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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