BTN_March_2012_Day1_Layout 1 29/02/2012 12:50 Page 1
ITB Berlin Special Edition
Wednesday 7 March 2012
www.breakingtravelnews.com
Travel Triumphs
Etihad: First profits at world’s leading airline p12
UNWTO: One billion international arrivals in 2012 p10
Lion Air: Biggest ever airplane order p4
Boom time for tourism in Mauritius
With Emirates boosting departures to Mauritius to 11 flights a week and a host of new hotels opening, it is no wonder this island paradise is considered to be a leading destination.
Emirates has increased its departures to the holiday island of Mauritius to 11 weekly flights, offering a significant boost to the Indian Ocean destination.
of Port Louis, and is equipped with meeting facilities, all-day restaurant, specialty beach grill, and bar lounge. The property opened in December 2011 to rave reviews.
“We are standing by the destination at a time when the international outlook for travel is uncertain,” said Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ senior vice president, commercial operations, West Asia & Indian Ocean. “Our decision to introduce these extra flights is the result of our long-term partnership with the island. Emirates will work hand in hand with the ministry of tourism and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority to develop marketing campaigns to promote Mauritius across our strong global network. We will concentrate our efforts to increase the visibility of Mauritius in new and developing markets,” added Mualla.
New Hotels in Mauritius Those who make the trip with Emirates, or another of the growing number of carriers landing on the island, will be greeted with an ever increasing range of spectacular hotels to choose from.
Newest among them is the St. Regis Mauritius, which is scheduled to open in May this year. Situated on one of the last beachfront properties on the island, on the idyllic white sand at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne, and bordered by a turquoise lagoon, the resort features the signature St. Regis Butler service, a luxurious Iridium Spa, an extensive variety of leisure activities, 172 guest rooms and six exclusive fine dining venues, each with its own definitive style. The resort’s timeless luxury is reflected in the design which is in keeping with the classical colonial style of the island, complimented by indigenous a nd contemporary touches, while also including high-tech amenities.
Angsana Balaclava Newly opened, the charming 50-suite Angsana Balaclava has also been turning heads of late. Situated on the white sands of Baie aux Tortues on the north-west of the island, the intimate allsuite hotel offers relaxation pools or jet pools in most of its rooms, with convenient beach access and integrated Angsana Spa, complete with hammam and hydrotherapy pool. Ideal for leisure and business, Angsana Balaclava is located a short 15-minute drive from the capital
Also reopening last year, after an extensive refurbishment, The Residence, Mauritius, unveiled a new look for its Sanctuary Spa. The new design, using deep purples and rich browns, contrasts with cocooning whites and silvers and brings the spa’s style to a new level. Bespoke lighting, elegant wooden doors and lattice work also add to the design across the eleven treatment rooms (including two couples rooms) spread over 850m² of tropical gardens and overlooking the lagoon. World-class developments such as these have caught the eye of voters at the World Travel Awards, with the prestigious organisation last year recognising Mauritius as the World’s Leading Beach Destination. Over 200,000 industry insiders cast a vote during the exhaustive process, with the Indian Ocean paradise emerging ahead of the Maldives, Maui and the Seychelles among others.
For more information visit www.tourismmauritius.mu or head over to Hall 20./129.
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