Hayes and Jarvis took some of TUI Travel’s top-selling agents to Mauritius for a week. Joanna Booth went along for the ride
Hard-working Thomson and First Choice agents were rewarded when Hayes and Jarvis flew them out to Mauritius for a week.
The luxury operator has added five new hotels on the island to its Worldwide Collection brochure, and wanted to acquaint agents with the properties and what the destination has to offer.
Our first sight of the island as we arrived on our Air Mauritius flight was breathtaking. The lush, volcanic landscape in the island’s interior forms impressive peaks where visitors can explore gorges and lakes and see the vast fields of sugar cane, the major export crop.
We headed for the coastline to check out the hotels dotted along the island’s beaches. The ring of natural coral reef that surrounds most of the island creates a calm stretch of sea along its shores, perfect for swimming.
One of the highlights of the trip was a catamaran voyage. We skimmed across the water and dropped anchor just offshore so we could go snorkelling, while the crew fired up the barbecue on board. The group also enjoyed the treasure hunt, organised by excursion specialists SummerTimes.
Then we all jumped into cars and explored the northwest of the island, stopping to quiz the locals and fill in questionnaires before racing to the finish line.
TUI Travel head of sales UK specialist division Peter Turner said: “The opportunity to showcase Mauritius to 40 agents was too great to miss. The group were outstanding and Mauritius sales since our return have been overwhelming.”
Every hotel welcomed us with fantastic food and entertainment, from a gala dinner with a DJ at Le Méridien to a pirate-themed party and quiz at Maritim.
Hayes and Jarvis and Thomson worldwide programme director Lesley Rollo, said: “We received the best welcome and the most outstanding hospitality from our hotel partners.”
The top three hotels voted by agents on the trip were Beau Rivage, Paradise Cove and Le Touessrok.
Mauritius fam: itinerary
Day one
- Hotel visits: Heritage Resort and Spa, Tamassa
Day two
- Hotel visits: Le Preskil, Le Tropical, Belle Mare Plage. Prince Maurice, Beau Rivage, Le Touessrok
Day three
- Catamaran boat trip
- Hotel visits: La Pirogue, Sugar Beach, Hilton
Day four
- Treasure hunt
- Hotel visits: Pointe Aux Biches, Grand Mauritian, Le Méridien Ile Maurice
Day five
- Hotel visits: Merville Beach, Coin De Mire, Paradise Cove, Legends, Maritim
What the agents said
“Every hotel had something different to offer. I hope I can pass on just a little of the flavour, frendliness and hospitality of a true island paradise.”
Moira Wilson, sales adviser, Thomson Holidays, Morningside, Edinburgh
“There were so many highlights, including snorkelling from the catamaran and dinners on the beach.The island is great for golfers, spa lovers, honeymooners and families.”
Julie Gibbs, sales consultant, Thomson Holidays, Bluewater, Kent
“I’ve got three sets of customers who want to book Mauritius waiting for me to get back – I now know which resort will suit each of them. I’m going to put together a Mauritius file at work.”
Tracy Hawkins, assistant manager, First Choice, Southend, Essex