Buying a Hotel in Seychelles: Complete Checklist

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Buying a Hotel in Seychelles: A Golden Opportunity

Located in the paradisiacal archipelago of the Indian Ocean, buying a hotel in Seychelles represents a golden opportunity for investors looking to establish themselves in the flourishing tourism industry. With its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and exotic wildlife, this island nation attracts thousands of travelers each year seeking escape.

Meticulous Preparation Required

However, embarking on such a project requires meticulous preparation, including:

• Understanding local regulations
• Evaluating costs
• Identifying financing opportunities

This comprehensive checklist, designed to guide each step of the acquisition process, will become a valuable tool to turn your dream into a tangible reality in this idyllic setting.

Seychelles Hotel Market Overview

The Seychelles hotel market is currently undergoing a transition phase marked by fluctuations in tourist arrivals and continuous adaptation to new industry requirements.

Current Climate and Tourism Statistics

• Early 2025 was characterized by an 8% decrease in January arrivals compared to January 2024 (26,850 versus 29,066 visitors), despite a record the previous year that saw a notable post-pandemic surge.
• The majority of tourists (91.1%) visit for leisure, with an average stay duration of 9.4 nights.
• Europe remains the primary source of visitors (70.9%), dominated by Russia (15.7%), Germany (10%), and France (7.3%). Asia accounts for about 16%, with many being repeat visitors.

Key Trends

After several months of improvement starting from the previous October due to better air connectivity and a gradual return to pre-COVID levels for some weekends in late September-November, the market has shown some signs of temporary slowdown since early 2025.

Sustainability now plays a central role in hotel investments: reducing the carbon footprint of existing establishments or new projects focused on ecotourism to meet growing environmental expectations among demanding international travelers.

Preferences are shifting towards more personalized experiences: seeking local authenticity through high-end boutique hotels or eco-friendly accommodations.

Types of Hotels in Demand

Type	Key Characteristics	Current Demand
Luxury Resorts	Private villas, exclusive spas, private beach access	Strong
Boutique Hotels	Unique design, personalized experience	Growing
Budget Options	Local family-run guesthouses	Stable

Popular Geographic Areas & Emerging Opportunities

Mahé remains the nerve center of the hotel sector with the highest hotel density across all categories.

Praslin continues to attract visitors with its iconic beaches, while La Digue appeals to eco-tourism enthusiasts and those seeking authentic stays away from mass tourism.

Emerging opportunities:

• Development on less exploited secondary islands to diversify offerings while focusing on sustainable tourism
• Eco-friendly renovation/expansion in already established areas
• Growth in the “wellness” segment including health/wellness retreats

Potential Challenges & Financial Considerations

Strict legislation on foreign ownership, often requiring local partnership or long-term lease rather than direct land acquisition

High initial costs, mainly due to the near-systematic importation of materials/hotel contents

Absolute necessity to integrate sustainable practices, both to satisfy national regulations and meet international demand

Complex HR management, with sometimes limited local skilled workforce

To succeed in establishing a presence:

• Prepare a solid financial plan accounting for both land and logistical costs,
• Secure a clear strategy from the outset regarding sustainable positioning,
• Rely on strong local partnerships whenever possible.

Steps to Buy a Hotel in Seychelles

Essential Steps to Buy a Hotel in Seychelles:

• Preliminary Market Study
  • Analysis of local tourism trends.
  • Identification of demand according to seasons, customer segments, and types of accommodation sought.
  • This study helps guide the choice of hotel type to acquire and estimate profitability potential.
• Search for Available Properties
  • Consult specialized platforms, local real estate agencies, and international professional networks to identify hotels for sale.
  • Importance of gathering information on location, reputation, and financial history of proposed establishments.
• Contact with Specialized Real Estate Agents
  • Select an agent with proven experience in hotel sales/acquisitions in Seychelles.
  • The agent facilitates access to the local market, manages initial negotiations, and can advise on the commercial viability of the property.
• Define a Realistic Budget
  • Consider not only the listed price but also:
    • Government taxes
    • Registration fees
    • Legal fees
    • Hidden costs (renovation, compliance upgrades)

Budget Item	Description
Purchase Price	Amount requested by the seller
Taxes	Government acquisition duties
Legal Fees	Attorney/notary fees
Registration	Official registration in the land registry
Works/Compliance Upgrades	Modernization or compliance measures

• Required Administrative Process
  • Obtaining specific legal approvals for foreigners (prior government approval).
  • Verification that all business licenses are valid (accommodation, food service, etc.).
• Legal Advice
  • Recommended to engage a specialized firm to analyze all contracts and regulatory procedures.
  • Verification of the seller’s compliance with tax/social obligations.
• Technical Inspections & Compliance
  • Thorough inspection: structural (buildings), technical equipment, fire/sanitary safety.
  • Environmental audit if necessary based on location/proximity to coastline.
  • Strict compliance with current local standards before finalization.
• Financial Aspects – Financing/Fundraising
  • Personal analysis or bank arrangement: possibility with local/international banks or private partners.
  • A solid project presentation often required by the lending institution (detailed business plan based on market study).

Schematic Summary of the Administrative Process:

1. Sign preliminary offer subject to due diligence
2. Administrative procedures & obtaining official approvals
3. Complete legal/technical/fiscal due diligence
4. Final price negotiation / lifting of conditional clauses
5. Drafting of sale deed by lawyer / final signing

Post-Acquisition Management & Hotel Yield Optimization

• Potential upgrade of facilities/services according to target customer expectations;
• Implementation of marketing strategy adapted to Seychellois tourism positioning;
• Rigorous operational management monitoring – cost/operation steering;

Optimizing your investment involves continuous monitoring of local tourism evolution as well as regular adaptation to new quality/environmental requirements imposed in this competitive sector.

Key Points to Remember:

Clear definition of financial/personal objectives; rigorous selection of real estate/hotel property; strong professional support throughout the acquisition process until active post-purchase management.

Importance of Due Diligence in Seychelles Hospitality

Due diligence in Seychelles hospitality is essential to secure and optimize any investment in this strategic sector of the archipelago.

Specific Reasons for Due Diligence in Seychelles Hospitality:

• Prevent financial losses by identifying hidden risks and ensuring operational viability.
• Strengthen investor confidence, indispensable for attracting long-term capital.
• Align with international and regional best practices in corporate governance.

Financial Aspects to Examine During Due Diligence:

• Detailed analysis of the balance sheet to verify financial health, debt level, and actual profitability.
• Verification of existing debts (bank loans, supplier debts) that could impact cash flow or future value.
• Accurate assessment of potential revenue based on historical turnover and local tourism market prospects.

Legal and Regulatory Importance:

• Meticulous control of necessary permits for hotel operation (tourism licenses, environmental licenses, etc.).
• Verification of strict compliance with local regulations regarding land, labor law, and sanitary standards.
• Proactive anticipation of potential legislative changes that could directly or indirectly affect the sector.

Determining Role of Reputation and Customer Service:

Public image and customer satisfaction are particularly sensitive in Seychelles:

Factor	Potential Impact on Investment
Reputation	Direct influence on occupancy rate & pricing
Service Quality	Customer loyalty & positive word-of-mouth
Customer Review Management	Ability to quickly correct any dissatisfaction

A poor reputation can lead to a sharp drop in attendance, while excellent service promotes sustainable valuation of the hotel establishment.

Environmental Issues and Sustainability Specific to Seychelles:

In this fragile ecosystem:

• Absolute respect for local environmental standards to avoid administrative sanctions or irreversible damage to natural heritage (beaches, coral reefs, etc.).
• Systematic integration of sustainable practices to meet growing expectations of international tourists sensitive to these issues.
• Mandatory consideration by any hotel investor concerned not only with profit but also with the long-term attractiveness of the Seychelles destination.

In-Depth Analysis of the Tourism Market Through Good Due Diligence:

To anticipate trends & challenges:

• Detailed study of the local tourism value chain allowing:
  • Identification of potential margins
  • Minimization of economic leakage outside the archipelago
• Prospective analysis to adapt offers/services facing:
  • Marked seasonality
  • Rapid evolution of post-pandemic customer expectations
  • Regional competitive challenges

A rigorous process thus enables not only a secure investment but also optimal positioning against the specific dynamics of the Seychelles market.

Analysis of Tourism Statistics in Seychelles

Recent Statistics and Tourism Trends in Seychelles

Tourist arrivals in Seychelles have recently shown some volatility, with a total of 352,762 visitors in 2024, representing a very moderate growth of 0.5% compared to the previous year. For the beginning of 2025, the trend is mixed: in January, there were 26,850 arrivals (an 8% decrease compared to January 2024), while February recorded approximately 33,144 visitors. March and April continue the rise with nearly 37,804 and a historical record of about 39,196 tourists welcomed in a single month, respectively.

Annual Evolution of Tourist Arrivals (2019-2025)

Year	Number of Arrivals
December 2019*	~38,910
April 2020	22
Year 2023	~351,000
Year 2024	~352,762
January 2025	~26,850
February 2025	~33,144
March 2025	~37,804
April 2025	~39,196

Seasonality: High and Low Season

• High season: December to April (with peaks around year-end holidays and New Year)
• Low season: May to November, period corresponding to windier southeast trade winds attracting more enthusiasts of water sports like windsurfing

Dominant Visitor Nationalities

The clientele remains predominantly European (approximately 71% in January-February), led by:

• Russia (~16%)
• Germany (~10%)
• France (~7%)

Asia accounts for about 16%, with a growing share thanks to improved regional air connections.

Impact of COVID-19 & Government Measures

The pandemic caused a brutal collapse in tourist traffic starting in April 2020 (only twenty-two tourists that month compared to nearly forty thousand usually). Since mid-2021, arrivals have gradually resumed thanks to:

• Early reopening of borders
• Rapid vaccination campaign targeting local population & tourism stakeholders
• Strict implementation of sanitary protocols in establishments

The government also supports the sector through temporary tax relief for hotels and promotional campaigns targeting particularly Central/Eastern Europe.

Main Expectations & Key Activities Sought by Tourists

Travelers come primarily for:

List of Major Attractions:

• Renowned beaches: Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue), Beau Vallon (Mahé), Anse Lazio (Praslin)
• Natural parks: Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage site on Praslin
• Diving/snorkeling outings around the granite islands
• Inter-island cruises or marine excursions to Curieuse or Cousin Island

Favorite Activities:

• Swimming/beach relaxation
• Observation of endemic flora and fauna
• Hiking/coastal panoramas

Preferred Accommodation Types

The hotel segment is distinguished as follows:

Comparative Accommodation Table

Category	Popularity	Target Clientele
High-End Hotels	Very Strong	Couples/European tourists
Villas/Boutique Hotels	Growing	Independent travelers
Family Pensions/B&Bs	Stable	Budget travelers
Short-Term Rentals/Airbnb	Developing	Groups/families/young travelers

To remember: Traditional hotels remain preferred for their comfort & comprehensive services; however, a notable rise in high-end private villas and alternative accommodations has been observed over the past five years, appealing especially to European repeat guests seeking authenticity or increased privacy.