VICTORIA, Seychelles — Tourism Seychelles made its first appearance at Bulgaria’s leading travel exhibition, the Holiday and Spa Expo 2026, held from February 12 to 14 at the Inter Expo Centre in Sofia, marking a deliberate push to capture a growing Eastern European visitor segment for the Seychelles tourism market. Representatives from Tourism Seychelles, supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, staffed a dedicated stand at Hall 2, Stand A17a, engaging directly with Bulgarian tour operators, travel agencies, and media over three days at an event featuring more than 250 exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Expanding the Bulgarian visitor base matters for Seychelles because diversified source markets reduce dependence on any single economy and provide resilience against regional downturns. Bulgaria represents an emerging middle-class consumer segment with growing disposable income and a demonstrated appetite for luxury Indian Ocean destinations, and a stronger Seychelles presence in the market could support jobs across accommodation, tour operations, and hospitality on the islands.
Tourism Seychelles marketing manager Lena Hoareau said nearly 2,000 Bulgarian visitors came to the Seychelles in 2025, describing Bulgaria as a priority market with plans for a more active presence and joint initiatives in 2026. Maxim Behar, honorary consul general of Seychelles in Bulgaria, said Bulgarians are increasingly choosing the islands for holidays, noting the combination of friendly people, fresh food, proximity to the sea, and lush greenery. A working lunch with Bulgarian tourism stakeholders, including a National Tourism Board executive director and the minister’s advisor, focused on expanding cooperation and developing new tourism products.
Seychelles has seen significant investment in tourism infrastructure over the past three years, with more than five new hotels opening across the islands. The Melia Seafront Hotel, a globally recognised brand, is set to launch in 2026, adding to the archipelago’s luxury offering. The country also introduced new environmental accommodation levy regulations on January 1, 2026, exempting small hotels and guesthouses while other categories continue to apply the per-person, per-night charge.
The Seychelles Recognition and Certification Programme continues to award establishments Silver, Gold, or Platinum status for excellence in environmental protection and social responsibility, reinforcing the Sustainable Seychelles Programme that promotes responsible tourism and resource management. These regulatory developments were among the updates shared with Bulgarian partners at the expo, positioning Seychelles as a destination that balances growth with environmental stewardship.
Seychelles holds two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vallée de Mai and Aldabra Atoll, and the archipelago’s granite formations, turquoise waters, and year-round warm climate keep it among the world’s top choices for honeymoons and romantic travel.
