The exotic destination’s nomination results from the annual survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, which allows readers of the New York-based travel magazine to rate their travel experiences around the globe. Readers get to share their opinions on top hotels, islands, cities, airlines, cruise lines, spas, among others.

The best islands by region are rated on a number of characteristics including the destination’s natural attractions, beaches, activities & sights, restaurants, food, people & friendliness and value. The destination’s romantic appeal also features as an optional criterion. For each characteristic, respondents are asked to give a rating based on a five-point scale of excellence.

Boasting lush tropical vegetation, powder-white beaches and clear turquoise waters, Seychelles – a 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean came out on top of the readers’ list when it comes to the Africa & Middle East region.

It is during a cocktail event at the Times Square Edition in New York City on Tuesday July 16, 2019 that Seychelles was revealed as No1 island Destination in Africa & Middle East.

Mr. David Di Gregorio, Executive Board Member of (APTA) Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa, of which Seychelles is a member, received the Award on behalf of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB). Jacqueline Gifford, Editor in Chief and Jay Meyer the SVP/ Publisher presented the recognition to the destination to Mr. Di Gregorio.

Commenting on the award, the STB Regional Director for Africa & the Americas, Mr. David Germain stated that the prestigious title results from continuous collective efforts between the Seychelles authorities, including the STB and all its stakeholders.

“Achieving the distinction of Top Island in Africa and the Middle East for the third time is a tremendous honor for the Seychelles, recognizing that the region has much to offer in terms of world-class island experiences,” Mr. Germain.

Mr. Germain also pointed out that the STB’s maintains the hard work to maintain solid trade relations with the USA and Canadian outbound tour operators, travel agents and other trade partners in North America. He said that winning the award for a third time, is evidence that the STB’s marketing strategy in North America is working.

“The Award helps to garner recognition and provides a significant amount of visibility for our islands in North America and the region. The STB will continue to share and present the culture and tourism attributes of Seychelles to both the trade and consumers in the various North American cities, with the aim of increasing tourist’s arrival to Seychelles from this part of the world,” said Mr. Germain.

According to latest figures, the North American market has shown an increase by 8 percent from January to May 2019 in tourism arrivals in the Seychelles.

A beach at Anse Intendance and Baie Laraie have been recognised for being free from crowds despite their fine powdery white sand, turquoise warm waters and salty-air.

‘World’s Top 50 Untouched Beaches’ is one of Flight Network’s ten different lists recognizing beaches all over the world. Flight Network, one of the largest Canadian-owned online travel agencies, consulted over 1,200 journalist editors, bloggers, and agencies from around the world who have made travel their life to put together the lists.

The beaches which made the list were ranked based on five criteria: sheer untouched beauty, remoteness, sand and water quality, annual days of sunshine, and average annual temperature.

A beach on Silhouette Island, Seychelles’ third-biggest island in size, was ranked in 24th place on the list. Kristen Sarah from Hopscotch the Globe described the beach as “an idyllic paradise.”

The beach, known as “the perfect location for a getaway,” is hidden away from the noise and congestion of major cities and is an ideal location for snorkelling, scuba diving and reconnecting with nature. Silhouette can be reached from Mahe by ferries, speedboats, catamaran vessels as well as by helicopter.

Ranked at 28th, Anse Intendance in the southern district of Takamaka located on the main island of Mahe, scored a perfect ten for its sheer untouched beauty, sand and water quality.

Getting to Anse Intendance can be a challenge. It’s located a 45-minute drive from Victoria, the capital of Seychelles – a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean. Once off the main road, the visitor has to travel a secondary dirt road with a bumpy ride towards the end.

Once there, the sight that awaits makes it all worthwhile. Its abundant powder-fine sand, clear blue-green waters and lush mountain backdrop make it a photographer’s dream.
“Impossibly soft sand backed by jungle and facing crystal blue waters,” said Terri Colby a freelance travel writer and photographer.

In the 46th position is Baie Laraie on Curieuse Island – a protected area – just off the northern tip of Praslin,Seychelles’ second-most populated island. This beach received the highest score in three criteria – sheer untouched beauty, remoteness and sand and water quality.

Protected by Marine Park of Curieuse, this beach plays host to Aldabra tortoises, hawksbills and green sea turtles, birds and a myriad of other endangered species.

Three other beaches of Seychelles have made other listings. The iconic Anse Source D’Argent of La Digue and Anse Lazio of Praslin have been ranked first and third respectively on the ‘Africa’s Top 50 Beaches’ list. They came out eighth and thirteenth in the global ranking – ‘World’s Top 50 Beaches’.

Anse Victorin on Fregate Island, along with the beach at Anse Intendance and Baie Laraire are also featured in the ‘Africa’s Top 50 Beaches’ category.