, with local arts officials backing the delegation. Sports & Travel Disruption: PTL Bazar Brothers’ CAF Confederation Cup tie has been reshaped into a single decisive match in South Africa after travel was blocked to DR Congo. Visa Watch (for travellers): Thailand’s visa-free border stamps drop from 60 to 30 days from 15 September, with a possible paid extension to reach about 60 days.

Air Connectivity Boost: Qatar Airways says it will expand its 2026–27 winter network to 170+ destinations, with more than 186 weekly flights and big frequency jumps to leisure hubs like Phuket and Malé, plus resumed daily Zanzibar services from 25 October and added capacity through Doha. Seychelles Travel Access: New Zealand’s visa waiver list includes only two African countries—Mauritius and Seychelles—letting travellers enter without a visa but requiring an NZeTA first. UK Border Rules: The UK updated eTA guidance, including who can use eGates and what eTA holders can’t do (no work, no overstays beyond six months per visit). Thailand Entry Change: Thailand will cut visa-free border stays from 60 days to 30 days from 15 September, with Seychelles and Mauritius getting a shorter 15-day exemption under the new framework. Wellness on Platte Island: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island refreshed its spa with a 60-minute Wellness Medical Screening and personalised multi-day programmes. Culture & Tourism Diplomacy: “Under One Sun” opened in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois plein-air art tied to Seychelles–Russia independence and diplomatic milestones.

CAF Update: PTL Bazar Brothers’ CAF Confederation Cup tie has been reshaped into a single decisive match in South Africa after their September 6 away fixture in DR Congo was cancelled when the Ministry of Health blocked travel. Tourism Diplomacy: Dr. Alain St.Ange urged delegates at Oxford’s Global Diplomat Summit to measure tourism beyond arrivals, framing it as a bridge between nations through shared human connection. Wellness at SEZ: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island has launched refreshed spa and wellness medical screenings, including a 60-minute biometric assessment and personalised multi-day programmes. Travel Access Watch: Seychelles is listed in South Korea’s K-ETA electronic-authorisation category, while Thailand’s visa-free stay rules tighten from September 15 (30 days instead of 60, with a possible extension). Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways announces major 2026–27 winter expansion to 170+ destinations, and IndiGo will add daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from November 20, with Seychelles already on its direct network. Culture & Seychelles: “Under One Sun” opened in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois plein-air works celebrating Seychelles–Russia ties.

Visa Rules Watch: Thailand’s 60-day visa-free entry ends on 15 September, cutting stays to 30 days for 60 countries, with a one-time 30-day extension possible via immigration (about 1,900 baht). Seychelles Access & Travel Docs: South Korea’s K-ETA list includes Seychelles for visa-free electronic entry (up to 60 days in one update; other K-ETA lists vary by stay length), while Canada’s eTA route can apply to Seychellois travellers flying to Canada. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways expands its winter network to 170+ destinations, adding daily Seychelles service from 1 March 2027; IndiGo launches daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November, with existing direct links to Mauritius and Seychelles. On-Island Luxury & Wellness: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island rolls out biometric Wellness Medical Screenings and multi-day personalised programmes. Culture in Victoria: “Under One Sun” opens in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois plein-air art tied to Seychelles–Russia friendship celebrations. Travel Demand: Expedia reports island getaways are surging in 2026, with Praslin searches up 80% year-on-year.

Wellness Upgrade: Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island has launched refreshed spa and wellness medical screenings, including a 60-minute non-invasive biomarker check (30+ markers) followed by personalised 3-, 5- or 7-day programmes like “Restore” and “Purify.” Visa-Free Updates for Seychelles Travellers: New Zealand says only Mauritius and Seychelles passport holders can enter without a visa, but both still need an NZeTA. Regional Travel Policy Watch: Thailand’s visa-free rules change from 15 September 2026, cutting the usual stay from 60 days to 30 days for 60 countries, with Seychelles and Mauritius getting 15 days. Air Connectivity: IndiGo will start daily direct Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November, adding to its existing direct services to Nairobi, Mauritius and Seychelles. Seychelles Spotlight: A Russian-Seychellois art exhibition “Under One Sun” opened in Victoria, marking 50 years of independence and Seychelles–Russia diplomatic ties. Tourism Demand Signal: Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List shows Praslin (Seychelles) searches up 80% year-on-year. Health & Safety: Australian tennis coach Tim Horpinitch remains in ICU after a scooter crash in Seychelles.

Visa-Free Updates for Travellers: New Zealand says only Mauritius and Seychelles qualify for visa-free entry, but both still need an NZeTA before departure. UK Entry Rules: The UK has published what ETA holders can’t do (no work, no staying beyond six months per visit, and limits on repeated use), plus extra rules for marriage/civil partnerships. Australia ETA Benefits: Australia lists three perks for ETA travellers from 34 countries—visiting family, tourism/holidays, and certain business activities—without a traditional visa. Thailand Visa Shake-Up: Thailand’s 60-day visa exemption ends on 15 September 2026, replaced by 30-day and 15-day categories (with Seychelles and Mauritius getting 15 days). Air Connectivity: IndiGo will launch daily Mumbai–Dar es Salaam flights from 20 November 2026, adding direct links to East Africa (and it already flies to Seychelles). Seychelles Culture & Tourism: “Under One Sun” opens in Victoria, featuring Russian and Seychellois plein-air art tied to 50 years of independence and Seychelles–Russia friendship. Seychelles Tourism Momentum: Expedia reports island travel searches up 55% year-on-year in 2026, with Praslin (Seychelles) up 80%. Safety Alert: Australian tennis coach Tim Horpinitch remains in ICU after a scooter crash in the Seychelles.

Seychelles Tourism Focus: Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual Marketing Meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and mapping a 2027 transition to implementation, with a clear push for stronger market diversification after Middle East disruptions; Air Connectivity Watch: Qatar Airways expanded its 2026-2027 winter network to 170+ destinations, with Seychelles set to move to daily services from 1 March 2027 and Johannesburg increasing from 2 Dec 2026; Local Travel Insight: A Praslin-based writer reflects on how visitors can experience more of Victoria beyond the Clock Tower and market, encouraging a slower, full-day explore of the capital; Cruise & Trade: Variety Cruises is hiring a National Business Development Manager for Australia & New Zealand, highlighting growing demand and its small-ship itineraries that include Seychelles; Diplomacy & People Skills: Seychelles hosted a Russia-focused conference on education and human capital, with officials discussing cooperation and the role of training; Visitor Safety Note: An Australian tennis coach, Tim Horpinitch, remains in critical condition in Seychelles Hospital after a scooter crash; Regional Travel Context: Thailand’s visa-free rules tighten from 15 September, cutting stays to 30 days for many nationalities and limiting visa-exempt land entries—important for travellers planning longer routes.

Seychelles Tourism Outlook: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, mapping a 2027 plan to recover from a tough first half of 2026 and push market diversification as arrivals gained momentum in July and August, with Russia leading the rebound. Seychelles-Russia Education Ties: Seychelles hosted a conference on “50 Years of Friendship” with Russia, focusing on education, vocational training and co-operation to build human capital. Seychelles in the Spotlight: A fresh travel feature says the Seychelles still feels “otherworldly” to many Americans, but highlights how fast first-timers’ assumptions fade once they’re there. Cruise & Connectivity Interest: A Seychelles parliamentary delegation visited Mumbai’s cruise terminal to explore passenger facilities and maritime tourism potential, including the Mumbai Marina project. Luxury Service Trend: A luxury hospitality roundup spotlights dedicated butler experiences expanding across destinations that include Seychelles. Travel Access Watch: Thailand is overhauling visa-free rules from 15 Sept 2026—cutting many stays to 30 days, while Seychelles (and Mauritius) get a 15-day tourism exemption and land-border entries face tighter limits. Global Mobility Note: Canada’s eTA list now includes Seychelles, making air travel easier for eligible travellers. Sports & Travel: A Seychelles coach is reported fighting for life after a scooter crash in the islands.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its Eden Bleu annual marketing meeting, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing stronger market diversification after Middle East disruptions, with July–August showing momentum and Russia leading the rebound. Local Education & Community: Grand Anse Praslin primary school teachers travelled to Mahé for rainy-day professional learning and cross-curricular teaching ideas, plus team-building to bring back to classrooms. Travel Policy Watch (Thailand): Thailand’s visa-free rules change from 15 September 2026: the old 60-day exemption ends, many travellers get 30 days for tourism, and Seychelles (with Mauritius) shifts to a 15-day tier; land-border visa-free entries will also be capped at two per year. Seychelles in International Links: A Seychelles parliamentary delegation visited Mumbai’s cruise terminal to explore passenger facilities and maritime tourism potential, including the proposed Mumbai Marina project. Sports Disruption (Ebola): Pointe Larue Bazar Brothers’ CAF debut was postponed after an Ebola-related public health order blocked the team from travelling to the DRC. Global Mobility Snapshot: Tonga’s passport ranks 74th globally with a mobility score of 124, while Seychelles is also highlighted in other passport access lists.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board held its annual marketing meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing market diversification to build resilience after Middle East disruptions, with Russia leading the rebound and growth also seen in China, South Africa, Nigeria and Turkey. Cruise & Ports: A Seychelles parliamentary delegation visited Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to study passenger facilities and cruise tourism links, including discussion of the Mumbai Marina Project and sustainability initiatives. Bilateral Culture & Tourism: Chinese Ambassador Lin Nan attended the launch of the 3rd China Film Festival in Seychelles, with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Deepam Cinema partnering to strengthen cultural exchange. Visa Access for Seychellois Travellers: Canada added Seychelles to its eTA-eligible list, allowing air travellers to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization instead of a full visa process. Regional Travel Rules Impacting the Region: Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from September 15 for many nationalities, while Seychelles and Mauritius get a separate 15-day exemption; land border entries will also be capped at twice per year for most travellers. Health & Travel Disruption: Pointe Larue Bazar Brothers’ CAF debut has been postponed after an Ebola-related public health order prevented the team from travelling to the DRC. Local Sports Calendar: Seychelles Football Federation unveiled a packed international programme for senior, youth and beach soccer competitions, including Olympic qualification and CAF qualifiers. Injury Update: Australian tennis coach Tim Horpinitch remains in ICU in Seychelles after a scooter crash, reported as life-threatening.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board held its annual Marketing Meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing a more resilient, diversified plan for 2027 after Middle East disruptions. Cruise & Maritime Links: A Seychelles parliamentary delegation visited Mumbai International Cruise Terminal to study passenger facilities and cruise tourism potential, including the proposed Mumbai Marina Project. Diplomacy & Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles VP Sebastien Pillay met Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss expanding economic and tourism partnerships. Football & Travel Disruption: Pointe Larue Bazar Brothers’ CAF debut was postponed after an Ebola-related public health order blocked the team from travelling to the DRC. Regional Sports Calendar: Seychelles Football Federation outlined a packed international season, with senior and youth teams plus beach soccer set for major qualifiers and tournaments. Global Travel Policy Watch: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from Sept 15, while Seychelles travellers get a separate 15-day exemption.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual Marketing Meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing market diversification to protect the destination from future shocks, with July and August showing momentum and Russia leading the rebound. Seychelles Football & Travel Disruption: Pointe Larue Bazar Brothers’ CAF debut has been postponed after an Ebola-related public health order blocked the team from leaving Seychelles for the DRC. Seychelles–India Links: Seychelles and India continue to deepen ties, with a Seychelles Tourism and Culture minister meeting China’s ambassador on cooperation in culture and tourism, and Indian parliamentary speaker Om Birla discussing stronger cooperation and shared values with Seychelles’ counterpart. Regional Travel Policy Watch: Thailand’s visa-free rules are changing from 15 September—30 days for most nationalities, 15 days for Seychelles and Mauritius, plus tighter limits on land border entries—important for Seychelles travellers planning onward trips. Cruise Interest for Island Hoppers: Seabourn opened bookings for its 138-day 2029 world cruise, including an overnight-style itinerary with Praslin in Seychelles among the stops.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual Marketing Meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and pushing a more resilient, diversified plan for 2027 after Middle East disruptions; Thailand Visa Shake-up: From 15 September 2026 Thailand will cut visa-free tourism stays from 60 to 30 days for 60 countries, while Seychelles (and Mauritius) get a separate 15-day visa-free tier; land border entries for most nationalities will be capped at twice per year; Bilateral Cooperation: Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh to discuss boosting economic and tourism ties; Cruise Spotlight: Seabourn opened bookings for its 138-day 2029 “Iconic Islands & Remote Horizons” world cruise, including Praslin (Seychelles) and overnight stays in key ports; Local Sports Disruption: Seychelles club Pointe Larue Bazar Brothers’ CAF debut was postponed after an Ebola-related public health order blocked travel to the DRC; Regional Football Calendar: SFF unveiled a packed international programme for Seychelles football, with senior, youth and beach soccer teams set for major qualifiers and tournaments.

Seychelles Tourism Strategy: The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) held its annual Marketing Meeting at Eden Bleu, reviewing 2026 performance and setting a 2027 roadmap focused on stronger market diversification and resilience after Middle East disruptions, with July–August showing momentum and Russia leading the rebound. Seychelles–India Links: Chinese Ambassador Lin Nan met Seychelles Tourism and Culture Minister Amanda Bernstein to discuss deeper cooperation in culture and tourism, including heritage protection, archives, fashion exchange, tourism promotion and skills training. Seychelles Sports & Travel Disruption: Pointe Larue Bazar Brothers’ CAF debut was postponed after an Ebola-related public health order blocked the team from leaving Seychelles for the DRC. Regional Football Calendar: The Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) unveiled a packed international programme for senior, youth and beach soccer teams, including Olympic qualification and CAF qualifiers. Thailand Entry Rules (for Seychellois travellers): Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days from 15 September, while Seychelles gets a separate 15-day visa-free tier and land-border visa-exempt entries are capped at twice per year. Cruise Buzz: Seabourn opened bookings for its 138-day 2029 world cruise, with stops including Praslin in the Seychelles.