32-38 _ttg_lux_Mauritius 27/2/09 14:11 Page 35
As the country heads deeper
into recession, no-one remains exempt
from its effects. Thankfully, the British
propensity to go on holiday no matter
what means there is still business out
there. The question every agent is asking
now is, what is important to my customer
and how can I give it to them?
Destinations such as Mauritius, which
have established themselves as high-value,
low-risk options for the luxury traveller,
are well fixed to steer a strong course
through turbulent times.
Year round sunshine, stunning beaches
and crystal blue seas fulfil all the basic
criteria. Plus there are those factors such as
ease of language, familiarity, Brit-friendly
left-hand traffic and direct flights from the
UK to take into account.
But Mauritius can also go beyond being
the safe, obvious choice. More soft
adventure options opening up, vibrant
local culture in the markets of Port Louis,
resorts increasingly known for their
activities such as kite-surfing, golf courses
in idyllic surroundings – all these factors
broaden the appeal. And celebrity visits
from royals and reality TV stars keep this
destination in the news.
If Only’s sales director, Paul Kingswood,
says: “Mauritius offers those white sandy
beaches but it is also a melting pot of
cultures and has a fantastic choice of
luxury and boutique resorts. It is not a
hard sell when our customers are looking
for value for their money.”
Mauritius makes up a “significant
percentage” of the company’s overall
bookings, and business to the island is up
year on year, says Kingswood. “We’re
finding that clients come from varying
backgrounds and are looking for different
things, whether it’s weddings and
honeymoons, or families and golfers.”
Continued hotel investment means
there’s always a new reason to throw the
spotlight on the
island, including a
freshly polished
jewel in the crown,
Les Pavillons, which
was reopened in
35
featuremauritius
spring 09
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