Seychelles as a tourist destination and offers on the Ukrainian tourism market in times of war

Abstract

This article explores the development and current state of the Seychelles as a tourist destination within the Ukrainian tourism market, particularly under the challenging conditions brought about by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As global travel trends increasingly shift toward exotic and unique destinations, the Seychelles have emerged as a key focus for both tourists and tour operators seeking premium experiences amidst natural beauty, biodiversity, and high-end service offerings. The research examines how Ukrainian tour companies have adjusted their strategies, operations, and logistics to continue promoting this destination despite the absence of direct air connections and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

The Seychelles archipelago, located in the western Indian Ocean and consisting of 115 islands (granite and coral), is known for its exceptional ecological diversity, luxurious resorts, and unspoiled beaches. Traditionally popular among tourists from Germany, France, the UK, the UAE, and Italy, the destination has also gained increasing attention from Ukrainian travelers over the past two decades. The article classifies the islands into the Inner Islands — such as Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue — and the more remote Outer Islands, which support the development of eco-tourism through their rich ecosystems and minimal human impact.

The study investigates the offerings of major Ukrainian tour operators such as Coral Travel, Tez Tour, Kompas, Alliance, Aristeya, ALF, and TPG. These companies have taken diverse approaches to maintain access to the Seychelles. While some focus on land-only services (e.g., hotel bookings), others provide complete travel packages, including flights, transfers, meals, and excursions. Since direct flights from Ukraine are no longer operational, most tour operators have shifted departures to nearby European cities such as Warsaw, Vienna, Bucharest, and Budapest. These flights are organized via regular international carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways, with layovers in global transit hubs such as Dubai and Doha.

This shift from charter-based to scheduled flights has required significant logistical restructuring. Tour operators must now coordinate closely with airlines, reconfigure pricing strategies, and communicate more proactively with clients regarding travel durations, transit requirements, and flexibility. Despite these challenges, the resilience and agility of Ukrainian companies have enabled them to continue offering high-quality, reliable travel experiences.

The article outlines the wide spectrum of travel packages available for the Seychelles, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium resort experiences. These offerings are tailored to various tourist segments and include both affordable accommodations and high-end services such as private villas, wellness amenities, and personalized assistance. Key island destinations are grouped by their unique appeal — from the infrastructural convenience of Mahé and family-friendly atmosphere of Praslin to the ecological focus of La Digue and the exclusivity of remote luxury islands.

Additionally, the article highlights the role of sustainable and responsible tourism in the context of global and local crises. Ukrainian tour operators demonstrate a strong capacity for adaptation, innovation, and maintaining international tourism standards even during wartime. Their ability to reconfigure packages, maintain customer trust, and provide exotic travel opportunities contributes to the continuity and resilience of the Ukrainian travel industry.

In conclusion, the Seychelles remain a valuable and accessible destination for Ukrainian tourists, thanks to the strategic efforts of domestic tour operators. Their work ensures not only the survival of outbound tourism under extreme conditions but also supports the long-term vision of integrating Ukrainian tourism into global travel networks through quality, sustainability, and customer-centric service