Mauritius woos Gulf tourists

Friday, Mar 06, 2009

Gulf News

Dubai: Emirates airline and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority joined forces to promote the Republic of Mauritius in four key cities in the Middle East.

The one week road show campaign concluded in Dubai yesterday. The Middle East event is part of a long term campaign to promote Mauritius as an exciting and unique holiday destination.

The road show kicked off in Kuwait on March 1, then went to Riyadh and Jeddah before making its final stop in Dubai. The four cities were carefully selected by Emirates and the promotion authority due to their strong potential for travel.

Targeted primarily at the travel trade, each of the road shows involved presentations by key Mauritian delegates, highlighting the idyllic island's key attractions; from pristine beaches to untouched mountains and world-class hotels and resorts, Mauritius offers something for even the most discerning travellers.

Xavier-Luc Duval, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism and Leisure and External Communications said: "The Middle East is to be considered a market which is geographically close to the Mauritian destination. Mauritius is well served by Emirates airline throughout the year. A special terminal at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is dedicated to private jets.

"The Middle East is a prosperous market and Mauritius already welcomes numerous Arab families who come on vacation in the island. The Mauritian destination is also open to the expatriate community, residing in the big cities of the Middle East who have high purchasing power.

"The Mauritian tourist product is in line with what this clientele is looking for. We offer a warm welcome, security, luxurious hotels, food which is adapted to the Arab clientele and we are only a few hours away by air from the main cities of the Middle East."

Khalid Jaflah, Vice President - UAE, Commercial Operations, Emirates, said: "Mauritius offers unbeatable value to tourists ready for a truly unforgettable holiday. There's no better time than now to take advantage of the many attractions of this paradise island."

Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of the airline, has strongly marketed Mauritius through its 'World of Choice' brochure which proposes flexible, affordable and high-value holiday packages to all types of travellers including families, couples and up-market travellers.

As part of the Mauritius Road show Emirates Holidays has put together some attractive destination packages starting from Dh7,860 from Dubai.

The packages include return economy class airfares and accommodation as well as meet and assist private transfers on arrival in Mauritius.

Accommodation packages include options such as 'stay five nights for the price of four' and all packages include breakfast.