Direct Flights Fuel 77% Surge in Indian Arrivals to Seychelles
Seychelles recorded a 77% increase in tourist arrivals from India in 2025, driven largely by the launch of direct IndiGo flights between Mumbai and Mahé in March 2025. The four-times-weekly service reduced travel time to approximately four hours, making Seychelles a more accessible luxury destination for Indian travellers. India has since entered Seychelles' top 10 source markets, with arrival figures approaching the destination's record year of 2019. Amanda Bernstein, Minister of Tourism and Culture, noted that the figures reflect the considerable untapped potential of India's outbound travel market, and confirmed that aviation connectivity remains a key priority in bilateral discussions.
Seychelles is pursuing a deliberate "higher-value, low-impact" tourism strategy, prioritising sustainability and premium visitor experiences over volume growth - a model the minister says is central to preserving the destination's ecological integrity. Overall visitor arrivals grew 13% in 2025, with early 2026 indicators pointing to continued momentum. To diversify beyond its traditional honeymoon positioning, Seychelles is actively promoting nature-based tourism, family travel, and MICE experiences, alongside new luxury properties including the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles and Cheval Blanc Seychelles. The government's "Seychelles Secrets" programme also supports locally owned boutique properties. With visa-free access for Indian nationals now in place, Seychelles says the groundwork has been laid for sustained growth from one of the world's fastest-expanding outbound travel markets.
Source: Travel Trends Today
