INDIAN OCEAN
Halaveli Resort (B&B basis) and
the Constance Moofushi Resort in the Maldives. A seven-night stay costs from £3165. New properties in Mauritius include the five-diamond Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa (£1529) and the three-diamond Pearle Beach (£1299).
From The Front Line OWEN DAVIES
Commercial Director Elite Vacations “We’ve seen strong sales
to Seychelles amongst all markets this year. There are many good tactical offers for this Autumn, particularly amongst the five-star hotels including Constance Lemuria, Raffles Praslin and Banyan Tree. For 2013 early bookers, there are
Below, from top left: The newly-opened Residence in the Maldives; the Mauritian coastline; a taste of India in the Indian Ocean Resort & Spa
INDIAN OCEAN Top Selling Tips...
• Point of difference... “Spend time to understand the differences between the Indian Ocean islands to make sure your clients choose the right option. Sign up for Travel Uni Seychelles Superstar at www.
seychellessuperstar.co.uk”
• Hopping glad... "Island-hopping in Seychelles is the best way for clients to see these breath-taking islands, including the diverse fauna and flora on offer"
• All budgets... "Don’t assume Seychelles is just five-star resorts; there are many great four-star hotels as well as smaller boutique hotels and guest houses letting clients experience a real local Creole ‘flavour’"
ALAN ORBELL Travel Writer
attractive discounts at selected hotels, including, for example, Sainte Anne Resort. Most clients considering Seychelles are taking advantage of our tailor-made service and specialist knowledge, creating multi-island itineraries staying at several hotels. "For Mauritius, we’re seeing a greater
interest in our range of smaller, boutique hotels and luxury beachside apartments.”
BRENDAN MAGUIRE Managing Director If Only...
“Business to all our
destinations has been pretty consistent and bookings to date in 2012 are up on the same period last year. Like the whole industry we experienced a dip in business during the Olympics but enquiry levels have bounced back. Working with our resort partners we have been able to place some incredible tactical deals in the market that agents have worked hard at promoting. “Our reputation for W&Hs and
renewal of vows is growing with bookings helping to maintain growth, particularly in Indian Ocean destinations.”
JAYNE PRICE Product Manager, Western & Oriental “We’ve seen a big pick-up
in family business to the Maldives this
year and the newer resorts have recognised this market sector and are offering family accommodation with good value offers. "Forward bookings are good for 2013,
particularly the honeymoon market, to all Indian Ocean destinations, and early booking incentives are very attractive, but late bookings are strong too, particularly for September.”
Tourism Talk
MELINA COLLIE Account Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
“The general feeling from tour operators regarding future UK outbound travel to Mauritius is optimistic – most have been reporting small gains on last year in terms of forward bookings. "The latest visitor arrival figures to Mauritius from the UK for June 2012 illustrate a +12.5% increase compared with June 2011, and the strength of our trade initiatives in the market including direct SME campaigns, destination development breakfasts, joint initiatives, twin centre promotions, and sales missions bear testament to this. "We are confident that with the new infrastructure on the island including the brand new St Regis property, Mauritius will continue to be one of the world’s most prime luxury coastal destinations.”
MOHAMED ADAM, Acting MD Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation:
“Our aim is to reach a target of one million tourist arrivals to the sun- drenched nation in 2012. "From January until the end of July this
year, the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation has recorded 535,034
“British Airways will launch a three-times-a- week Gatwick- Sri Lanka service in 2013”
22 September 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
FEBRUARY COLOURS BY ALAN ORBELL
“The sense of anticipation was palpable as the local Seychellois thronged the streets of Seychelles’ tiny capital, Victoria, to watch the second Carnaval International de Victoria in February. It felt as though the entire Seychellois population were there to enjoy this now annual event. It was impossible for tourists not to get caught up in the excitement of the event, as the first floats appeared to the cheers of locals and visitors alike. There were 40 local floats and 30 from overseas and together they offered a blaze of colour and a cacophony of sound, all of which made for a great afternoon in the tropical sunshine. There were food and drink stalls, craft stalls and the whole event filled the ‘city’ with a lively and happy vibe. Perhaps anticipating Team GB’s
triumph in the Olympics, the winning overseas float was from London's Notting Hill Carnival. The 2013 event is February 8-10 and
it’s well worth encouraging your clients to time their Seychelles holiday with this great event.”
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