Mauritius Tourist Board in Hot Water with Many Tour Companies

The tourist board in Mauritius has come under fire from travel agencies around the world for encouraging their five star hotels to stop providing all inclusive package holidays.  The reason they are urging them to stop offering these deals is because they feel that the island’s image as an exclusive destination is being negatively affected by the availability of these all inclusive packages.
The president of the tourist board in Mauritius, Mr. Robert Desvaux has complained that the ‘high end image’ of the island nation is being damaged by the fact that five star hotels are offering all inclusive deals and stressed that these packages should only be provided to tourists wishing to stay in three or four star hotels.

However, this has been met with anger by a number of agencies who have seen demand for all inclusive holidays rocket over the last few years.  Travellers are much more conscious of how much they are spending these days and as a result, they like the idea of the all inclusive holiday as it allows them to have much more control over their holiday spending and budget.

All inclusivehoneymoon holidays to places like Mauritius have been particularly popular lately and many honeymooning couples love the fact that they can stay in a top hotel while having a little more control over the total cost of their holiday.  For them, it is much easier to budget the full cost of their wedding if they can include a full price for their honeymoon before they even get on the plane.  The trouble with stopping all inclusive holidays in these five star Mauritian hotels is that honeymooning couples will probably head to other tropical destinations instead which would be a real shame.

Mauritius is a very popular destination for those planning a luxury honeymoon because it is so romantic.  The island nation is absolutely stunning with glorious white beaches and the fabulous Indian Ocean providing warm turquoise waters in which to swim.  The weather is almost perfect all year round making it an ideal destination for those wanting to get married at various times of the year.

In terms of all inclusive packages, a honeymooning couple could know the full cost of their flights, accommodation, meals and drinks before they head off on their special holiday together.  This is a great help for these couples who will no doubt be carefully considering every aspect of their wedding in terms of cost.  An all-inclusive package to a place like Mauritius will mean they get to stay in one of the most fabulous destinations in the world, enjoying luxury and pampering and at a price they can afford.

Mauritius five star hotels provide the ultimate in luxury with wonderful food and drink and superb accommodation.  They usually provide fantastic entertainment and many of them have onsite spas where the happy couple can enjoy being pampered and spoiled.  It is a dream holiday for many so hopefully the five star hotels in Mauritius that offer all inclusive packages will not stop doing so.

If you are planning your wedding then all inclusive honeymoon holidays to Mauritius might be something you are interested in.  If so, Mauritius Holidays Direct can help you find the perfect one.

Mauritius to Start Targeting Chinese Tourists

From January 2013, Mauritius Air plans to launch direct flights from Mauritius to Shanghai in China as the tourism industry plans to take advantage of this emerging market.  With Europe still in the depths of a major debt crisis, China and India are a couple of markets that Indian Ocean destinations are keen to exploit.

Minister for Tourism Mr. Michael Sik Yuen gave a statement and said that the aim of the Mauritius tourism industry is to double visitors from China every year from 2013.  He is planning to take a delegation to China soon to promote Mauritius as a luxury holiday destination.  Many hotel owners and resort managers will head to China with him in the hopes that they can encourage more Chinese visitors to their establishments.

Mauritius are following Seychelles in targeting other markets instead of relying heavily on the European market.  In fact, there was a large group wedding of Chinese couples held in Seychelles earlier this year.  Nineteen couples tied the knot in Seychelles in front of many officials in what will no doubt go down in the history books.

The Mauritius tourism industry obviously wants a piece of the action as they will have no doubt suffered a drop in traveller numbers considering the Eurozone crisis and the bad press that the recent trial for the murder of honeymooner Michaela McAreavey brought to the island nation.  However, hopefully this beautiful country will start to recover soon as it has so much to offer to the traveller who wants sun, sea and spectacular scenery.

One type of holiday that still remains very popular is Mauritius honeymoon holidays.  A lot of couples want something truly special for their honeymoon and Mauritius can definitely provide them with this.  Some of the top resorts in the world are located in this fabulous Indian Ocean destination and the beaches here are stunning.  The pristine white sands and crystal blue water are very attractive for those who want to spend romantic days together in the sun.  Sunset strolls along these very same beaches are something that a lot of honeymooning couples can be seen taking.

Mauritius is also the location for many fabulous activities.  Both land and water based activities are available in almost every resort so there is no way that you could ever get bored.  Those who like to get wet can enjoy snorkelling, deep sea diving, wind surfing and even fishing.  If you prefer to keep dry then you can see some of the fabulous rainforest areas by taking a wonderful hike or cycling through the trails.  You could also enjoy some horse riding along the beach which is really invigorating.

When it comes to relaxing and unwinding, many of these top resorts have fabulous spas where the treatments are out of this world.  Full body massages, body wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures are just some of the treatments that will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated and ready to face the world again.  And after the treatments you can enjoy a wonderful meal and sample some delicious Mauritian cuisine.

For those interested in Mauritius honeymoon holidays, Mauritius holidays direct has plenty to offer in terms of luxury packages.

Time for Mauritius to Bounce Back to its Former Glory

If you are considering an exotic holiday or are wondering where you could go for a totally luxurious time away from your busy life then look no further than Mauritius.  This wonderful island in the Indian Ocean is perfect for any type of holiday be it a family break, couples getaway or a holiday with a group of friends.  There is just so much to see and do here that you will really be spoiled for choice.

Recent negative publicity has affected Mauritius but the island should start to recover soon considering that it is one of the most idyllic locations on the planet.  The locals are friendly and warm and they too were horrified by the murder of honeymooner Michaela McAreavey in 2011.  This was a horrific murder and something that is completely out of the ordinary in this normally peaceful island.  In fact, the trial of the two men accused was the first of its kind in Mauritius.  Hopefully, the island of Mauritius can bounce back from the negative press that has surrounded it in recent months.  With such beauty on display wherever you look, it would be a real shame for the economy to suffer because of the actions of one or two people. 

Mauritius has a warm sunny climate all year round which makes it the perfect destination no matter what time of year you choose to holiday.  The tourist industry is huge and this is evident in the number of stunning hotels and resorts situated in almost every part of the island.  Beautiful white beaches along the coast offer pure perfection and it is almost like stepping into a postcard when you head down to the ocean for a relaxing swim.  Romantic strolls along the beach at sunset are the perfect way to start the evening.

However, far from being an island with just white beaches and crystal clear waters, Mauritius is full of lush greenery and you can see this from your plane as you land.  The mountainous backdrop is magnificent and if you want to explore the forests and mountain ranges then you will see some of the most spectacular plant life in the world.

There is also plenty to see under the water too and for that reason snorkelling is hugely popular in all resorts.  People of all ages can enjoy seeing the various fish as well as stunning coral by snorkelling in the sea off the beaches.  You will find that snorkelling is something that most of the family friendly Mauritius hotels offer to guests.

For a real treat, a trip to Ile Aux Aigrettes will allow you to see giant tortoises as well as plenty of rare birds and even an occasional gecko or fruit bat.  This is a fantastic day trip and one well worth taking part in.  You may even get an opportunity to see a Pink Pigeon as Mauritius is the only place on earth where the cousin of the extinct dodo can be found.

For more information on family friendly Mauritius hotels or to book a fantastic holiday to the stunning island, Mauritius holidays direct, the UK based holiday specialists can help.

Mauritius Tourism Industry to Target Asian Market

The island nation that is Mauritius has seen a decrease in visitor numbers from Europe, which is probably due to the fact that many of those living in Europe are still suffering through a recession.  As a result, the tourism industry in Mauritius is now targeting the Asian market.  They are hoping to increase arrivals from places such as China, India and even Russia by about fifty percent in 2012 in order to make up for the shortfall in European travellers.

The minister for tourism in Mauritius Mr. Michael Sik Yuen said that they are hoping to attract around 120,000 visitors from Asia in 2012.  Although the total visitor numbers for May were up by 0.6 percent, this is much lower than had been anticipated.  The main market for Mauritius has always been travellers from Europe but there was a drop of 4.9 percent in European visitor numbers because of the debt crisis in the continent.  Thankfully a rise of 27 percent in numbers from China, India and Russia has cushioned this blow.

It is extremely important that the Mauritian tourism industry makes up the numbers because tourism is one of the biggest earners for the country.  Implementing the right marketing tactics is essential if Mauritius wants to continue to be a big name in luxurious holiday destinations for travellers from all across the globe.

With Air Mauritius cutting certain long haul routes to Europe due to them being unprofitable, it comes as good news that there has been interest from some Asian airlines to increase routes to Mauritius.  And there will hopefully be a boost in arrival numbers from next year due to the opening up of another airport.

Mauritius has depended on European visitors for some time now but with the state of the economy in many European countries, it is no major surprise that people are deciding to stay at home or holiday in less expensive destinations.  However, there are still many European holiday makers and visitors from other destinations deciding to travel to Mauritius to enjoy a holiday in a tropical destination.

Mauritius lies in the heart of the Indian Ocean and benefits from beautiful weather all year round. This stunning destination has wonderful beaches all along its coastline and inland there are amazing rainforests with lush greenery and a host of amazing creatures and plant life.

Mauritius offers so much to the tourist with some of the most spectacular resorts on the planet.  If it is a luxury you want, then you won’t be disappointed with your stay in Mauritius.  Guests are treated like royalty and their every whim is catered for by welcoming staff who always have a friendly word and a warm smile to offer.  There are many different cuisines on offer too so that there will be something for everyone.  Most guests these days choose all inclusive packages for long haul destinations such as Mauritius and they will find that these are excellent value for money.

If you are hoping to travel to Mauritius and want information about various packages on offer, then Mauritius Holidays Direct, the UK based travel operator is on hand to help.

TomTom Looking to Send Families to Paradise

If you've ever thought about the possibility of Mauritius family holidays but figured it was too expensive, you might be able to get an all expense paid trip from satellite navigation company TomTom. That's right; TomTom is looking for a family or group they can send to Mauritius to drive around the island in a specially equipped vehicle that will allow the company to create satellite maps of the island. TomTom is willing to pay £10,000 in addition to covering all the expenses of the trip.

Along with Mauritius, TomTom hopes to send families to Seychelles, Fiji, St. Lucia, and Cape Verde. No prior mapping experience is required, nor are those chosen expected to provide their own vehicle or mapping apartment. All they need to do is sign up, get to Mauritius, and enjoy two weeks of driving and sightseeing. TomTom is more than happy to bear the cost because it's one of the best ways for them to accurately create GPS maps.

"The very first step in creating an accurate map is proper field work, and that is where the Map Paradise Project comes in," TomTom's Corinne Vigreux said during an interview. "This project will not only create five new navigable maps, it will also give people a unique insight into how our maps are made. And where better to start mapping, then on a beautiful paradise island."

The choice of Mauritius for a new GPS map is a logical next step for TomTom, as it seeks to eventually map the entire world. GPS maps are becoming an integral part of travel in today's digital age. And with most of North America and Europe already mapped, companies like TomTom are now turning their attentions to the world's most popular tourist destinations. Mauritius is near the top of that list along with Indian Ocean neighbour Seychelles.

Although driving around Mauritius for two weeks is not necessarily every holiday travellers dream come true, it's an awesome opportunity for others. Being able to see all the countryside, along with local towns and villages, provides an opportunity to experience Mauritius in a way that could never be experienced at a beach side resort. At the same time, luxury resorts in Mauritius have plenty to offer themselves. The most luxurious five-star resorts cater to every whim of the traveller to create an unforgettable experience in a tropical paradise.

Whether or you attempt to be part of the TomTom deal or you choose to visit Mauritius through your local tour operator, you'll enjoy yourself to the extent that you'll want to go back again and again. There's nothing quite like the glorious Mauritian sunsets, warm tropical breezes, and mile after mile of gorgeous white sand beach. If you've never been, you have to see it to believe it.

If Mauritius family holidays are part of your future travel plans, contact Mauritius holidays direct, the UK-based holiday company bringing you the best deals in the Indian Ocean region.

Beachcomber to Renovate the Mauritius Properties

Beachcomber Hotels, owner and operator of several prime resorts on Mauritius, has announced plans to renovate two of their properties during the off-season between June and September. The two properties in question are Le Victoria on the island's north-west coast and Shandrani to the south. Guests adversely affected by the renovations will be offered complementary upgrades in a variety of options.

Le Victoria will be closed for 14 days beginning on the 10th of June and lasting through the 24th. Beachcomber is prepared to offer guests several options depending on their booking. Those who have chosen half-board will be offered a complimentary upgrade at either Paradis or Trou aux Biches, while all-inclusive guests can take advantage of the Serenity Plus premium all-inclusive package at Shandrani. As for that property, it is not expected to close at any point or impact the stay of its guests.

Le Victoria will see work in many of the resort's public spaces while Shandrani's renovations are strictly confined to the guest rooms themselves. That means certain blocks of rooms will be unavailable at various times throughout the renovation but the rest of the resort remains open. The Beachcomber maintains that the renovations will not create unfavourable conditions including excessive noise, trash, and so on. The renovations include installation of new media options, new bathrooms, and newly re-designed children's bedrooms in the family apartments.

When the Beachcomber renovations are complete they will add so much more to their guest's Mauritius luxury holidays. That could be one of the reasons why so many hotel and resort owners around the world are investing so much in renovations this year. Bringing properties up to date and in line with current travel trends means a better experience for guests, a more fully occupied property for hotel owners, and just a better travel environment overall.

If you've chosen to go Mauritius during the summer months you've made a great choice. Her geographic location in the Indian Ocean means Mauritius has very consistent weather year-round; unlike some other destinations where it can get excruciatingly hot during the summer months. In Mauritius you'll still be able to get out and enjoy her beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lavish gardens, and majestic mountain peaks. In fact, enjoying what nature has provided is one of the great draws of this tropical paradise.

 Of course, regardless of where you've chosen to stay on the island, you will be treated exceptionally well. Hospitality in Mauritius has become an art form as well as something the local people are very proud of. Be prepared for lots of personal attention, impeccable service, and plenty of warm smiles. Mauritius continues to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world because they know how to do it right.

You can find great deals for Mauritius luxury holidays form Mauritius Holidays Direct, the UK-based holiday company specialising in providing the best travel options to the world's favourite Indian Ocean destination.

India's GAAR Could Affect Mauritian Tourism Industry

The Mauritian government has recently begun looking at ways to encourage more of its own citizens to invest in the local tourism sector rather than continuing to invite foreign investment to be the major player. In so doing Mauritius is following the example set by Seychelles over the last 12 months. The Seychelles program has gotten off to a very good start thus providing motivation for their number one tourism rival to follow suit. In Mauritius those plans may be just in time, given the recent changes of the tax law in India.

Mauritius is one of a handful of tax havens used by Indian investors to protect their assets from heavy taxation. However, the Indian government just approved the general anti-avoidance rule (GARR) which would override double taxation treaties Mauritius now has in place with India. Certain types of foreign investment would be taxed by the Indian government even if the investor is based and incorporated in Mauritius. Not only will that have a negative effect on the Indian economy, it's expected to reduce the total amount of new foreign investment headed for Mauritius.

As that investment is reduced it will have an obvious impact on the Mauritian tourism industry. But it's quite likely the impact will be more positive than negative. Right now much of the foreign investment that comes to Mauritius by way of India doesn't stay in the country. But in order to avoid double taxation it's possible that Indian investors will leave their money in Mauritius and use it to invest in the various components of the island's economy. When all is said and done the local investment, combined with foreign investors staying put, could mean new resorts, new golf courses, upgraded infrastructure, and so on.

Mauritius holidays could very well become even more inviting should all of this come to fruition. More investment funds would mean many of the islands resorts would be looking at expanding and upgrading. Mauritius might also see an increase in tourism\-related businesses such as boat charters, offshore fishing, new bars and restaurants, shopping centres, and so on. It is a scenario that could be just what Mauritius needs to keep investment funds freely flowing on the island.

The immediate impact of GAAR is largely unknown and the effects probably won't be felt for at least the next 6 to 10 months. In the meantime the spectacular white sand beaches and blue Indian Ocean water continue to be an inviting beacon to Westerners looking for a sun and surf holiday; and with the peak holiday season winding down, the late spring and summer months make the perfect time for those travellers that want to get reduced prices on all-inclusive holiday packages. For all intents and purposes, Mauritius is open for business and ready to play.

Your luxury Mauritius holidays begin when you contact Mauritius holidays direct, the UK-based luxury holiday company bringing you great packages in Mauritius and the surrounding Indian Ocean region.

Falling Mauritius Inflation Good News for Last Minute Holidaymakers

The annual average rate of inflation in the tiny Indian Ocean state of Mauritius eased for the second consecutive month in January, according to a report from Reuters today. The fall opens a window for the central bank to lower interest rates, spurring growth and promising great tourism deals. The stabilising of prices means that Mauritius last minute deals for tourists this spring could represent great value and will further add to the attraction of the island as tourist destination.

Wednesday’s official data saw the inflations rate falling by one percentage point to 6.4 per cent. Although the year-on-year rate remains unchanged at 4.8 per cent, according to calculations by Thomson-Reuters, this compares favourably with the International Monetary fund’s estimate last month of 5 per cent for this year. The costs of housing and fuel rose 3.8 per cent in January and restaurant and hotel prices by 3.6 per cent, but local analysts put this down to peak usage during the high tourist season. That view is supported by a reported rise of only 0.8 per cent in food costs.

The slowing of inflation is great news for tourists from the northern hemisphere looking for a Mauritius last minute travel bargain. It means that the operating costs of the hospitality industry are remaining stable, while occupancy is falling following the peak season, leaving hotels in a good position to offer last minute deals in late winter and early spring in the northern hemisphere.

This makes the island, with its key beach attractions and luxury resorts, a desirable destination for tourists reeling from the freezing temperatures of the 2011-2012 European winter, and has buoyed the spirits of hotel and tour operators as they prepare to offer Mauritius last minute deals.

The subtropical island with its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches is a perfect destination for the northern spring, as the dry season begins in May, and will certainly not disappoint tourists seeking bargains in Mauritius last minute deals.

With the Bank of Mauritius trimming is key repo points on the basis of weak business confidence stemming from global uncertainty, the outlook was somewhat bleak for the island until these new inflation figures were released. A Reuter’s poll showed that inflation and interest rates could be expected to remain more or less stable despite the toll taken by the euro zone crisis on exports. The same poll forecast price stability by comparison with other African states, and predicted an average inflation rate of 5 per cent over the next two years.

This combination of factors appears to promise moderate good news for the island itself in the long term and excellent news in the short term for holidaymakers seeking to get away to this usually pricey Indian Ocean destination when they book Mauritius last minute deals.

The deals available are expected to be reflected in the Indian Ocean packages to the Indian Ocean which are a speciality of Mauritius holidays direct, the holiday company based in the UK.

Centara Signs on to Mauritian Development Project

Thailand's Centara Hotels & Resorts announced plans late last year (2011) to expand into Mauritius with a brand-new hotel. However, their plans appear to be much broader in scope than just a single resort property. The company recently announced they have signed onto a brand-new project now being developed on the north-east coast of Mauritius; and ambitious project that will see construction of a brand-new ocean side community named Azuri.

Although Centara is not building the community themselves, they have entered an agreement to manage the new luxury property which will be a combination of residential housing and a luxury hotel. The idea behind the project is to take advantage of the current real estate environment that seeks to encourage both residency and investment among foreigners. The friendly real estate policies developed by the government in 2011 are spurring significant residential housing growth on the island.

Although the exact details have not yet been released, industry experts suspect the residential housing at Azuri will be part of a pooled rental arrangement in which home owners who choose to lease their property, either full or part-time, will be able to turn over the responsibility to Centara. Centara would manage those homes right along with the hotel, splitting the proceeds between themselves, the home owners, and the land developer. It's a scheme that many luxury hotel companies are shying away from but which is proving to be beneficial to those embracing it.

This type of mixed use development could prove to be stiff competition for family friendly hotels in Mauritius. Right now the number of those hotels is limited due to the long history of Mauritius being more of a romantic island getaway. And even among those hotels that are family-friendly, the costs can be prohibitive when compared to the accommodations being provided. Residential homes tend to be less expensive in terms of weekly or monthly rental, and they provide so much more to the average family. This may end up being the wave of the future for family tourism throughout the entire Indian Ocean region.

Mauritius has long been a favourite tropical destination of European travellers, primarily those from France, the UK, and Germany. Being able to trade the often cool and dreary weather of northern Europe for the sun and sand of Mauritius ensures that nearly 70% of the island's visitors are European. And even as Mauritius and Seychelles continue to prosper, Mediterranean destinations are remaining flat or falling as a result of the ongoing European financial crisis. This is a great time for the Indian Ocean to establish itself as the premier region for tourism across the globe.

Right now Mauritius is in the midst of her peak travel season. But statistics show there are still plenty of open beds and flights if you're interested in booking a last-minute holiday. If you prefer to wait till after March you'll be able to take advantage of even better deals and lighter passenger loads. Either way, you owe it to yourself to spend some time in Mauritius.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the UK-based specialist holiday company, has some of the best deals on family friendly hotels in Mauritius

Angsana Hotels and Resorts Opens New Mauritius Property

Balaclava, in the Turtle Bay region of North West Mauritius, welcomes a new Banyan Tree Hotel under the Angsana brand name. The international hotel chain recently opened Angsana Balaclava following the purchase of the property last year. The new hotel is the 11th resort under the Angsana name in addition to more than 40 luxury spas operated by the company.

The luxury boutique hotel includes 51 suites and one of luxury villa on the Turtle Bay Lagoon. It features a very traditional design meant to give guests the feel of an authentic Mauritian village. Thatched roofs, wrought iron gates, plenty of lush greenery, and local art complete a presentation of tropical comfort and peaceful relaxation. The hotel would be ideal for Mauritius honeymoons and intimate couple’s getaways. The fact that the hotel is a mere 15 minutes away from Port Louis also means that guests are very close to some of the best nightlife, shopping, and dining on the island.

The new Angsana Balaclava offers three swimming pools as part of a public space separated from the suites via waterfalls and several types of native foliage. The Angsana Spa is the perfect complement with both double and single treatment rooms, water jet stations, hamman, yoga facilities, and a restorative pool. Couples with a penchant for private relaxation and well-being will feel right at home in this wonderful resort.

The opening of the resort comes at a time when the Mauritian tourist industry is seeing steady growth. It is the second new hotel to open in as many months, and several new properties are slated to begin operations at various stages in 2012. Hotel operators are hard at work increasing bed space and amenities in response to the increased number of arrivals expected this year. If all goes according to projections, Mauritius could finally eclipsed the 1 million mark for 2012. Last year the total number of arrivals was just over 900,000.

The upswing in Mauritian travel is partly due to a return to European economic stability. But more importantly, travel experts place a lot of the success with the fact that both government and private sector tourism officials have been criss-crossing the globe promoting the island as the premier destination in the region. Adding to those solo promotional efforts, Mauritius has joined Seychelles and the rest of the Vanilla Island nations in conducting some joint promotions to raise awareness of the entire Indian Ocean region.

Mauritius is still remains the top Indian Ocean draw, something that's unlikely to change in the near future. She has the best economy, the most friendly business environment, and the most opportunity for tourism-based businesses in the region. Obviously, her gorgeous tropical climate, white sand beaches, and abundance of leisure activities are also a big draw. The future of Mauritius looks bright enough that several international airlines are getting into the act by increasing non-stop flights to and from the island. For all intents and purposes it's "all systems go" for a good 2012.

Mauritius honeymoons are one of the things done best by Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK.