Tourism Contributes to Improved Economic Confidence in Mauritius

The Mauritius Chamber Of Commerce and Industry's most recent report outlining consumer confidence shows significant improvement in the fourth quarter of 2011. According to the report, private sector businesses have a favourable outlook of the nation's economy at a rate of 39%, as opposed to 17% whose economic outlook was unfavourable. Those who gave the Mauritian economy good grades cited several reasons for their positive views.

Among those reasons are the rise in tourist numbers and the fiscal reforms the government included in the 2012 budget. As part of that budget taxes on capital gains, dividends, and interest income were all eliminated, encouraging foreign investment in the nation's leading industries of tourism and sugar production. The tax cuts also have spurred many Mauritian business owners to invest significant funds to develop and expand their own companies.

As for the contribution of tourism to the economic outlook, local business owners have observed an increase in the number of arrivals this year of about 7%. The increase translates into most of them doing better than the year before and thus, increased consumer confidence.

The combination of increased consumer confidence and foreign investment are seen as positive steps in maintaining the Mauritian economy's position as the best in the Indian Ocean region. This is especially true when you consider Mauritius' relationship with Europe. Europeans provide a customer base which makes up roughly 67% of all exports and nearly 70% of tourists visiting the island. It's expected that increased investment in the tourism industry will only make those numbers better.

As the Mauritian economy continues to strengthen she will further enhance her position as one of the world's premier tourist destinations. Already known for great Mauritius wedding packages, romantic honeymoons, and luxury family vacations, this Indian Ocean paradise will be debuting new resorts and tourist venues in 2012 and beyond. There are currently two new resorts being built as well as a huge entertainment and tourist venue in the northern region. Furthermore, one of the island' largest resort operators announced this past week plans to secure funding for a ninth resort on Mauritius.

The gorgeous tropical climate and stunning beautiful environment are the main draws to the region. But Mauritius is working hard to develop other things that will bring new visitors in; things like professional and amateur sports. The island has seen a rise in golf holidays and tournaments, as well as events focused around key water sports like surfing, kite surfing, and sport fishing. Tour operators, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses are all joining forces to offer inviting an exciting combination packages.

Europeans who have never visited Mauritius will find that there's no better time to do so than right now. Heading into the island's peak tourism season, there is still space available into January and February of next year. Tourists are encouraged to contact their local tour operator for pricing information and booking details.

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Mauritian Government to Divest Some Tourism Interests

In an ongoing effort to reshape the way Mauritius engages in the tourism industry, that nation's government announced over the weekend plans to divest itself of some of its tourist interests. The plan not only helps further the island nation's goals for revamping the industry, it also helps raise some much needed cash for other expenditures. Among the divestitures are the new developments at the Port Louis waterfront, the Lake Point Complex, and several casinos.

Beyond the announcement no further details have been given as to a timetable for completing the divestments. It is assumed that the government will now go through the valuation process to find out exactly how much its property is worth. Whether or not international bidders will be allowed also remains to be seen. It may be that the Mauritius government decides to keep all of the properties under the control of local investors, although that would be highly unlikely.

The sale of the properties is in keeping with the plan Mauritius is currently on to attract more foreign investment and enter new markets. Government officials have been working extra hard during this past year to completely revamp the way the nation does business in the tourism sector. They are working to develop relationships between international and local investors, public and private sector organizations, and other nations like Seychelles and the Maldives.

Given the announcement there is new speculation about whether the country's national airline, Air Mauritius, will also be fully or partially put on the sales block. The government-owned airline has long been protected against losses through the contribution of its shareholders, but after opening up her skies to foreign airlines, Mauritius may need to consider privatizing the airline in order to compete effectively. Nothing specific has been said about Air Mauritius to date.

Perhaps helping to encourage the sale of all or part of Air Mauritius is the fact that the international airport in Port Louis was recently voted as the best airport in Africa. Ongoing capital improvements are continuing to make it a more desirable destination to fly into, resulting in increased flights from airlines like British Airways.

Individuals coming to the island for Mauritius honeymoons, family holidays, and romantic getaways should notice no significant changes once the divestments are complete. If anything, there may even be slight improvements made as private-sector companies seek to enhance the properties they purchase. Regardless, the island will still be home to bright golden sunshine, turquoise-blue lagoons, lush gardens, vast sugar cane fields, and her majestic mountains.

She will continue to provide the ideal destination for Indian Ocean deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, sailing, and a host of other water based activities. Her luxury resorts will also continue providing the same high quality experience combined with amenities that will make you feel like royalty. Suffice it to say that the divestment is good not only for the Mauritian government and the purchasers, but also the visitors coming from various locales around the world.

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Bloomberg: Mauritius Needs More Air Flights

A November 23 (2011) report from Bloomberg highlights the need for more flights to Mauritius to keep up with burgeoning hotel capacity. Bloomberg's information comes from the Association des Hoteliers et Restaurateurs de l'Ile Maurice, the leading trade organization for the Mauritian hotel and restaurant industry. According to the Association, the 2011 occupancy rate for Mauritian hotels will finish at about 65%. However, that's expected to increase in the coming years if flights are increased in line with the ever-growing number of available beds.

The association's chief executive officer, Jocelyn Kwok, noted that bed capacity has increased 15% over the last four years while flight capacity has fallen by 2%. Part of the disparity can be attributed to protectionist policies used in recent years by Air Mauritius to retain an almost exclusive lock on flights coming in and off the island. But at start of the year Air Mauritius seemingly abandoned that philosophy and has since worked to open up Mauritian skies to other airlines.

In fact, as reported earlier this week, British Airways has transferred the hub of its pleasure travel business from Heathrow to Gatwick, and is increasing flights to many of its most sought-after destinations, including Mauritius. Furthermore, the airline just announced a flight schedule change which will allow tourists visiting Mauritius an extra day on the island. More flights could be added early next year as well. In addition, Air Mauritius noted that a prominent Asian airline, which it hasn't yet identified, will also be adding new flights in early 2012.

With plane seat capacity growing tourist officials expect hotel bookings to increase through 2013. They are especially excited about the industry's new emphasis on Mauritius family hotels as a way to promote the island ad more than just a romantic getaway for beach weddings and honeymoons. The Mauritian tourist industry is actively working on expanding family-based holidays through more activities, family-friendly accommodations, and even new construction projects currently under way.

Mauritius is focusing their family-friendly effort on activities that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. At the heart of those activities is the island's wide range of water sports which include everything from parasailing and kite surfing to deep-sea fishing and diving. The golfing sector has even gotten in on the act by developing family focused golf holidays which provide instruction and tee times for golfers of all ages and abilities. And if you know anything about golf in Mauritius, the island has some of the most spectacular courses in the world.

Mauritius leads the way in Indian Ocean travel primarily because they are proactive in developing both their brand and natural environment. If the nation's hotel and restaurant sector are correct in their assessments, the next two years could be extremely profitable for the Mauritian tourism industry. That would be great news for everyone involved.

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Economic Freedom Stimulates Mauritian Tourism Sector

Silicon India has just released its list of top 10 countries with the most economic freedom; a list which has garnered some interesting results. As far as Mauritius is concerned, it ranked first among 46 countries in Africa and the sub-Saharan region, as well as extremely high among all developed countries around the world. This economic freedom has spurred private sector growth, foreign and national investment, and confidence in both the tourism industry and arrivals coming to the island.

Central to their success is the fact that the Mauritian government plays very little direct role in economic development while keeping taxes and regulations as competitive as possible. Rather than trying to control markets through government fiat, Mauritius tends to allow the private sector to manage the open market system. Lest anybody disagree with their philosophy, it's hard to argue with the results. Mauritius has the strongest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of the strongest economies in the world, on a per-capita basis.

This can be seen throughout the Mauritian tourism industry in terms of the amount of new investment continuing to flow into the island. Among some of the developments over the last couple of years is a strong push by resort operators to make Mauritius the golfing capital of the Indian Ocean. Mauritius golf holidays are not only allowing arrivals to play on excellent championship-level courses, but many are developing complete packages which include instruction for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

What's more quite a few of the resorts are working together to offer golf packages which allow guests to play multiple courses during their stay. And the island has managed to land two major golf tournaments in 2011 that combine the best pros and their amateur counterparts. Much of this success may not have been possible had the Mauritian government insisted on continuing its previous philosophies of government-owned business and tight state regulation.

Another burgeoning sector in Mauritian tourism is the family holiday. More and more resorts are adopting family-friendly activities and renovating some of their guest rooms to make them practical for families. Things will only get better with a very ambitious construction project that has been undertaken in the northern part of the island; a project which will develop a brand-new, all-inclusive entertainment complex to include at least two new hotels and a theme park. The 10-year project is designed to be extremely family-friendly as a means of attracting new visitors and keeping them in the region.

Most Europeans know Mauritius for her stunning beaches and gorgeous tropical weather. But if not for a concerted effort by the Mauritian government to allow the economy to expand on its own, much of what we enjoy might not otherwise be accessible. Thankfully, free enterprise reigns in Mauritius, making it the perfect environment for a thriving tourism industry.

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Tourist Revenues Continue Upward Trend in Mauritius

Industry experts have been closely watching Mauritian tourism ever since the start of the 2011 calendar year. Almost immediately they began noticing a jump in the number of arrivals to the island, usually hovering around 4.5% to 5% per month. By early summer arrivals had increased some 7%, even as the Mauritian government was in full court press promoting the island around the world as a top-notch holiday destination. Their efforts appear to be continuing to pay off according to recent statistics just announced by the Bank of Mauritius.

As reported by Reuters, the Bank of Mauritius announced earlier this week that tourism revenues rose by some 9.7% over the twelve months ending on August 31. For that same period in 2009/2010, revenue stood at approximately 37.8 billion rupees as opposed to the 41.5 billion rupees realised this year. That's quite an economic boost when one considers the fact that tourism makes up roughly 10% of the Mauritian GDP. The revenue increase simply adds to what is already one of the best economies in the Indian Ocean region.

In addition to revenues being up, the total number of arrivals also increased from 903,867 in 2010 to 963,078 this year. That's an increase of nearly 7%, keeping in line with the numbers being recorded in June and July. Overall the tourism picture in Mauritius looks very good for 2011. Government officials are hoping to see even better numbers as the peak travel season opens in December. With the addition of a pro golf tournament and a couple of other special events, Mauritius should see good numbers through December and into 2012.

Experts attribute much of the increase to a better economy in Europe, which supplies nearly 2/3 of the region's annual visitors. But they also don't discount the Herculean efforts made by the Ministry of Tourism to boost the island's profile. In addition to working on quite a bit of self-promotion, Mauritius has also joined with the Vanilla Islands cooperative that seeks to promote the entire Indian Ocean region in a joint effort.

Amidst all of the good news this might be the perfect time for Mauritius family holidays. With the winter season fast approaching in Europe, families looking for fun in the sun leading up to the Christmas holidays could choose no better destination. Mauritius offers great luxury resorts, exquisite dining, inspiring culture and history, natural tropical beauty, white sand beaches, and of course, some of the most consistently spectacular weather anywhere on the planet.

UK travellers should find Mauritius especially attractive due to the fact that this past summer was nothing to cheer about. And now that they are in the full throes of autumn, the traditionally warm and sunny European destinations in Spain and southern France are cooling down as well. This is a perfect time to get a flight and escape to a beautiful tropical environment. There are still plenty of flights available as well as resorts for every taste and budget.

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Four Seasons Offers a New Way to See Mauritius

More often than not, tourists to Mauritius tend to embark upon traditional sightseeing tours with trained guides who show them the way. While this method of seeing the Indian Ocean island is certainly a viable one, those who prefer a more adventurous sightseeing tour done independently of large groups now have an interesting new option. The new program is being offered by the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius located at Anahita, in the south east of the island.

So what is this adventurous new sightseeing program? It is something being described by the hotel chain as a "top-down" tour. The tour is developed by the Four Seasons staff tailored to show tourists the best parts of the island that would particularly appeal to their tastes and interests. The tour data is downloaded into the satellite navigation system of a convertible Mini Cooper that the registered guests then use to embark on their own tour, at their own schedule.

The best thing about these tours is that there are four different itineraries to choose from. The choices are designated as Adrenaline (for those looking for exciting adventure), Culinary (focused on fine dining and food), Family (packed with family oriented activities), and Scenic (dedicated to showing guests the best of Mauritius' natural beauty). The scenic tour takes guests to the Black River National Park and the World Heritage Site at Le Mourne.

The tours are marketed as a great alternative for Mauritius family holidays because they allow for parents and their children to experience a wide range of activities they might not otherwise be exposed to. Where mother and father might prefer a culinary tour on one day, they could satisfy the desires of the children with a family tour on the next. Having such a good variety means there is something for every family member to enjoy.

In addition to driving the Mini Cooper from one site to the next, guests will engage in other activities such as hiking, biking, kite surfing, windsurfing, and dining at some of the world’s most interesting restaurants. Far from just sitting in a car all day, these new mini tours provide plenty of activity to keep guests busy for hours. Though they may be tired at the end of the day, it will be with the satisfaction of knowing great things experiences were enjoyed by all.

The tropical environment and natural beauty of Mauritius makes this island the ideal place for The Four Seasons mini tours. If they prove to be successful here it is possible the hotel chain will implement them elsewhere. If you're heading to Mauritius for a holiday this winter, you could be one of the first guests to utilize the service. The Four Seasons would be happy to provide you with your own customized tour that will make your stay in Mauritius a memorable one.

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New Mauritian Dam to Spur Further Economic Development

A project to build a new dam in Mauritius, set to get under way on December 1, is expected to help further economic development in the country's capital city of Port St. Louis, as well as some of the smaller towns downstream. The project will create an artificial reservoir through a dam across the Terre Rouge River, on the north-west portion of the island. When it's complete, the 14.2 million m³ reservoir will become instrumental in the Mauritian effort to maintain responsible water conservation.

The new dam is being built by China's Three Gorgeous Corporation, the operator of that country's largest and most notable water conservation project. It will cost a projected USD $112 million with a completion schedule of about three years. The new dam has already been given a name: the Bagatelle dam.

A similar dam project developed around the turn-of-the-century was an immediate success in helping Mauritius control its potable drinking water supply. Although she is a tropical island in the midst the Indian Ocean, potable water has long been a problem in Mauritius as the government pours most of its resources into the tourist industry, leaving inland towns and cities with poor infrastructure. Building these dam projects means that clean drinking water will be available in those areas as well.

Furthermore, building dams such as Bagatelle help to create a more inviting environment for business development. When dams go in, new towns and their accompanying businesses are born. The Mauritian government is hoping that the economic activity resulting from this new dam will be good for everyone, especially the tourist industry. Tourism still accounts for the largest percentage of the Mauritian GDP and foreign currency, so it must be preserved.

Holidays to Mauritius should only get better with the building of the new dam. But even without that project, this island nation has been a favourite European holiday destination for generations. Being able to visit an island that has been significantly influenced by both the British and the French, means Europeans are able to get a glimpse of a colonial past in a tropical environment where peace and tranquillity are the norm.

The island has always been known for incredible natural beauty, crystal-clear water alive with water sports, an intriguing indigenous culture, interesting and tasteful cuisine, and of course, near-perfect weather year-round. In recent years Mauritius has also been trying to develop itself as a great getaway for sports-related activities. They have been developing their golf industry as well as attracting professional sports like surfing and kite-surfing.

As many of the downstream towns and cities realize a consistent supply of potable water economic development will soon follow. That means more opportunities for business, more places to see for visitors, and a healthier environment all the way around. The Mauritian tourist industry extends an invitation to you to consider visiting their island on your next holiday trip. They are ready with plenty of bed capacity and all of the amenities necessary to make your trip one you'll never forget.

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LHW Bringing Father Christmas to Mauritius

Leading Hotels of the World, operators of the Royal Palm Hotel in Mauritius, have announced plans for this year's Christmas day celebration. It includes bringing Father Christmas, also known as Santa Claus in other parts of the world, to the beach-side resort on the morning of December 25. The program is designed to provide Christmas entertainment and celebration to the resort's guests during the Christmas holiday season.

According to the announcement, Father Christmas will make the rounds visiting all of the LHW properties around the world, finishing up his travels on Mauritius on Christmas morning. After appearing in Seychelles he will make his way across the Indian Ocean and arrive in Mauritius on water skis. At the conclusion of the aquatic program the jolly old elf will disappear from view and reappear in the resort's lounge area. From there the children will be invited into the hotel's kids club to receive gifts. The entire celebration will close out with a special Christmas show.

LHW decided to provide the Christmas celebration so that parents won't have to miss out on an age-old tradition if they choose to take holidays to Mauritius. Having the island play host to the final appearance of the season also plays into the long-held tradition that Father Christmas takes a tropical vacation after finishing his global rounds. It's an added bonus for the younger kids who can then lay claim to the fact that they enjoyed the tropics with one of the most famous international celebrities.

November through January marks the peak travel season in Mauritius so interested travellers should not delay in making the reservations if they want to be at the Royal Palm on Christmas morning. In addition to the special Christmas day program, guests will be treated to a fine luxury resort which knows how to cater to their guests every whim. From the accommodations to the beach to the resort facilities, the Royal Palm is a quality resort.

Elsewhere on the island, guests at all of the resorts will enjoy the perfect tropical weather while relishing the fact that their loved ones back home are fully ensconced in winter. Golfers will be enjoying one of the island's eight championship-level courses in shorts, T-shirts, and sunglasses. Kids will be building sand castles on the beach while couples will go on for long strolls among tropical green gardens. There's no better way to spend your Christmas holidays then an extended stay on Mauritius.

If you've already made plans for Christmas, there is still occupancy for October, November, and even next spring. Regardless of the season you visit, Mauritius always has plenty to offer by way of culture, history, water sports, shopping, and other activities. The island also boasts resorts and hotels to fit every budget and taste. So if you're planning to leave home to travel abroad for holidays, there's really no reason for you not to consider Mauritius.

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Mauritius to Open New Tourism Academy

Hospitality and tourism is at the centre of the Mauritian economy, so what better place to open a tourism and hospitality academy than this tropical paradise. That's the plan, according to an official announcement from the country's Minister for Tertiary Education. The announcement was made last week as part of the opening of a conference attended by representatives from 20 different countries focusing on sustainable tourism.

Among the conferences attendees were representatives from Bedfordshire University in London, who are expected to land support in terms of technical assistance and quality assurance. They also will be acting in an advisory role in helping the new academy offer educational programs worthy of globally accepted diplomas. It's not yet clear whether the Academy will remain independent or become part of the Mauritius University system. One thing is for sure, the new school will be targeting students from both home and abroad.

The government's announcement to build the school is the latest in an ongoing flow of good news coming out of Mauritian tourist industry since the start of the year. It follows on the heels of a recent announcement that the Emirates would be increasing its flights servicing Mauritius from 9 to 11 weekly. In addition, air Mauritius has increased its own flight schedule and reached agreements with British Airways and a prominent Asian airline to bring more flights in. All of this activity is motivating further economic investment in Mauritius, which is good for everyone.

Tourists looking for Mauritius luxury holidays stand to benefit the most, however. The number of options in terms of resort locations, flights, activities, and prices is steadily increasing with each passing month. And as economic options increase, more and more travellers are expected to take advantage of them. Already Mauritius is seeing about 5% increase across the board for 2011. That increase portends good things as the Indian Ocean turns the corner into the fall season.

Of course, the biggest draw for this island is its gorgeous tropical weather and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors coming from Europe, Asia, and North America, where climates can be extreme between the four seasons, find the consistent tropical climate of the Indian Ocean area very inviting. They also find peace and relaxation in the quiet surroundings of the Mauritian Island. Without endless traffic, activity, and the distractions of everyday life, travellers are able to enjoy a week or two in total, tropical bliss.

Mauritius hopes to train both its own native sons and students from abroad how to make the most of tourist opportunities. The success Mauritius has enjoyed thus far should translate into high-quality, educational programs that benefit tourism operators around the world. And as an added bonus, students wishing to learn all about the tourist trade now have one of the most heavenly places on earth to receive their education.

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Emirates Adds Additional Weekly Flights to Mauritius

Travelling from the UAE to Mauritius will now be somewhat easier with the announcement that Emirates Airline is adding two more weekly flights to its schedule. The first of the two flights begins November 4 while the second follows a little more than a month later on December 6. With the addition of the two flights Emirates will now be servicing Mauritius 11 times per week. The increased schedule is expected to boost current capacity by about 22% weekly.

The increase comes at a time when many are sceptical of the international tourist trade. Where many tourist destinations are working hard just to stay afloat, Mauritius and Dubai have had an ongoing relationship of mutual benefit for quite some time. In fact, the Mauritian government made it known a couple of months ago it was working with airlines from other countries to help fill in the service gaps left by Air Mauritius. Apparently, the deal with Emirates Airline is part of that ongoing relationship.

For Europeans headed to a Mauritian holiday, the addition of the Dubai flights provides an extra bonus. Mauritius twin centre holidays (Dubai makes a great stop over when going to Mauritius) will now be a bit more inviting with the opportunity for more flight options. And as Europeans are given more options, they are more likely to utilize whatever can give them of the most value for their money. Several nights in Dubai before heading off to Mauritius is just one of those options.

Both Dubai and Mauritius are popular holiday destinations for both Brits and the French. They offer warm and sunny weather, plenty of natural beauty to explore, cultural and historical sites, and the ability to simply relax and unwind in a resort environment. And both destinations are well-versed in adorning guests with the ultimate luxury holiday experience. For example, imagine playing golf in Dubai on Monday, then again on Mauritius on Tuesday. Being able to experience both on the same holiday trip is certainly a trip never to be forgotten.

From the Mauritian perspective specifically, the additional flights from Dubai is a big help. While Air Mauritius provides a significant service for travellers coming to and from the island, it can't be denied that there are real gaps in their service. The airline needs help from outsiders in order to make the best use of the nation's airport and available flight schedules. Thankfully, Mauritian officials have negotiated with two other airlines for increased flights in the future.

If you've not yet begun to plan your fall holidays for 2011, or you're thinking about starting to plan for 2012, you should consider a twin centre holiday to Dubai and Mauritius. All inclusive packages are available to offer you the best possible deals and most welcoming accommodations. And now with increased flights between the two destinations, you have greater flexibility than ever before.

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US Naval Ship Arrives in Mauritius

The Mauritian Capital of Port St. Louis welcomed the USS Samuel B. Roberts this week for an eight-day stay that will see a cooperative training effort between the U.S. Navy and the Mauritian Coast Guard. The visit is seen as a goodwill gesture between the two countries that will also provide a means for helping to secure Mauritian coastal waters. The visit is part of the Africa Partnership Station program.

While in port, the ship's crew will conduct training classes involving search and rescue operations, at sea fire fighting, electrical maintenance, and on-board damage control. The training is designed to help improve on-board operations throughout the Coast Guard's fleet. The visit will also include a special public service project with a children's school and a soccer game with the Mauritian Coast Guard. According to the commander of the USS Samuel B. Roberts, his crew has been looking forward to the visit.

"Sammy B. is really excited to arrive in Mauritius for classroom training with the coast guard and police here," said Commander Angel Cruz. "The training will culminate with an underway exercise where we'll put all our knowledge into practice. This is our primary mission."

Although the operation is not normally associated with Mauritius' travel industry, it is in a roundabout way. In other words, holidays to Mauritius are made safer and much more enjoyable when coastal waters are secured. By helping to train the Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy is adding to the overall safety of the region and making holiday travel in the area more inviting. The fact that these types of visits are happening all over the region only makes the Indian Ocean more secure.

As for the tourists themselves, most will enjoy the sun and surf of luxury resorts without ever knowing about the maritime operations. They'll be enjoying deep-sea fishing, diving, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing, and all of the other water sports the island nation is famous for. They will be having morning coffee overlooking a peaceful, turquoise-blue lagoon, then spending long hours strolling through lush, tropical gardens.

During the afternoon hours a round of golf at one of Mauritius' championship-level courses may be in order. History and culture lovers may visit one of the island's historic sugar plantations or visit Port St. Louis to see some of the historical buildings. They may take the kids on a trek through the foothills of the Mauritian mountains or rent some bicycles for a leisurely ride along the coast. When evening comes, a beautiful sunset and ocean side dining awaits.

Since tourism is so vital to the Mauritian economy, the training provided by the U.S. Navy can only be seen as a benefit. The more secure the country's Coast Guard can keep the waters around the island nation the better things will be for visitors-regardless of where they hail from.

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Private Villas Add to the Accommodations on Mauritius

When it comes to luxury holiday destinations Mauritius is at the top the list regardless of where you're coming from. The island boasts plenty to offer including some of the world’s finest resort properties. But now there are enterprising hoteliers adding to the accommodations with a new option: private island villas. Many of these villas were one-time residences of the wealthy which have been purchased by resort companies and are now rented out.

It's not uncommon to find these private villas apportioned with as much a luxury as the standard ocean-side luxury resort. Furthermore, many of these villas are on private islands or in remote areas along the coast as yet untouched by larger properties. They are the perfect option for couples looking for private Mauritius honeymoon packages. What could be more romantic than your own private island villa complete with maid service, butler service, and your own chef?

It is these types of options that continue to bring people to Mauritius from all over the world. Europe continues to supply most of the area's visitors, at about 70% annually. But travellers from China, North America, and the Middle East are beginning to come with more frequency as well. All of this adds up to a vibrant tourist industry that has grown by about 5% so far in 2011.

Regardless of whether you come to Mauritius for your honeymoon or just an annual holiday you will be swept away by the incredible tropical environment. One of the first things many new visitors notice is how crystal clear the water is. That's because natural coral reefs protect the coastal waters from the churning Indian Ocean. This provides an environment in which the turquoise blue waters come alive with natural animal and plant life as well as colours that will blow your mind.

Water is the centre point for most Mauritius holidays, with plenty of water sports available. You can try your hand at water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, or even PADI diving. Many resorts have access to glass-bottomed boats as well as local companies offering island hopping tours and deep sea fishing. If you love time on the water, you will absolutely love your Mauritius holidays. And even if water is not your thing there's still plenty for you to enjoy.

For the golfer Mauritius offers several championship level courses surrounded by beautiful mountain and ocean views. Nature lovers will enjoy long walks through lush gardens, hiking along nature trails, or bike riding from town to town. And for those who are into history and culture, Mauritius has more than enough to satisfy. Between the historic sugar plantations, colonial architecture, and cultural sites, you'll learn all about Mauritius and its native people.

When it's time to plan your next holiday trip you should seriously consider a visit to Mauritius. It is a place where memories are made; a place where you'll enjoy the closest thing to paradise on earth. So take advantage of last minute deals right now, or start making your plans for 2011.

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Mauritius Reaping the Benefits of Wet and Cool UK Summer

Mauritius and her fellow Indian Ocean tourist destinations have been enjoying larger numbers of visitors ever since the calendar turned to 2011, and recent statistics reveal some of that may be due to the cold and wet summer in the UK. While France typically provides the most visitors to Mauritius, the number of British travellers has increased significantly this year. More importantly, British Airways and various travel operators have noticed an upswing in last-minute bookings as UK residents look to escape overseas.

Mauritius last minute deals are still available through tour operators across the UK, according to British Airways. In a recent report they also noted that Orlando and Barbados have also seen a slight increase in last-minute bookings. All three destinations offer the beautiful sunshine, warm waters, and heat so lacking in the UK this summer. And with the British summer quickly fading into autumn, going overseas may be a Brit's only hope of a warm summer holiday.

As far as Mauritius is concerned, tourist activity has been brisk to say the least. The island nation has enjoyed a 15% increase in the number of available beds since 2008 with several new hotels planned for opening between now and the end of 2012. This new reality has called for an increase in flights to and from the island, and British Airways has answered the call. They began offering more direct flights from Heathrow this past spring and plan another increase early next year.

Air Mauritius is planning increased flights as well; those new flights will begin this fall. Even the Mauritian government is getting involved, negotiating with several private air carriers from Europe and Asia who might be able to pick up the slack for them. All signs point to plenty of flights being available as the number of tourists continues to increase.

If you've never visited Mauritius there's no better time to go than now. You'll experience the Indian ocean paradise complete with plentiful sunshine, turquoise-blue waters, comfortable temperatures, and some of the most gloriously spectacular sunsets seen anywhere on the earth. Imagine strolling down a white sand beach as the sun slowly sets over the ocean horizon. In the morning, imagine waking up to see a tranquil and peaceful lagoon to one side and the majestic Mauritian mountains on the other.

While you're on Mauritius last minute deals, there will certainly be no shortage of things to do. You could spend a day in Port St. Louis, the nation's capital as well as a great spot for historic and cultural sites. You'll enjoy a spectacular natural environment that includes lush green gardens, hiking and biking trails, and beautiful vistas. For those who love the water, Mauritius offers a long list of water sports to keep you busy throughout your stay. Finally, if golf is your passion Mauritius is the place to be. Her championship golf courses offer not only a challenge, but also the ability to play among the world's most stunning natural surroundings.

More Good News for Mauritian Tourism

Throughout the spring and summer we have been keeping you up-to-date on all of the good news coming out of Mauritius and its tourist trade. Today we have yet again another story further proving that the island nation's tourism industry is thriving. The news comes by way of the latest report from Mauritius Central Statistics Office which shows gross revenues from tourism up more than 7% for the first six months of 2011.

The report shows that Mauritius' tourist economy has so far brought in €325.89 million, as compared to €302.9 million for the same period last year. In addition, the total number of arrivals to Mauritius rose nearly 6% to more than 460,000. Leading the way once again were the Europeans.

These are important numbers for Mauritius, because they depend heavily on international tourism for both their overall economy and foreign currency. In fact, tourism and textiles combine to provide the majority of Mauritius' foreign currency. If trends continue for the remainder of the year the government expects total revenues for 2011 tourism to show an increase of just under 8%. That would be quite an accomplishment in light of a still sluggish worldwide economy and earlier projections that the island would only see a 5% increase this year.

To date there are more than 100 operational resorts and hotels in Mauritius, catering to the preferences and pocketbooks of all types of travellers. You have luxury resorts with private beaches; four-star resorts with beach access close by and even three-star economy hotels which still offer great accommodations at an affordable price. Along with the hotels and resorts you have world-class dining and entertainment, plenty of golf, the island nation's natural beauty, and so many water sports possibilities you can't keep track of them all.

According to British Airways, travel to Mauritius has never been better than it is now. They are aggressively marketing last-minute bookings to people might want to get in before summer's over. They're working with tour operators and resort owners to fill as many flights and beds as possible. This is a great time to get a great last-minute deal on Indian Ocean holiday. If you've never been to Mauritius now was the time to book your plans and get going.

Mauritius is one of the world's top honeymoon and beach wedding destinations because of its weather and picturesque landscapes. Wedding beaches are highly prized because the island's romantic atmosphere makes it the perfect setting. Couples interested in a honeymoon getaway or simply a 10 day holiday without the kids are also known to bask in the glorious sunshine, warm waters, and pristine beaches.

Mauritius invites you to join them this summer for a holiday to remember. They'd like to see their good numbers keep going to be the year, and they invite you to help them make it happen. Once you've been to Mauritius, you'll definitely want to go back time and again.

Travel to Mauritius is made possible by Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK that's been bringing you the Indian Ocean for years.

Mauritius Holidays Continue Strong Despite the Bad Press

If you keep up with the news from the Vanilla Islands you are probably familiar with a stream of bad news that's been coming out of Mauritius within the last couple of months. Most notably has been the government shake-up which has seen several key cabinet officials resigning from their post since the beginning of August. In addition, the Socialist party has also withdrawn from the government coalition in a protest over how an ethics investigation of one of its members was being conducted.

Adding to the string of bad news is a recent report that air Mauritius is running a loss of about £11 million for the current calendar year; this despite encouraging reports this past spring that the government-owned airline was set to return to profitability. The change in fortunes has been attributed largely to lower-than-expected passenger numbers and the continually soaring cost of jet fuel. Yet despite the bad news, tourism in Mauritius is still doing very well.

For Mauritius holidays, all inclusive packages still remain the most popular option for tourists coming to the island. They are the most economical and convenient way to travel overseas. And even though Seychelles has become a media darling over the last couple of years, and her tourist numbers are up as well, Mauritius continues to lead the Indian Ocean region. Those who have visited already know this is for good reason. There are few spots on earth as perfect for a 10-day holiday as this island.

Mauritius' greatest selling point is her near-perfect tropical weather. Because the island is so near the equator temperatures are very consistent throughout the year, accompanied by plenty of sunshine. Combined with the natural beauties of Mauritius which include white sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and incredible mountains, it's easy to see why the locals claim their island was created before the Garden of Eden. Mauritius is truly a tropical paradise and favourite travel destination for many Europeans.

At the same time tourist industry development in Mauritius continues as a pretty brisk pace. There are several new hotels slated to be open by sometime next year as well as a ten-year development project under way to provide visitors with a multi-faceted resource and entertainment venue complete with hotels, restaurants, theme parks, shopping, and more. When the complex is completed it's expected to be the crown jewel of the Indian Ocean region.

While tourism continues strong in Mauritius officials fear that might change if they cannot turn things around at the national airline. Some have suggested the country follow the lead of Seychelles and open their airport to a handful of private carriers. So far government allies have resisted such suggestions. Yet they might have no other alternative down the road if current trends continue.

For your Mauritius holidays, all inclusive packages are available from, Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK . They also have great deals for honeymoon, wedding, and family holidays as well.

Family Friendly Hotels in Mauritius Beckoning European Travellers

Despite very optimistic numbers for the 2011 first season, holiday operators and resort owners in Mauritius believe they can do better where family holidays are concerned. General travel to the Indian Ocean has been off significantly since the peak years of the last decade, but now, as the world's economies slowly rebound and people are once again travelling, family visits to Mauritius are not coming back as well as they could be. Most of the increase in 2011 has been attributed to couples looking for a romantic honeymoon or wedding package.

As you would expect luxury resorts in Mauritius are now realising that families have different preferences that need to be met if they expect to bring them to the island. To that end, some of these resorts are remodelling to include more spacious accommodations designed for parents with several children. They are also including more and more children's amenities and age-specific activities for toddlers, pre-teens, and even teenagers too. Many family friendly hotels in Mauritius even have kids clubs and teen clubs specifically for this purpose.

Beyond what the hotels and resorts are offering, Mauritius is a natural environment for kids because there are so many things to do. Mauritius is more than just her gorgeous weather in beautiful sunsets; she is an island nation filled with adventure. The mountains invite you to engage in long wilderness treks or exciting bike rides. The water offers sailing, water skiing, and diving opportunities. There are even opportunities to swim with the fish that your children will absolutely love.

On the beach you can enjoy a family game of volleyball or spend the hours building sand castles in the sun. Golf resorts are even beginning to develop family golf packages for both beginners and experts alike. The point is Mauritius is opening its arms to families in ways never before seen. If you've previously stayed away from the island for fear that it's not family friendly, Mauritius wants to change that perception by inviting you to come visit today.

Your best bet is to contact a luxury holiday company who can provide you with all inclusive family deals. You want to look for something that includes airfare, accommodations, a dining plan, and any extras that might be important to you. Holiday packages revolving around families are plentiful if you know where to look. And any time you can save a little money booking your holiday plans, you'll have that little bit extra to take with you for souvenirs and off-site entertainment.

If you've never taken the family overseas for holidays, there's no better time than now to do so. Book your fault holidays in Mauritius and see what everybody else has been talking about. Once you visit the first time you'll want to return time and again.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK, invites you to contact them right away about family friendly hotels in Mauritius. Packages are available for you and your family.