Tourism Seychelles showcases island charm, paradise experience to beach soccer fans, resort guests

The past days have been a thrilling spectacle of goals, intense matches, and vibrant festivities at the Fanzone, as 16 nations compete for glory in the ongoing FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at the stunning Paradise Arena in Mahé, Seychelles.

Seychelles, known globally as a premier tourism destination, has made every moment of the tournament count. Since the kickoff on May 1, 2025, Tourism Seychelles has been actively engaging fans through immersive activations at the Fanzone, bringing the “Paradise Experience” to life for both international visitors and passionate local supporters.

Further elevating the atmosphere at the Fanzone was the presence of Wavel Ramkalawan, president of Seychelles, whose appearance thrilled the crowd and added a significant sense of national pride to the festivities. With the event attracting approximately 7,000 people daily, the Fanzone alone has been drawing nearly a third of that number, around 2,300 fans each day, reflecting growing excitement both locally and internationally.

At the Seychelles stand, fans are treated to a dynamic mix of fun competitions, cultural showcases, and the chance to win unique souvenirs. The Visit Seychelles stall has quickly become a hub of activity, with tourism officers offering insights into the islands’ attractions and inspiring fans to explore the archipelago beyond the pitch.

Local artisans, food vendors, and craft makers have also seen increased engagement, with many capitalizing on the heightened footfall by showcasing Seychellois cuisine, handmade jewelry, and island crafts—providing visitors with a genuine taste of local culture and supporting small businesses.

Sustainability has also taken center stage at the Fanzone, where organizers have implemented eco-conscious initiatives such as waste segregation stations, reusable cups, and eco-merchandise. Information booths are helping educate fans on Seychelles’ conservation ethos, reinforcing the destination’s long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism.

More than just a football tournament, the event marks a strategic moment for Seychelles. With the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup being hosted in Africa for the first time, the islands are leveraging the global stage to leave a lasting impression on visitors from around the world.

Read also: Seychelles diversifies tourism portfolio with FIFA Beach World Cup 2025

The entertainment offerings have been a true highlight of the fan experience. From captivating traditional dances and live Creole storytelling to a standout Boom Se Se performance by Elijah and the talented Taniah, the Fanzone has been alive with music and cultural expression, offering fans more than just football.

“This is my first time in this amazing country, and I am absolutely loving it—the culture, the pristine beaches, and especially the Creole music, which has been the highlight of my stay so far,” shared Pedro, an enthusiastic fan from Portugal. “Hopefully, my team goes far so I can stay longer and soak it all in. I’ve already promised myself I’ll return with my family.”

Speaking about the country’s involvement as a tournament supporter, Bernadette Willemin, director general, destination marketing, Tourism Seychelles, shared further insights into their strategic goals and commitment to making the Seychelles experience unforgettable.

Preliminary data suggests a significant uptick in hotel occupancy across Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, with tourism analysts projecting an overall boost to local tourism revenue as the event continues to draw attention from across the globe.

The director general is particularly excited over the success of the global event, which is now on the fourth day, noting that the turnout has been fantastic.

“We are seeing a relatively big crowd from the local communities across different demographics,” Willemin said.

“We can see from the grandmas, to the parents and the kids because at the end of the day, the FIFA Beach World Cup is also a family event”.

Describing the tournament as a great outing, she also expressed her country’s joy at sharing with the visitors, the official delegations, especially visitors who happen to be spending their holidays in the Seychelles while the global sports tournament is going on.

However, Seychelles is using the platform to market its tourism potential to the visitors and the world.

“We also have pavilion where we interact with the visitors and there has been lots of inquiries from some of them.

“It is an opportunity for us to also talk about the event and tell them what they can do on our islands, especially for the ones that just arrived,”she said.

Seychelles Tourism, according to the director general, also took advantage of the opportunity to bring to the fore its art, craft, and cultural heritage.

“We have animations in our stand where visitors can also witness handcrafted art by our local artisans, which arouse curiosity.

“In general, I can say it is a big party, fun, and a great event,” she noted further.

All the above, according to her, show that in Seychelles, “we can have fun, we can be fun, we enjoy and bring unity because people matter and it is a people’s event”.

She looks forward to more interactions, and cultural exchanges, while insisting that Seychelles people are proud and eager to share with their visitors and the world at large.