IDC slashes airfares to the outer islands for Seychellois residents

In an effort to encourage more Seychellois to visit and enjoy the outer islands, and following a board decision, IDC has reduced airfares to all outer islands with guest accommodation, regardless of their distance from Mahé, to a flat rate of R3,000 with immediate effect.
In a press conference, the Chief Executive Officer of IDC, Mr. Glenny Savy gave details of the facilities on the different islands with a guesthouse to accommodate Seychellois residents.
Before the reduction, Seychellois visiting Farquhar paid an airfare of R7,500 and R10,000 for Astove.
Mr. Savy explained that Seychellois can immediately visit islands like Silhouette, Desroches, Farquhar, Remire, Platte, Astove except for Alphonse where he noted a new guesthouse is being built and it will be ready by December.
​​He also gave details of access either by plane or boat, payment process and other important logistic details.
For Silhouette, which is closest to Mahé, the return boat fare is R200 while accommodation is R100 per day and R500 is charged per day for a three-course meal and the latter also applies for meals on all the outer islands.
For the other outer islands mentioned, the return airfare is now R3000, while accommodation cost is R250 per day. 
Mr. Savy also announced that the IDC will in the coming days submit documents to the Planning Authority for a project to build six additional chalets which will double the capacity of Silhouette guesthouse.
“Emphasis on Silhouette is because many people love it as it is close to Mahé, more flexible and easy to access,” Mr. Savy said.
He added that the new facilities on Silhouette which will be more comfortable and will offer more privacy are expected to be completed and ready by June next year or before.
Mr. Savy noted that the number of available rooms on these islands do not necessarily mean the same number of seats on flights for transfers to and from these islands. He stressed that the availability of seats will depend on the number not taken by hotels on these islands.
Meanwhile, Mr. Savy explained that the reduction in return fares has been possible because the IDC is absorbing the cost.
Alongside the reduction in fares for residents, Mr. Savy also announced that IDC will also put in place a programme for senior citizens to visit Silhouette.
An environment programme for school children in collaboration with Island Conservation Society (ICS) and the Ministry of Education is also being finalised and is expected to start by the end of the year or early next year.