Mauritius
“I love Mauritius as a family destination –
we’ve been there for the past three May half-terms now, as it easily competes with the Med on weather and
(MTPA) UK.
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority “Mauritius is enjoying a renaissance, and
flight access has never been better either,” says Mark Boulle, marketing manager at Beachcomber Tours, where business has grown by 10% this year – including a 23% rise in wedding bookings alone. British Airways reverting to more popular
overnight flights and Emirates double-daily Dubai to Mauritius service on Airbus A380s have really helped, and Air Mauritius is investing in six new Airbus A350-900 aircraft, due in 2017. Thomson Airways’ Dreamliner service has raised exposure, with a fortnightly flight from Manchester added for peak season this year (November to April). Flight prices to Mauritius remain high when
compared with its rivals, which does restrict growth to a degree, and means strong offers such as 30% off and free half-board in entry- level five-star luxury hotels have become the norm. The reshuffled MTPA following a change in
leadership towards the end of 2014 has already had wide, and overall positive, impact. It has implemented a hotel classification system and is investing in tourism infrastructure – nightlife, shopping and art galleries and museums – that will hold higher appeal to a luxury clientele, according to Rhys Powell, account director for MTPA UK.
The Mauritius government’s halt on hotel
value and my two boys love it. The lovely people, service and high standards, and the quality of food also make it a great option. We’ve stayed at Beachcomber’s Trou aux Biches, Heritage Le Telfair and Lux Belle Mare among others; but of course I always find time to check out other hotels while I’m there too. We were happy staying in our resort first time around, but now we always go exploring and try something like a 4x4 safari at Casela nature reserve or a walk and a drink around Grand Baie – it’s so safe and nice to see other families out and about too. There are often good value-for-money offers and sales with the likes or Emirates so it makes sense for clients. It also has a real range of hotels – you just have to listen to the customer to know what style will suit them (and their budget) best, whether it’s rustic charm or ultramodern luxury, or maybe a golf or spa- focused option. We’ve had – and suggested – a private driver for the day, which means you can see as much as possible if people don’t want to join a group tour. We also often organise a private boat trip for ourselves, or clients, which is a brilliant way to see the island.” By Lee Hunt, director of Deben Travel – a Global Travel Group member
builds is also encouraging existing properties to up their game, a move welcomed by tour operators. “There is already a great range of good hotel product in Mauritius, and flight capacity issues have now been addressed,” says Sheena Paton, commercial and product manager for beach at Kuoni. “Mauritius is also perceived as a safe and secure destination and its hotels have a great reputation and service, so you know what you’re getting.”
Island rebirth A raft of reopenings and refurbishments over the past three years have included Beachcomber’s impressive modernisation of The Royal Palm, Lux Belle Mare’s design collaboration with Kelly Hoppen and Shangri-La’s contemporary
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TTGLUXURY.COM SUMMER 2016 DESTINATIONS
My Mauritius
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