Is the Indian Ocean a bit of a blur to you? For those who don’t know their Mauritius from their Maldives, Emily Williamson sought sales expertise from those who know the Indian Ocean best 1. Stress variety: there’s no such thing as ‘the best hotel’, said Tropical Locations managing director David Kevan. “Bigger hotels will be less personal but have better facilities but small hotels could only have one restaurant. Find out where clients have been before and what they enjoyed.” 2. Always upsell: “People come in with a budget, but show them something more expensive, which, for example, has a spa, a flight upgrade and a seaplane transfer, and they will take it,” said Sussex-based Southern Cross Travel proprietor Penney Bones. 3. Know your islands: Mauritius is the most all-encompassing destination, with hotels suitable for couples through to families with teenagers. Traditionally the Seychelles has simpler, independent hotels, although now more international brands are moving in. It has a reputation for being expensive. The Maldives is a beach and diving destination. 4. Know your clients: the Indian Ocean, particularly the Maldives, is popular with honeymooners. However, going to an island where there’s little to do except talk to each other could be a culture shock for some couples. Check they will be content with just each other’s company. Likewise, it won’t suit a couple where one is into diving and the other is left on their own. 5. Get smart: there’s plenty of Indian Ocean training on offer, for example Kuoni runs a long-haul consultant scheme and the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority runs a Seychelles Smart scheme. 6. Be truthful: most of the Indian Ocean offers minimal nightlife, according to Tropical Locations’ Kevan. For island resorts, such as the Maldives, evenings tend to be dinner and bed. On Mauritius and the Seychelles there is more variety, but most restaurants tend to be other hotels. Check a hotel’s location before booking clients who are looking for nightlife. 7. Think ahead: if it’s not an all-inclusive resort, earn extra commission by encouraging clients to upgrade from half-board, particularly if there’s not much choice of restaurants locally. Eating out at other hotels can be expensive. “Often you can’t just wander off to a local village and find a bar,” said Thomas Cook head of product Jill Thomson. 8. Double up: if clients are after a holiday that has some variation from the beach, suggest a twin-centre with a destination such as Sri Lanka or Dubai. “People can be put off because of the perception that it’s isolated and is just for couples,” said Somak head of product Rob Haynes. 9. Check transfers: recommend hotels in the Maldives that are a speedboat transfer of up to 50 minutes. “If it’s a three-hour speedboat transfer then you need to suggest a seaplane,” said Southern Cross Travel’s Bones. However, seaplanes don’t operate to a schedule and don’t run at night, so clients could find they are waiting at the airport for other aircraft to arrive before theirs departs, or are dropped off hours before their return night flight. “Given the prices, that can be an expensive waste of a day,” said Tropical Location’s Kevan. 10. Read the small print: when comparing prices between operators remember to look out for what transfers are included. If clients opt for a cheaper boat transfer package, they could have to pay a hefty add-on for a seaplane. 11. Plan ahead: advise clients to pack some basics to freshen up on arrival if they’re on a seaplane transfer. Their luggage is likely to be transferred to resort separately. 12. Safety first: remember not to book hotels with rooms on stilts over water if the party includes kids. 13. Shop ‘til you drop: Mauritius is great for shopping. Companies such as Next and Polo Ralph Lauren make clothes there. You can buy these brands there at a fraction of the UK price. 14. Positive feedback: the accommodation in Mauritius is exceptional, according to most operators. “Clients have raved about the service from three-star hotels,” said Kevan. 15. Sell seasons: the Mauritian winter is between May and August, with lower temperatures on the east coast. During those months look to book hotels on the more sheltered west or north coasts. 16. Water features: in the Seychelles temperatures remain consistent, but check the time of year of travel for rainfall. “There are quite significant differences in rain levels,” said Thomas Cook Signature Indian Ocean product manager Victoria Morris. 17. Small change: hotels in the Seychelles now have to deal in foreign currency, so recommend clients take US dollars or euros. There’s little need for local currency, except for taxis and the like. 18. Jump around: island hopping is a popular choice in the Seychelles, particularly for those clients who don’t want to be in one resort. Virgin Holidays offers island hopping for 2006. It can be expensive independently. 19. Local laws: remember the Maldives is a Muslim country. Clients can’t take alcohol into the Maldives, but it is available in most hotels. 20. Dive in: the Maldives is the best-known destination for diving and snorkelling, according to Somak’s Haynes. Mauritius is more suitable for clients wanting motorised water sports.
