A fisherman returns from the high seas holding a big tuna.(China Daily) |
We actually bumped into Mancham as we strolled along the streets of Victoria, capital of Seychelles. It was no big surprise in this town, which is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Mancham was happy to learn that we came from China and wished us a happy Chinese New Year.
Seychelles is no longer a strange destination to savvy Chinese travelers, especially those who have traveled in Southeast Asia and want to explore further in the Indian Ocean.
On the Emirates flight we took from Dubai to Seychelles, most of the passengers were Chinese, on their Spring Festival vacation. Chinese guests also dominated the Constance Ephelia Resort where we stayed.
January and February, traditionally a low season for tourism to Seychelles, has been filled by Chinese travelers.
More Chinese tourists are expected to arrive in Seychelles after March 24, when Air Seychelles opens its new flight from Hong Kong to Seychelles.
We met a guy from Sanya, Hainan province, a tropical beach resort destination in China. He said although Sanya has good beaches, they can't compare to those in Seychelles.
Indeed, Anse Source d'Argent, on La Digue Island, was rated by National Geographic, in 2011, as the world's No 1 beach. Huge towering granite boulders, which appear to change color throughout the day, form the backdrop of this beautiful beach. The waters are shallow and calm and lap gently on the salt-white and flamingo-pink sand.
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