India, Seychelles to boost tourism

India and Seychelles have agreed to create a forum of tour operators and have deliberated on the possibility of direct flights to promote trade and tourism between the two nations, an official statement said Tuesday.

At a meeting here Monday, India's for Minister for Tourism and Culture Shripad Yesso Naik, and his Seychelles counterpart, Alain St. Ange, discussed tourism cooperation between the two countries.

"Both the sides agreed to hold road shows and working towards constituting a joint forum of tour operators for promoting tourism destinations and products," the statement said.

It was also noted during the meeting that "Indians were among the earliest inhabitants" of the 155-island nation in the Indian Ocean.

"They constitute around seven percent of the total population," the statement added.

During the 45-minute meeting, they also discussed the possibility of direct flights between India and Seychelles "that will promote trade and tourism".