The Seychelles to Be Presented for the First Time at “Holiday & Spa Expo 2026” in Sofia
Thu, 12 February 2026
The exotic island destination of the Seychelles will be presented for the first time at Bulgaria’s leading tourism exhibition – “Holiday & Spa Expo 2026”, which opens today at Inter Expo Center, Sofia. From 12 to 14 February, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to meet in person with representatives of the Tourism Seychelles, who have arrived in the country especially for the event.
In 2026, Holiday & Spa Expo, organized with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, brings together more than 250 exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa and offers a rich program featuring six stages and nearly 40 accompanying events, further establishing itself as a key platform for the tourism sector in the region.
The Seychelles will be presented in Hall 2, Stand A17a, where visitors will receive up-to-date information on the development of the destination, new accommodation facilities and hotel concepts, opportunities for luxury and sustainable tourism, as well as regulatory changes in the country’s tourism sector.
As part of the visit of Tourism Seychelles to Sofia, a working lunch was also organized with representatives of the Bulgarian tourism sector. Among the attendees were Irena Georgieva, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism; Dr. Polina Karastoyanova, Executive Director of the National Tourism Board of Bulgaria; Maxim Behar, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Seychelles in Bulgaria; as well as leading tour operators and media representatives. The meeting focused on opportunities to expand cooperation, develop new tourism products, and strengthen the positioning of the Seychelles Islands on the Bulgarian market.
“In 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming nearly 2,000 tourists from Bulgaria to the Seychelles—a figure that clearly demonstrates the growing interest in our islands. For us, Bulgaria is a priority and highly valued market, and in 2026 we are planning an even more active presence and joint initiatives with the Bulgarian tourism sector. Our participation in Holiday & Spa Expo is an important step in this direction and an opportunity to be closer to Bulgarian travelers and partners,” commented Lena Hoareau, Marketing Manager, Tourism Seychelles.
“The Seychelles are one of those places that make you relax immediately. The people are calm and friendly, the food is fresh and delicious, the sea is always close by, and greenery is everywhere. It is no coincidence that more and more Bulgarians are choosing the islands for their holiday,” added Maxim Behar, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Seychelles in Bulgaria.
The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and impressive granite rock formations – among the oldest on the planet. The destination combines unspoiled nature, with two of its sites included on the UNESCO World Heritage List: Vallée de Mai and Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll. The year-round warm climate, diversity of islands, and wealth of marine and natural experiences make the Seychelles a preferred choice for romantic trips, honeymoons, and relaxation alike.
Over the past three years, the Seychelles has recorded significant growth in investments in tourism infrastructure, with more than five new hotels opened across different parts of the archipelago. In 2026, the opening of the Melia Seafront Hotel is also expected – an international brand with high recognition among European travelers.
Alongside new investments, the country is introducing other changes that have a direct impact on tourists and businesses. As of 1 January 2026, updated rules regarding the environmental accommodation levy have come into force – small hotels and guesthouses are now exempt, while for other categories the levy continues to be charged per person, per night.
The Seychelles continues to develop its Sustainable Seychelles Programme, which promotes responsible tourism and sustainable resource management. Within the framework of the program, the Seychelles Recognition and Certification Programme operates, awarding tourism establishments with Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels for high standards in environmental protection and social responsibility.
