THE white sand beaches and upmarket resorts of the Indian Ocean are the preserve of Hollywood’s glitterati and the Primrose Hill set, right? Wrong.
Fair enough, a holiday to Mauritius or the Seychelles is never going to be as cheap as a package to the Mediterranean, but there’s no reason why clients without bulging bank accounts can’t enjoy a break to these exotic locations.
In fact, the three-star and below sector is showing signs of growth – a fact not lost on operators such as Elite Vacations, which is extending its affordable options in the Indian Ocean for next year.
Elite managing director Peter Jackson said: “The region suffers from the perception people can’t afford to go there. We want to show clients they can afford it, that it can be done for £800.
“Our sales are 65%-70% for top-end properties and about 30% for the middle sector, but this latter market is growing.”
Travel 2 product manager Greg Young said: “Increased consumer and trade awareness is needed to promote the more affordable options.”
And these two operators are not alone. Somak Holidays head of product Rob Haynes said: “There is growth in the three-star market. About half of our sales are for the once-in-a-lifetime holiday, where clients want luxury. But the other half is for ordinary holidays, for families or couples wanting a good, value-for-money break.”
In 2005, 35% of Thomson’s Indian Ocean customers booked three-star or below. The operator said it’s seeing consistent sales for this sector, and it believes the luxury perception only applies to certain destinations.
A spokeswoman said: “People expect high prices in Mauritius and the Seychelles, but this is balanced by offerings in the Maldives. Charter operations to this destination have led the customer to expect lower prices. This has allowed the budget market to grow alongside more high-end products.”
Cosmos senior commercial manager Sara Gelder added: “Mauritius has a more exclusive feel to it; it is more expensive as it only offers scheduled flights. The Maldives is perceived as expensive but, being a charter destination, is more affordable.”
But does spending less mean lower quality, fewer facilities and poorer service? Not according to Elite’s Jackson. He said: “We have a three-star property in the Seychelles that is in our list of top-five best sellers and the quality is still very good. There may be a difference in the style of rooms and the number of facilities, but almost all are owner-managed. This means clients get a more traditional experience – something not always available from the internationally branded five-star resorts.
“As for Mauritius, the culture is very service-oriented, so clients get top-quality service regardless of whether they’re in a three star or five-star resort. Unless you want butler service, why pay for five star?”
Thomson agrees. “The lower-graded hotels have perfected affordable accommodation at a competitive price without jeopardising quality of service,” said the spokeswoman.
“These properties simply have fewer facilities and a more simplified product than the larger, luxury hotels.”
So, if your clients have less than £1,500 each and want to escape to the Indian Ocean, where will you send them? Six operators tell us their favourites:
Recommended by: Elite Vacations.
Why? “This resort is very popular with repeat clients and always praised by agents on fam trips. It has a very rustic feel and is comfortable and clean,” said Jackson.
The resort has 14 cottages with ceiling fans and showers, all perched on the hillside overlooking Baie Lazare.
The superior rooms have air-conditioning and a kitchenette for clients wishing to self-cater. “There’s a restaurant and a bar and it’s owner-managed – great for those clients who want a more local experience. It is also popular with Elite clients looking for peace and quiet,” he added.
Sample product: £799 per person for five nights’ bed and breakfast, including flights and transfers.
Palmar Beach Resort, MauritiusRecommended by: Somak Holidays.
Why? This three-star medium-sized property is all-inclusive and has a good range of facilities. Some water sports and activities are also included.
“Palmar Beach is ideal for families or couples wanting a relaxing holiday,” said Haynes. Situated on the east coast of the island, the resort has a choice of two restaurants, a pool and a beach bar. Tennis and catamaran cruises are also available.
Sample product: £1,229 per person for 12 nights’ all-inclusive twin-share. The price includes flights and transfers.
Le Tropical, Mauritius
Recommended by: Thomson.
Why? “This is a small, three-star property with just 60 rooms on the island’s east coast with a cosy, friendly atmosphere,” said a spokeswoman. “Although the hotel only has one bar and one restaurant, it’s sold on a good-value all-inclusive package. There is also a range of activities to choose from.”
Sample product: seven nights start at £949 per person twin-share all-inclusive, including flights and transfers.
Summer Island Village, MaldivesRecommended by: Cosmos.
Why? Gelder said: “This three-star rated property is selling very well for us. It is a relaxing, simple resort.”
The hotel is on a small island in the north Male atoll, where water sports are big. The white sand beaches, blue lagoon and all-inclusive accommodation make it ideal for those wanting an unpretentious break.
Sample product: seven nights start at £764 per person twin-share all-inclusive. The price includes charter flights with Monarch and is valid for departures until the end of January 2006.
Paradise Island, MaldivesRecommended by: Thomas Cook Signature.
Why? Assistant product manager for the Indian Ocean James Nickerson said: “This is the right choice for those wanting a larger resort with plenty of facilities, and the opportunity to explore the capital Male, which is close by.”
Sample product: seven nights’ full-board in a super deluxe room start at £1,009 per person twin-share. The price is valid for departures from April 21 to June 30, and is based on SriLankan Airlines flights from Heathrow.
Recommended by: Travel 2.
Why? ”This is an excellent value-for-money property. In addition to all-inclusive rates, there is a range of special offers for the hotel, which can save clients money,” said Young.
“It’s good for families, too, with a dedicated kids’ club, two children’s swimming pools and some rooms that can accommodate a family of four.”
Sample product: 15 nights’ all-inclusive start at £1,386 per person twin-share. The price includes flights and transfers.
