Saturday, March 22nd, 2025
In a groundbreaking move to position Seychelles at the forefront of global luxury tourism, Tourism Seychelles is proudly holding the first edition of the Connect China 2025 Ashines B2B Trade Fair, a premier international luxury event that will be held from March 18th to 23rd, 2025. It is linked to China’s luxury travel market.
Organized in collaboration with Connect China, the event will serve as a powerful platform for building bridges between the elite travel sectors of Asia and Africa. A selection group of 35 Chinese luxury travel buyers has been specially invited to interact with leading tourism suppliers in the Seychelles, Kenya and Tanzania, with the goal of promoting long-term partnerships and promoting luxury tourism delivery in the region.
Paradise star-studded openings
The fair began with an elegant opening ceremony on March 18th. Decorating the event was famous high-ranking officials including:
Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism
Mrs. Sherin Francis, Director of Tourism
Mrs. Bernadette Willemin, Director of Destination Marketing
Paul Levon, Director of Product Planning and Development
Zhang Xing, founder of Connect China
Also attended:
Mrs. Devika Vidot, Minister of Investment, Entrepreneurship, Industry
He from Linnan, the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, to the Seychelles
Lydia Charlie plays the mayor of Victoria
Strengthen global connections between culture and connection
In his opening remarks, Minister Radegondo welcomed all participants warmly and praised the synergy created by this international gathering. He emphasized China’s important role in the Seychelles tourism strategy and the importance of fostering a “authentic, mutually beneficial partnership” that enhances travel and luxury experiences across the continent.
The reception is energized with colorful cultural performances, including traditional Sega and Cantor dances, offering a glimpse into the rich creole heritage of the Seychelles. These cultural showcases provided an active and authentic atmosphere for informal networking, allowing buyers and sellers to connect across the boardroom.
The first of the island destinations
The Connect China 2025 Islands B2B fair not only shines the spotlight as a gorgeous travel hotspot for Seychelles, but also highlights the country’s leadership in pioneering strategic tourism partnerships. As the first island destination to host this elite international B2B event, the Seychelles are bold to take a step forward and carve out the niche with Asia’s lucrative outbound luxury travel segment.
The format includes a series of one-on-one appointments, networking events, and familiar travel across the Seychelles, allowing Chinese buyers to explore their destinations in person and understand the unique experiences offered by the archipelago and their local partners.
A vision for sustainable and luxury tourism
Tourism Seychelles and Connect China collaboration are part of a broader vision for promoting sustainable, high value tourism. The Tourism Bureau believes the initiative will enhance the Seychelles profile on international luxury maps, attracting discerning travelers who prioritize reliability, exclusivity and environmental management.
Kenya and Tanzania are also participating, so the event highlights the power of multi-resident offerings in East Africa and the Indian Ocean. Regional cooperation like this further enhances the appeal of long-distance travel to Chinese travelers seeking inclusive, luxurious and culturally immersive experiences.
All eyes are in the Seychelles as Connect China 2025 Islands continues throughout the week, redefine luxury tourism engagement. The event promises to create long-term value for stakeholders while positioning the archipelago as the global leader in high-end tourism on the island.
This milestone event marks a strategic turning point in the Seychelles efforts to diversify the tourism market and attract expensive travelers from Asia. We also set precedents for destinations on other islands, aiming to place ourselves in premium travel spaces
