Dar Es Salaam — A DELEGATION from the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) is visiting Tanzania to negotiate the promotion of tourism package between the two countries.

A delegation will hold a meeting with Tanzania Tourism Board today to discuss the concept of promoting the two countries as one package holiday destination for tourists.

Addressing a press conference today, STB Director of Africa and the Americas, Mr David Germain said the same has worked in Kenya, expressing optimism that it will also work in the country as well.

"The concept is now successfully penetrating the Kenyan market and producing good results in terms of visitor arrivals and we feel Tanzania will produce the same results," he noted.

Apart from meeting the Tanzania Tourism Board, the Seychelles delegation will meet with travel agents and tour operators to introduce the Seychelles destination.

"Tanzania and Seychelles compliment each other, tourists can enjoy safaris to see the wild animals in Tanzania, then fly to Seychelles to enjoy the white sandy beaches," Mr Germain noted.

He noted that a direct flight from Tanzania and Seychelles is also in the offing to enable easy travel of tourists between the two countries. After independence in 1976 the Seychelles appeared to be heading down the path of instability.

The Prime Minister, France Albert Rene, overthrew the president, James Mancham, and embarked on a programme aimed at giving poorer people a greater share of the country's wealth.

The coup, though bloodless, led to about 10,000 islanders fleeing the country. Four years later, with the help of Tanzanian troops, Mr Rene thwarted an attempt by South African mercenaries to restore Mr Mancham.

The country's economy depends heavily on a fishing industry and tourism. The fine beaches and turquoise seas are among the main attractions.