Seychelles is best island destination in Africa & the Middle East 2021

For the fourth year in a row, Seychelles has won the prestigious Travel + Leisure 2021 World’s Greatest Award as the best island destination in Africa and the Middle East.

Seychelles, a pristine island paradise in the Indian Ocean dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world” by one Travel + Leisure reader who commended it for its “exquisiteness,” recaptured the first position in its category with 88 points, followed by Zanzibar and Mauritius in second and third place, respectively.

The survey’s findings, which allow readers to reflect on their travel experiences and demonstrate a higher admiration for regions that offer unrivaled natural beauty and, in many cases, fewer crowds, are as far-flung as ever, according to the magazine. The recipients are known for motivating tourists to seek out the most rewarding experiences throughout the world.

Seychelles is famed for its well-maintained natural monuments, such as the Vallée de Mai, one of the archipelago’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites devoted to humans, as well as its distinctive flora and wildlife, and its marine parks, which all enthralled Travel & Leisure’s readers.

Mrs Bernadette Willemin, Director General of Tourism Seychelles Marketing, reacted to the award, adding that it is an honor for the destination to be recognized in such a prominent manner.

For our modest destination, being crowned the World’s Best Island in Africa and the Middle East for the second year in a row is a thrill. It is reassuring for the business as a whole to know that our guests appreciate not just the natural beauty of our islands, but also the overall experience that distinguishes us as ‘Another World.

The exotic destination’s nomination results from the annual survey conducted by Travel + Leisure, which allows readers of the New York-based travel magazine to rate their travel experiences around the globe. Readers weigh in on top hotels, islands, cities, airlines, cruise lines, spas, and more, rating islands on the following characteristics: natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people and friendliness, and overall value. Seychelles tied at Nr 24 with Sri Lanka in the magazine’s top islands in the world awards.

The World’s Best Awards survey was open for voting from January 11 through May 10, 2021

Travel + Leisure
The World’s Best Awards 2021
The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you.