Seychelles has recorded a massive 77% spike in tourist arrivals from India in 2025, a surge directly attributed to the expansion of direct flight connectivity. This growth marks a significant shift in the island nation’s strategy as it moves toward attracting “higher-value” travelers from the Indian market.
According to Travel Trends Today, a major turning point for Seychelles’ India strategy came with the launch of direct flights by IndiGo between Mumbai and Mahé in March 2025, a development that tourism authorities say underscores the enormous, untapped potential of the India’s outbound market.
Speaking during her recent visit to India, Amanda Bernstein, Minister of Tourism and Culture in Seychelles highlighted that the IndiGo service has already delivered a substantial boost to visitor numbers. “IndiGo only started flying in March 2025 with four weekly flights, and they have already brought about just over 77% growth in arrivals from India. The numbers speak for themselves and the promise is there,” she said. The strong rebound also places India among Seychelles’ top 10 source markets, and the minister here believes the market could soon surpass its previous record year. “We have seen an increase in visitor numbers almost comparable to our previous highest in 2019, and we are on track to hopefully surpass those records from India,” she added.
Air connectivity has long been one of the biggest constraints for Seychelles in tapping India’s outbound tourism potential. With the new direct flights cutting travel time to roughly four hours, the destination is now positioning itself as a convenient luxury escape for Indian travellers. Bernstein reiterated that the expansion of aviation ties remains a key agenda item in bilateral discussions. Industry observers also believe the new direct route also opens opportunities to tap India’s rapidly growing Tier-II and Tier-III markets, where affluent travellers are increasingly seeking experiential international holidays beyond traditional destinations.
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A Higher-Value tourism strategy
Despite the growing interest from India, Seychelles continues to maintain a carefully managed tourism growth strategy centred on sustainability and value generation rather than mass tourism. “We are a small destination and very focused on preserving what makes Seychelles unique — our environment and the quality of the experience.” The island nation’s tourism policy emphasises “higher-value, low-impact tourism”, a model aimed at protecting its fragile ecosystems while maintaining premium visitor experiences.
This measured approach partly explains why Seychelles historically maintained a more targeted marketing presence in India, compared with high-volume touristy destinations. However, the Minister indicated that engagement with the Indian travel trade is expected to intensify in the coming years. Having assumed office only four months ago, the Minister indicated that India would remain a priority market in future promotional plans, particularly as connectivity improves. “India is a priority market for me, and you will certainly see an increased presence here.”
Overall growth continues
Seychelles tourism has been on a broader recovery trajectory globally as well. The destination recorded a 13% growth in overall visitor arrivals in 2025, signalling strong post-pandemic momentum, as per the minister. Traditionally, Seychelles has relied heavily on European markets such as Germany, France, and Russia, which have historically dominated visitor arrivals. The authorities further stress that success will be measured not only by visitor numbers but also by the economic value generated across the tourism value chain.
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Early indicators for 2026 numbers, the minister added, suggest continued growth. In terms of offerings, while the destination offers luxury beach holidays, the tourism board is increasingly promoting diversified experiences beyond the classic honeymoon segment, including family travel, nature-based tourism and corporate incentive groups/ MICE. One destination gaining interest among Indian operators is La Digue Island, known for its laid-back charm and bicycle-only exploration. Other experiences being promoted include hiking trails through Seychelles’ granite mountain landscapes, and cultural tourism initiatives that highlight the island nation’s Creole heritage.
Seychelles’ tourism infrastructure has also seen an influx of luxury hospitality investments in recent years, reinforcing its positioning as a premium destination. Recent openings include high-end properties such as Waldorf Astoria Seychelles and Cheval Blanc Seychelles, both catering to affluent global travellers. Alongside international brands, the government is also promoting locally owned boutique properties through its “Seychelles Secrets” programme, which features curated villas and intimate resorts designed for family getaways and milestone celebrations.
Strengthening India–Seychelles Tourism ties
During her India visit, the Minister also held discussions with government officials, tourism operators and business leaders aimed at strengthening bilateral tourism ties. Beyond travel, the conversations also explored people-to-people connections and cultural collaboration, reflecting the Minister’s dual portfolio for tourism and culture. With visa-free entry for Indian travellers and improved connectivity now in place, Seychelles believes the foundation has been laid for deeper engagement with one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets. “Seychelles has something for everyone. We are excited to welcome more Indian visitors to experience it for themselves,” she concluded on a positive note.
