— Luxury Holiday Blog

The CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board used the unlikely venue of Port Louis this week to promote one of his country’s most important annual tourist events, according to a report from Trade Online this week.

Alain St. Ange took advantage of a transit stop in the Mauritian capital to meet local press as he works on raising the visibility of the 2012 Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands “Carnaval International de Victoria”.

As well as publicising the Seychelles event, the press conference served to highlight the excellent seasonal deals available right now on Mauritius holidays all inclusive packages. While keen to discuss the Seychelles Carnaval, St. Ange was side-tracked by Mauritian media representatives who were dissatisfied with Seychelles failure to involve Mauritius tourism interests in the event.

While acknowledging the attractive packages available for Mauritius holidays all inclusive and the importance of Mauritius to regional tourism, the Seychelles tourism chief argued that the Carnaval was good for Indian Ocean unity. He told media that his country was still hopeful that Mauritius would have a presence at the Vanilla Islands event which showcased the regional country and people.

“The Community of Nations is coming to our region and the press are all descending for the carnival,” said St. Ange, adding that it would be desirable for the Indian Ocean island leaders to be seen standing together in unity as their people demonstrated the unique culture and diversity of the region.

The Seychelles event is expected to showcase Sega, the traditional music shared by Seychelles, La Reunion and Mauritius and St. Ange argued that this would present to the world the historical links shared by the three Indian Ocean islands.

The “Carnaval International de Victoria” is expected to attract a large number of tourists to the Seychelles. The secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Talib Rifai, has already signalled his intention to attend after receiving a delegation from the Seychelles at his office in Spain late last month. The Seychelles delegation invited Rifai to attend the Carnaval as guest of honour.

Mauritius is expected to benefit from the tourist influx to the Seychelles for the event as many will arrive on Indian Ocean package tours and many are expected to take advantage of the many Mauritius holidays all inclusive deals available at present.

The timing is ideal for Mauritius, coming as it does after the peak season and the fall in regular tourism to the island. The local hospitality is looking forward to a mini-peak as revellers from the Seychelles Carnaval arrive to catch their breath after the days of frantic activity in the Vanilla Islands.

Mauritius tourism traditionally suffers a slump between the end of the peak season and the beginning of the milder, dry weather in May, and the spillover from the Seychelles is expected to give a much-needed shot in the arm.

In what appears to be a dramatic turnaround from last year’s very profitable tourism season, some in Mauritius are warning that occupancy rates for the island’s hotels will be significantly lower for 2012. In a report from Bloomberg published on March 5, Sun Resorts Limited’s Tommy Wong predicted an occupancy rate between 50% and 55% this year. For the 2011 calendar year the rate was near 65%

There are a number of factors contributing to the predictions, including the ongoing European debt crisis which is causing stagnation in both the UK and French economies. Seeing that those two countries account for nearly 70% of all the visitors to Mauritius, their economic woes would easily reduce travel to Mauritius. Secondly, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Latin American regions are a bit more attractive this year because they’re cheaper for Europeans looking for overseas holidays.

A third factor, and one that is largely seen as positive, is the fact that there are several new hotels opening in Mauritius this year as well as a handful of others that are expanding. The increase in beds is being undertaken now in anticipation of gradually increasing numbers through 2014. Although the total number of new beds realised isn’t clear, if it were a 10% increase that would account for a good portion of the lower projections for 2012.

Regardless of the causes, the reduced occupancy rates should result in better deals for all inclusive Mauritius holidays. As hotels scramble to fill their beds it is quite likely they’ll be offering very good deals on family packages, beach weddings and honeymoons, and even corporate and business gatherings. And their direct competition with Seychelles and Jamaica should make for even better pricing. The key for European travellers is to keep an eye out for deals and contact a tour company as soon as something becomes available.

The projected numbers are, of course, no reflection on Mauritius itself. The island continues to be one of the favourite tourist destinations for both Europeans and Asians looking for a tropical holiday in a luxury destination. All of the five-star resorts will continue to operate with the same high quality staff and service travellers have come to expect. All-inclusive deals will still provide airfare, transfer to and from the airport, and meals and drinks.

And of course, Mauritius’ natural beauty will never be compromised by the economy. Her crystal-clear waters will remain just as inviting, her golden sunshine just as bright, and her volcanic mountain peaks just as majestic. All of the things that make Mauritius such a desirable destination will continue to be there even as Europe and her economy work to settle themselves down. At that point there is little doubt occupancy rates will return to normal. Until then, this might be the perfect time to get a really good deal on your next Mauritius holiday.

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All inclusive Mauritius holidays are always available from http://www.mauritiusholidaysdirect.co.uk/index.php the UK-based holiday company providing you the best Indian Ocean travel packages.

Belle Mare Plage

The patchwork of lush greens and turquoise blues at Belle Mare Plage are intermingled with the whitest of sands, boasts beautiful surroundings and careful attention to detail. No rock has been left unturned at Belle Mare Plage in the quest to define luxury and provide it for you in the most stunning of settings.

La Pirogue

A large variety of activities and dining options adds to the feeling of freedom you’ll feel at La Pirogue as you stroll through the tranquil coconut groves and along the picturesque white sands. This truly tropical resort is dedicated to the sea and all its pleasures whether or not you choose to share these magnificent secrets of the sea is up to you.

Maritim Mauritius

With so much to do at the Maritim Mauritius, finding some time to really have some relaxation downtime is all the more important and, readily available for you, in the shape of a vast Spa and swimming pool area. Indulge yourself in a rejuvenating treatment or curl up in solitude in the Tranquillity Area set behind the Maritim’s peaceful waterfall.

Maradiva Villas Resort

Cramped, impersonal rooms are banished at the Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa in favour of individual luxurious villas. This luxury five star deluxe resort, inspired by its Indian heritage, includes an award winning Holistic spa and offers you the luxury of a private pool. Gone are the days of rushing down to the pool as the sun rises to secure a day bed.

Movenpick Resort Mauritius

Mauritian kindness with Swiss hospitality to bring you first-class service, exquisite cuisine, exceptional facilities and a holiday made in heaven. Soak up the serenity at one of the hotel’s swimming pools or venture farther a field as Movenpick Resort Mauritius is perfectly placed for day excursions on Mauritius.

Hanneman Residence

Experience a real home away from home at the upmarket self-catering accommodation of Hanneman Residence. Luxury doesn’t always have to mean being served by a butler 24/7 and you’ll discover a whole new meaning of the word when you stay here and realise you have everything you want and more.
Chateaux St Cloud

Nestled amongst tropical plants and exotic flowers you will find the stunning colonial estate that is Chateaux St Cloud. From the moment you arrive at La Digue by ferry and take an ox-cart to the hotel you will feel as if you have stepped into an old-world paradise.

Augerine Hotel

This small, family run hotel perches on the edge of the beautiful sandy beach; Beau Vallon Bay, on Mahe Island welcoming you into a homely paradise of warmth and simplicity. Oozing charm and Seychellois style in abundance, the recently renovated Augerine hotel is sure to appeal to your tranquil side.

Allamanda Beach Resort and Spa

Experience luxury in an intimate setting which offers you the free run of a secluded beach and an enticing lagoon in the shaded hideaway that is Allamanda Beach Resort and Spa. Notice as your whole body relaxes and you unwind into that holiday feeling spending time being pampered in the spa, indulging in taste sensations and making the most of what the hotel and its sizable landscaped gardens have to offer you.

Patatran Village Hotel

Enter a world where there are almost no roads, where cars are a rarity and where you’re more likely to bump into a turtle when swimming than another person. This world is the Patatran Village Hotel, on the secluded La Digue Island.

Banyan Tree Seychelles - As you wiggle your toes in the warm white sand and scan the endless expanse of shinning sea before you, you will delight in your decision to stay in this hotel. It doesn’t matter if you are chilling by your pool villa or indulging in a treatment at the spa you are sure to pick up on Banyan Tree’s signature blend of romance, rejuvenation and exotic sensuality in luxury.

North Island – Comprising of only 11 villas lovingly, handcrafted from local stone, glass and wood, the sense of peace and privacy here will make other luxury resorts seem overcrowded. So tuck yourself away on North Island where the food is fresh, the beauty is in abundance and the treatment is first class.

Constance Ephelia Resort – You’ve got an extra 120 hectares of lush land to play about with – it’s no wonder they’ve got buggies to get about the place. So, with plenty of space and plenty to do Constance Ephelia is the perfect recipe for a dream holiday.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles – Play the explorer trekking through the jungle or snorkelling in the sea, act like a Queen lounging by your very own plunge pool with staff just a call away, experience a shore side romance while strolling barefoot on the softest powdered sand.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort –  A perfect blend of beauty and comfort with seven restaurants, a spa and attentive staff dedicated to making your time at the Hilton unforgettable. With facilities and beauty such as this, you’ll wish you could get ‘lost’ here forever.