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.

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.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK, has plenty of holiday deals for you to choose from including Mauritius wedding packages.

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.

Mauritius Holidays Direct, the specialist holiday company based in the UK, in great Indian Ocean deals like Mauritius honeymoons and family holidays.