Holiday Travel : trendiest destination among Mauritians

When we speak of the festive season today, besides gifts exchange, big parties, scrumptious dinners, we also speak of spending the end of year period abroad. If Mauritians still like spending their holidays at home, many also look forward to travelling abroad so as to experience a different and unique holiday.

Paris, Dubai, Malaysia, London, Rodrigues, Cape Town…so many travel destinations that have known, in the last years, a rising trend among Mauritians. Christmas and the End of Year celebrations have become great occasions for Mauritians to travel abroad with their families.

Relaxing, experiencing a different celebration culture and style, affordable prices, delicious food, great activities and endless shopping, there are so many reasons why Mauritians prefer one destination rather than the other.

Nonetheless, traveling abroad has become accessible to many and year by year, Mauritians do not hesitate to spend in order to make their holidays exceptional. We’ve talked to different travel agencies to know about the trendiest travel destinations for Mauritians during the festive period. For those who wish to travel, better book now, or better luck next year guys.

Cruises

Both Atom Travel and Holiday Planners explain that cruises are very much in demand during this year’s festive season. Caroline Chen from Atom Travel says that Indian Ocean cruises have known a growing craze among Mauritians.

“The main reason is that it is very affordable and it allows Mauritians to celebrate the festive period in different places. At the same time, they are on a discovery trip.” She trusts that the main reason why travelling abroad during the end of year festive season has become a trend among Mauritians is that “Mauritius is a small country and people like to learn about other cultures, see new things, shop and experience different food cultures.”

Benjamine Li from Holiday Planners, on her part, explains that Far East cruises have also known a rising significance among people. “Far East Cruises are in great demand during the festive periods, as you can spend Christmas and New Year on board,” she says.

Strong points: shopping, great deals and affordable price (For example: the Indian Ocean cruise is at Rs 34,000 for two weeks cruise with four meals per day)

Rodrigues Island

This is the most popular travel destination among Mauritians. The sister island of Mauritius welcomes thousands of Mauritians during each end of year period. Besides the price, Mauritians are very fond of the local products and foods from Rodrigues.

As Umarfarooq Omarjee from Omarjee Holidays explains, Rodrigues is very much appreciated by Mauritians, as its package price suits all pockets.

“Mauritians choose a travel destination in relation to their budget. Rodrigues is definitely the most appreciated travel destination because of its proximity and if they choose to travel, for example, to Europe it is at first costly and they have spend two days travelling by plane. Some people have only five days off from work during this period, so Rodrigues is the best deal they can enjoy with their whole family.”

Ajmal Tincowree from Shamal Travel declares that Rodrigues has remained very popular in 2017.

“Hotels and flights were sold-out for peak dates of 2017 holiday season (Christmas & New Year) as early as October. It is value for money given the price and the number of days you pay for,” he says.

Strong points: proximity, very affordable deals (as from Rs 10,000 including air ticket) and value for money, local products.)

Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam (Asia)

Other travel destinations that attract lots of Mauritians during the festive season are Asian countries. Within the last five to seven years, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and others have known a mounting zeal among Mauritian people.

As the travel agencies inform us, these Asian destinations are turning more and more popular. Benjamine Li, from Holiday Planners, tells us that destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand are the places which Mauritians have chosen to discover this year. She explains that places like Vietnam and Cambodia attract Mauritians for the end of year holidays due to their natural beauty.

“Vietnam or Cambodia still keeps their originality, for instance, their natural beauty and cultural complexities, and they are exotic destinations. Besides, food and handicraft shopping are affordable there.” She states that a place like Bali is among the best selling destinations during this period, “but unfortunately, due to the volcano eruption, many have canceled and diverted to Thailand and Vietnam.”

Benjamine Li adds that Kuala Lumpur remains the last stopover due to December sales. Ajmal Tincowree from Shamal Travel says that 2017 has been an eye-opener, especially with Air Asia’s campaigns. The market for South East Asian destinations has increased significantly.

“Destinations like Malaysia, Bangkok, Vietnam, Bali, Singapore and regional smaller islands such as Phuket and Langkawi have become very popular. In fact, our best selling travel destinations for this year are South East Asian cities.” Similary, Atom Travel and Omarjee Holidays explain that destinations like Kuala Lumpur are very famous among Mauritian travelers.

Strong points: attractive packages, end of year sales, tours and activities, discover new culture and food (For example: Malaysia/Bangkok package as from Rs 33,000 for a week, Singapore as from Rs 40,000 for a week)

Turkey, Spain, Greece

Both Shamal Travel and Omarjee Holidays claim that new destinations are attracting Mauritians with the introduction of Turkish Airlines in Mauritius. “Since three years, Turkish Airlines has opened doors towards destinations that were up to now unknown to Mauritians,” states Umarfarooq Omarjee.

Ajmal Tincowree, on his side, explains that experienced travelers have been very demanding in terms of new cities and destinations. “Shamal Travels in collaboration with Turkish Airlines have promoted Turkey throughout 2017 along with Greece and surrounding destinations.

After a year’s attempts, we are now seeing good results and Mauritians are very much interested in discovering these destinations.” He trusts that “Mauritians appreciate destinations that are rewarding. For example, those that offer value for money accommodation, good food, affordability with regards to retail shopping, and last but not least excursions, sightseeing opportunities and places of interest and landmarks that offer a good experience, like theme parks, tours and so on.”

He also adds that with access to information through social media, websites and increased air accessibility, Mauritians desire more and more to gain and to appreciate a variety of experiences rather than just tangible goods. “For example, Mauritians are now more enlightened and they are keen to invest on experiences like traveling, different activities and so on.”

Strong points: attractive packages (Turkey as from Rs 40,000), lots of sightseeing and attractions, good food and shopping

Dubai

Dubai, as a travel destination, has known an escalating demand among Mauritians. People have discovered this city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through stopovers while travelling with various airlines like Emirates. Holiday Planners, Shamal Travel and Omarjee Holidays, all explain that Dubai has been one of the best selling travel destinations during this time of the year.

Ajmal Tincowree, Benjamine Li and Umarfarooq Omarjee state that Dubai’s bookings have increased for reasons such as removal of VISA, Emirates’ aggressive promotions and the UAE and Dubai are well known for their many attractions.” Why has holiday travel to such destinations become popular among Mauritians? Bejamine Li believes that nowadays Mauritians think differently.

“Life is so short, they want to spend more time with their family by traveling abroad to discover the world. At the same time, parents work so hard that they don’t have enough time to spend with their family, so they try to compensate during holidays abroad, especially with their children,” she says.

Strong points: No visa needed, famous attractions, shopping, great packages (as from Rs 35,000 for a week)

South Africa

Only four hours from Mauritius, South Africa attracts thousands of Mauritians with its vibrating cities like Cape Town. Ajmal Tincowree from Shamal Travel says that his agency has noted an increase in terms of demand for South Africa, especially Cape Town.

“The reasons why people love Cape Town are that this place is a short flight away and accommodation is affordable. This destination is much valued by honeymooners and adult travelers. Umarfarooq Omarjee highlights that Cape Town is well-liked, as it a modern city where people can enjoy lots of activities, live through a worthwhile experience and discover many things.

“You can enjoy a good three-star hotel and excursions as from only Rs 40,000,” he explains. The latter trusts that there has been an opening of the travel market around the world.” The internet and travel programmes help people to find out about places.Today, there are also competitive prices and people have a wide array of choices in terms of offers and packages. In addition, people have the option to choose among various airlines. As a trip is an investment, people look out for the best deal they can get.”

Strong points: proximity, lots of sightseeing and activities, shopping, attractive packages (as from Rs 40,000).