Seychelles: A tourist paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean

Written by: Ayman Ragab

In a country with a population of just 135,000, the sector contributes Tourism With over 60% of GDP in Seychelles, which is known as an ecological paradise.

The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 1,600 kilometers off the coast of East Africa, and comprise 115 green and rocky islands covering an area of approximately 1.35 million square meters.

Turquoise beaches

The country is an ideal destination for lovers of turquoise beaches, tropical nature, and honeymoon trips.

The latest data from the African nation indicates that it is on a promising path to surpassing its 2019 tourist arrival figures, having already exceeded its projected targets for visitor numbers and revenues in 2025.

significant growth

The latest statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics indicate that the total number of visitors from the beginning of 2025 until the end of last October was 308,854 visitors, representing an increase of 12% compared to the same period in 2024 (276,892 visitors).

This is a continuation of the steady growth trend observed throughout the year, with similar peaks recorded in weeks 8 (9,030 visitors), 15 (9,607 visitors), 16 (9,732 visitors), and 41 (9,428 visitors).

This upward trajectory puts Seychelles on track to recover its pre-pandemic peak of 384,204 visitors, achieved in 2019, a landmark year in the country's tourism history. The destination's performance in 2025 surpassed the figures for 2023 (276,675 visitors) and 2022 (267,254 visitors).

Top countries sending tourists to Seychelles

Germany remains the top source country for tourists to Seychelles, contributing 41,726 visitors, followed by France (33,589) and Russia (27,619) in second and third place respectively.

Other key markets include Italy (18,062), the United Kingdom (17,358), the United Arab Emirates (16,502), Switzerland (11,642), the United States (11,167), and Poland (10,802).

According to data from the Central Bank of Seychelles, total tourism revenues between January and September 2025 amounted to US$803 million, confirming the crucial contribution of this sector to the national economy.

Seychelles main islands

There are important islands in Seychelles that are the most prominent tourist destination, such as Mahé Island, which is the largest and the capital of the country, followed by Victoria Island, which has more than 65 beaches, the most famous of which is Beauvallon Beach.

There is also Praslin Island, home to the Vale de Mayo reserve where rare sea coconuts grow, as well as La Digue Island, famous for its Anse Source d'Argent beach, which is one of the most beaches It is photographed worldwide thanks to its distinctive granite rocks.

Tourist activities

Water sports such as sailing and diving To watch Coral reefs and fishing are among the most prominent activities in Seychelles, as well as the presence of islands with luxury resorts that offer high privacy, making it a global destination for relaxation.

There are also adventures that are an important destination for tourists, such as hiking in tropical forests amidst waterfalls and unique wildlife.