mauritius & reunion 27
Good times are ahead for Mauritius as new openings, facelifts of old favourites and more airlift will spur renewed interest from the UK market, says Nicki Grihault
T
our operators are reporting a surge in demand for Mauritius, with several popular high-end properties receiving
upgrades and new mid-market accommodation options entering the market. “New product over the past 18 months has refreshed what’s already there and created healthy competition, which combined with increased fl ight frequency has led to improved sales this year,” says Sheena Paton, Commerical & Product Manager at Kuoni. “It’s Kuoni’s number two for weddings
(closely behind Sri Lanka) and in its top fi ve honeymoon destinations worldwide; forward bookings are strong for 2015,” she added. Hayes & Jarvis is among operators
reporting an increase, with a seven per cent rise in Mauritius bookings in 2014. “The greatest demand has been for fi ve-star
hotels, such as Lux Belle Mare, designed by Kelly Hoppen, and the all-inclusive Heritage Awali, following its refurbishment this summer,” says Zoe Betchley, Indian Ocean Destination Manager for Hayes & Jarvis. “Mauritius has always been about added value and we’re also seeing more great initiatives like LUX* Resorts’ ‘message in a bottle’, which each day offers a special treat (such as a massage or
bottle of champagne at dinner) to the guest who fi nds a bottle that is placed around the resort.” Hayes & Jarvis is pre-selling Mauritius
excursions and running more fam trips in 2015, with a focus on experiences beyond the beach. “Mauritius is the most important family market
we sell,”’ says Johanna Bromiley, Product Manager, Indian Ocean & Middle East, Turquoise Holidays. “Next year we’re focusing on honeymoons. Mauritius offers what honeymooners want and is fantastic value, with popular luxury all- inclusives and offers such as ‘bride goes free’.” But development isn’t all at the top-
end of the market, with a growing number of four stars coming on stream. Hayes & Jarvis’ four-star favourites range from the established Preskil Beach Resort, popular with repeaters, to the recently-opened Zilwa Attitude. Mauritian-owned specialist, Sunset Faraway Holidays’ six per cent sales increase in 2014 was in part driven by its addition of ‘affordable Mauritius’ alongside its luxury product, which features favourite three stars such as Villa Caroline, Recif Beach Resort and Laguna Beach Resort and Spa and a new accommodation-only option of luxury self-catering apartments. Audley Travel’s sales to Mauritius increased by 120% in 2014 following the
sellingtravel.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80