Tourism officials from Kenya and the Seychelles have launched a collaborative twin-destination campaign to entice international travelers to combine an East African wildlife safari with a relaxing island beach getaway, according to tourism board statements. The joint marketing effort targets long-haul visitors, particularly from North America, offering packaged itineraries that feature Kenya’s national parks alongside the luxury marine and island-hopping experiences of the 115-island Seychelles archipelago, which relies on tourism as the top contributor to its economy.
Leveraging Kenya Airways Flights From New York to Nairobi
A central pillar of the campaign is streamlining travel between North America and East Africa by leveraging existing flight networks, according to David Germain, the Seychelles Tourism Board representative for the Americas. During a recent meeting with Anthony Brinn, the US commercial manager for Kenya Airways, Germain highlighted that the airline’s non-stop flight service connecting New York to Nairobi, alongside onward connections to the Seychelles, provides a strong platform for growing the island nation’s visitor numbers from the North American market.
Did you know? Tourism serves as the single largest contributor to the economy of the 115-island Seychelles archipelago, making long-haul visitors from North America highly valuable to the region’s growth.
Expanding Flight Frequencies and Diversifying Access
To support growing demand and accommodate travelers seeking alternative routes following recent travel disruptions in the Middle East, Kenya Airways plans to increase its flight frequency between Nairobi and the Seychelles starting in September 2026, according to tourism officials. The carrier currently operates four weekly flights on the route. Vesna Rakić, chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board, stated that the partnership strengthens twin-centre travel between Kenya and the Seychelles while supporting strategic goals to diversify access and markets for the island destination.
Pro Tip: Tour operators and travel advisers are designing unified itineraries that allow visitors to experience premier East African wildlife reserves before transferring directly to the Indian Ocean islands for marine activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What destinations are included in the new tourism campaign?
The campaign pairs an East African wildlife safari in Kenya with an island beach getaway in the Seychelles.
How are travelers expected to fly between the two destinations?
Travelers can utilize Kenya Airways, which operates non-stop flights from New York to Nairobi and onward services to the Seychelles. The airline currently operates four weekly flights between Nairobi and the Seychelles, with frequency set to increase in September 2026.
Who is leading the promotional partnership?
The initiative is a joint effort between the Seychelles Tourism Board—represented by Americas representative David Germain and chief executive Vesna Rakić—and Kenya Airways, represented by US commercial manager Anthony Brinn.
What are your thoughts on combining a wildlife safari with an island beach vacation? Share your travel plans in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on global tourism trends.