FEATURE INDIAN OCEAN
INDIAN OCEAN Top Selling Tips...
Indian Ocean itinerary. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is planning a fam around The Vanilla Islands’ concept.
Tourism Talk ELAINE BARRETT
trade director, MTPA “Hotels in Mauritius have been very supportive of
tour operator needs in terms of value- added offers such as two-for-one deals, additional nights and complimentary spa treatments. We believe the interest generated by the Royal honeymoon will benefit the Indian Ocean as a whole, by highlighting the luxury and exclusivity of the islands. In terms of trade initiatives, we enhanced and re-launched our online training programme earlier this year (
www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk/ mauritius-training.aspx). The marketing team is also working on a booking incentive in September, in association with Air Mauritius, which involves winning a trip to the island.”
MARSHA PARCOU regional manager Seychelles Tourist Office “British travellers have a
perception that The Seychelles is
Clockwise from left: Child-friendly in Le Prince Maurice; Kuramathi Maldives; rare birds on Seychelles' eco-friendly North Island, where Kate and Wills had their honeymoon
26 September 2011 •
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expensive and it’s true that it does cost more than Mauritius and the Maldives. "But The Seychelles is a once-in-a-
lifetime destination which visitors remember. We have exclusive resorts like North Island and Frégate Island Private Island but can also offer £100 per day options. The main issue affecting the region is that both leading Indian Ocean competitors have direct airline access, though Air Seychelles and other airlines offer good services with one-hour stopovers. Etihad Airways has announced it will begin flights from London and Manchester to Mahé on November 1 2011, via Abu Dhabi.”
From The Front Line SHAMIRA KAUMAYA
commercial director Sunset Faraway Holidays “Sunset’s forward sales to
the Indian Ocean until the end of December are slightly up on last year. "Although this implies we are defying
the impact of the ‘Credit Crunch’ and faltering economy, the increased interest is also down to a big trade push for Mauritius between January and March by Sunset, Air Mauritius and the MTPA, as well as deals on package holidays. Sunset has seen a dramatic growth in enquiries and conversions to The Seychelles and Maldives, with sales for 2011up 24 per cent. The Seychelles is our third-largest growth destination.”
• Family friendly: “Don’t forget about the family market to Mauritius, there’s little or no jetlag to worry about, the beaches are gently sloping with calm seas and the hotels offer fun and friendly kids' clubs. Try the new Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa with its Bob Marlin Kids Club for three- to 12-year-olds and, a first for Beachcomber, a Teenagers Club for 13- to 17-year-olds” MARK BOULLÉ, marketing manager, Beachcomber Tours
• Flight upgrades: “Look at upgrading flights to a Premium cabin, especially for night flights. You can do this ‘one way’ and it is actually more affordable than you might assume” JAMES BELL, founder Turquoise Holidays
• Moving up: “Agents should try to up-sell from half-board to all- inclusive, where possible. This will appeal to clients looking to stick to a budget, particularly those who are already stretching themselves for that dream honeymoon or anniversary trip” BETH ALCORN, product and marketing manager, Emirates Tours UK
• “The key differentiator between properties is service. It's about tailoring it to a client’s needs. There is something for everyone, with underwater spas, nightclubs and barefoot islands" SUE SAUNDERS, product manager, Seasons
SHEENA PATON Indian Ocean marketing manager, Kuoni “The draw is the quality of
accommodation, the natural beauty and the fact Maldives and The Seychelles retain a feel of exclusivity. For clients seeking the best possible value and to control their overall spend, recommend the all-inclusive or full-board meal plan. Also check the Kuoni Plus options for each property as clients can get added value such as early-bird savers, free room upgrades and bonus nights.”
ANDREA LODDO regional product manager Hayes & Jarvis “We plan to focus on
building our multi-centre business in the Indian Ocean in partnership with Emirates, through our joint brochure. The aim is to sandwich stays in Dubai with a wide range of options across the Indian Ocean.”
LISA PARKES Beacon Travel Service Crowborough East Sussex
“As budgets are tight and clients are holidaying closer to home, we’ve only sold five or six holidays to the Indian Ocean this year, ranging from £6,000 to £10,000 per booking. Le Touessrok and Beachcomber properties in Mauritius
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