Tourism Seychelles has intensified its efforts to attract visitors from Saudi Arabia, leveraging both sports and luxury tourism to position itself as a top destination for Middle Eastern travelers.
As part of this initiative, Seychelles participated in the TBO Riyadh Event, engaging with key travel professionals and industry leaders to strengthen its presence in the Saudi market.
The event, which brought together over 300 travel companies, provided Tourism Seychelles with an opportunity to build strategic partnerships and highlight its diverse tourism offerings. As Saudi travelers increasingly seek exclusive, high-end experiences, the island nation is focusing on promoting its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and unique sporting events to capture the market’s attention.
A Major Sports Event to Boost Tourism
A key highlight of Seychelles’ tourism push is the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, set to take place from May 1-11, 2025, at the Paradise Arena in Mahé. This global tournament will feature 16 teams competing in a high-energy beach soccer showdown against the backdrop of Seychelles’ breathtaking coastline.
At the TBO Riyadh Event, travel agents were encouraged to market this historic sporting event as a prime opportunity for visitors looking for a blend of world-class sports, tropical adventure, and luxury escapes. The tournament is expected to draw sports enthusiasts, luxury travelers, and adventure seekers alike, further elevating Seychelles’ profile in the region.
Ahmed Fathallah, Representative of Tourism Seychelles in the Middle East, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
“Seychelles continues to position itself as more than just a leisure destination; we are evolving into a dynamic hub for cultural, luxury, and sports tourism. With the upcoming FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2025, along with enhanced air connectivity through Air Seychelles’ new flights, we see great potential to attract more visitors from Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region. Our collaboration with key industry players, including TBO, is instrumental in ensuring that travel agents have the right tools and information to showcase Seychelles as a must-visit destination for their clients.”
Strategic Partnerships and Market Expansion
Tourism Seychelles’ participation in TBO Riyadh marks the first major engagement of 2025 in Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for further expansion into the market. TBO, one of the region’s leading B2B travel platforms, plays a crucial role in helping Seychelles strengthen its presence and reach Saudi travelers more effectively.
Building on this momentum, Tourism Seychelles will also participate in the TBO Travel Business Show in Dubai and Qatar later in 2025, ensuring continued engagement with key stakeholders across the Middle East.
By forging strong relationships with Saudi travel agencies, Seychelles aims to increase visitor numbers from the Kingdom, offering tailored travel experiences that cater to luxury-seeking vacationers and sports tourism enthusiasts.
A Promising Future for Saudi Travelers in Seychelles
With its pristine beaches, five-star resorts, and a growing calendar of major events, Seychelles is poised to become a sought-after destination for Saudi tourists in 2025 and beyond.
By focusing on high-end travel experiences and exclusive sporting events, Tourism Seychelles is laying the foundation for long-term growth in the Middle Eastern market. With enhanced connectivity, strategic partnerships, and unique travel offerings, the island nation is well-positioned to capture the interest of Saudi travelers looking for their next luxury escape.
