Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways support the Seychelles Carnival 2016

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, have extended their sponsorship of the Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria for the third consecutive year. 

The biggest annual tourism event in Seychelles, the carnival will this year feature 20 international delegations and dozens of local floats, which are set to parade through the capital of Victoria on Saturday 23 April.

As the official airline partners, Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways have provided close to 100 air tickets, preferential cargo rates, and excess baggage allowances for journalists and participants flying in for the event.

Roy Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, said: “We are delighted to support the Seychelles Carnival for the third year running by bringing arts troupes and media representatives from around the world to Mahé.

“The carnival plays an important role in showcasing the rich, colourful culture of Seychelles, and as the national airline, we wholeheartedly stand behind its aim of promoting the growth of inbound tourism.

“Reflecting its popularity in the region, Air Seychelles has experienced a very high travel demand on inbound flights from Johannesburg and Mauritius surrounding the Carnival period, showing that the festival is clearly attractive to International visitors.

“We value the strong relationship that Air Seychelles has developed with its tourism and trade partners in Seychelles, especially the Seychelles Tourism Board, and look forward to the celebrations.”

Sherin Naiken, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Tourism Board, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways into 2016. Their strong and ongoing support has been a key factor in the success of the carnival.

“More than 125 international print and broadcast journalists are expected to attend the carnival this year, and their coverage of the festival will once again put Seychelles on the world stage and entice more travellers to visit our tropical islands.”

In addition to sponsoring air travel for the event, Air Seychelles will host children from the President’s Village at a marquee close to the parade route on Saturday afternoon, where children will be entertained with special activities such as face painting and have a great view of the procession.