Why is Seychelles expensive? Many reasons. This cluster of shimmering islands in the Indian Ocean is among the costliest tropical resorts, along with the Maldives, Mauritius, and Belize. Hotel rooms may cost over $700, while gourmet meals and adventurous activities can cost hundreds more.
This report covers five of the island nation's biggest expense drivers. From the location of the place—over 1,000 miles off the coast of East Africa in a tough position to reach—to the wealthy clientele that the local tourist sector tries to target, it should help explain why you need all those extra cash to visit here.
You don't have to be George Clooney to go this route. Don't. There are sometimes cheap flights to and from the mostly international airport, and going during the January to February rainy season, which doesn't rain constantly, can save you money.
Isolated.
Being an island is only the beginning, as Madeira, the Azores, and New Zealanders know. Geographic location matters too. The Channel Islands in England and the Florida Keys, near the mainland and connected by highways to their mother nation, can easily transport cheddar cheese and gasoline there.
Talking about remote archipelagos in the Atlantic or Pacific makes things harder. Seychelles, a string of pearls in the Indian Ocean, are 1,000 miles from East Africa and 560 miles from Madagascar. Is it isolated, huh?
Importers must deal with slow and difficult shipping. To reach port, it might take days to sail through the Suez Canal or South Africa's rocky capes. Somalian pirates prowl the Gulf of Aden, too.
Some Imports Are Taxed.
We've observed that the Seychelles imports 80% of consumer products. We also demonstrated how difficult it is to carry products to the islands across thousands of miles of wild seas. However, the challenges continue. Import duty may be better for traders here.
Thankfully, 83% of Seychelles imports are duty-free. Because the government wants strong business links with other nations and needs most of this material, they implemented that. There are several things to watch out for.
Alcohol is first. Booze imports are heavily taxed here. It's a regular fee per litre, with increased prices for beverages exceeding 8% proof. Cigarettes, gas, and autos have similar import levies. The good news is that airport duty-free shopping and local gin should be cheaper.
Luxury Awaits.
Why are Seychelles hotels so expensive? Why is Seychelle's food so expensive? Considering the destination helps answer many of these issues. It's not Thailand, NZ, Italy, or Mexico. Seychelles specialize in luxury.
Since the 1970s, the Seychelles International Airport has drawn high-end travellers. It probably always would be. Who else gets wanderlust from blue bathing lagoons as well as sugar-soft sands?
The availability of lodging is a good determinant of the crowd size. There are many more luxurious hotels with infinity pools and cutting-edge spas than there are jars of shark chutney. It is not possible to stroll in with a guidebook and try to haggle for $10 accommodations. Over $780 each night!
Flights Add Up.
Seychelles is a honeymoon and jet-setter destination with coconut-lined beaches and luxurious resort hotels, but it has fewer flight connections than other top locations. Seychelles International Airport on Mahe Island. 1.2 million people visited in 2020, its peak. That's less than certain Greek Islands' smaller airports and 1/65 of Bangkok Airport's annual traffic. The lack of major carriers running routes over compounds that. Air Seychelles operates 16 of them; however, several only fly seasonally.
Seychelles flights are few. That reduces airline competition on the route. The passenger generally pays extra. Statistics reveal that a peak-season ticket from London to Seychelles costs over $1000 per person.
Why Is Seychelles Expensive? Conclusion
Seychelles are the costliest island for numerous reasons. They attract a wealthier demographic than other places. Here, jet setters and honeymooners stay in luxury hotels, which cost more but offer the best service and comfort. This island country imports most products, including gasoline, vehicles, and food. Transport, protection, and import levies increase costs.
However, you may visit Seychelles affordably. Locally owned B&''Bs and guesthouses on the beach might save you money. The main island of Mahe is usually the cheapest, and flights are cheaper in January and February.
