IN1-2 jan30 26/1/09 15:50 Page 56
India & Indian Ocean
Roving Reader An agent gives the lowdown on Mauritius hotels p58; India
Jaipur shows its colours p61; Round-up Latest flights and supplier news, p62
Families
.
c
om
iStockphoto
The kids are all bright
The Indian Ocean is building a reputation as a
The best deals tend to be in low season,
family-friendly destination. Mandy Barder reports
which is during our summer months, while
the busiest times are over Christmas and,
increasingly, Easter. The best time to go to
I
f you think of the typical Indian Ocean the nature and wildlife of the islands as key Mauritius and the Seychelles is April, just
client, then couples – and particularly selling points for younger visitors. after the rainy season has dampened the
newlyweds – are likely to spring to Jackson believes couples who visit often island and when temperatures hit around
mind. return when they have children, and big 30C and rates start to get competitive.
But destinations such as Mauritius, the events such as weddings also attract families. Jean-Marc Flambert, director of Sri Lanka
Seychelles and Sri Lanka are increasingly Other selling points include a more inter- specialist Secrets of Ceylon, says December
becoming accessible for families too. national clientele than the British and US- and April are also great for Sri Lanka.
The Caribbean may remain the first choice dominated Caribbean, and low crime rates. “Flights go up, but not as high as other
for families looking to head a little farther Jackson also questions the assumption that popular destinations,” he claims.
afield than the Med or Florida, but the Indian the Indian Ocean is an expensive option, with
Ocean is becoming a more viable option. a range of high-quality smaller accommoda- Family-friendly destinations
“Its popularity is increasing and more tion available in addition to top-end resorts. Mauritius is the number one Indian Ocean
families are going; children love it,” says “We are trying to get the message across destination for families, according to Hayes
Elite Vacations managing director Peter that it’s not that expensive for a good & Jarvis product and contracting director
Jackson, who points out elements such as standard,” he adds. Lesley Rollo. She points to Le Meridien Ile
56 30.01.2009
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