Journeys Africa had no problem finding eight travel agents and personal travel managers (PTMs) to join a six-night famil to Mauritius – after all, who would turn down the opportunity to experience the unique island that lies roughly 6,000 kilometres or an eight-hour direct flight west of Perth?
TravelManagers’ Nicole Ginger, representative for Doncaster, VIC, was part of the group, and describes the experience as invaluable.
“I learned a lot about the geography of Mauritius and the different weather patterns that affect where you would recommend for certain times of the year for the best experience,” she adds.
L- R: Nicole Ginger, Michelle Swan – Journeys & Africa, Lauren Compton and Vikki Southern
Ginger was one of three PTMs to represent TravelManagers on the famil, along with Vikki Southern and Lauren Compton, representatives for Mount Pleasant, WA, and Townsville, QLD, respectively.
Compton agrees that gaining personal experience of the destination has made it much easier to sell to clients.
“The sights, smells and overall ‘feel’ of a country is what makes famils so important – there’s no better way to get a deep understanding of a place than by visiting it.”
Southern said her time in Mauritius gave her greater insight into all that the island as to offer, rather than just thinking of it as a beach paradise.
“I can happily recommend this destination to families, couples, travellers of all ages and sporting enthusiasts.
“It offers white sandy beaches, an exquisitely blue calm ocean and tropical sunshine on almost every day, plus an outstanding array of water sports (glass bottomed boats, diving and snorkelling, catamarans or even a flight in a seaplane).”
More than a mere ‘flop and drop’ holiday destination, Southern says the cultural diversity that has resulted from the colourful (and at times, difficult) past of Mauritius sets it apart from other beach destinations.
“Mauritius has something to offer everyone, but whatever their interests, I will encourage my clients to try a bit of everything the country has to offer. Foodies shouldn’t be blinded by the culinary experiences, or the golfers by the sporting pursuits. If they are prepared to mix up their holiday and sample a bit of everything that Mauritius offers, I’m sure that any group will have a fabulous time.”
“[It’s] a foodie’s dream: fresh tropical food in a blend of styles including Indian, French, Creole and Mauritian. There’s even an array of homemade rums in all sorts of flavours!”
Boats at rest on the calm waters of Grand Baie
The famil included the most visited areas of the island, from Grand Baie in the north to Baie du Cap in the south, and experiences that ranged from a golf lesson to an exquisite Indian meal.
“The Ile aux Cerfs was fabulous too,” says Southern. “We were on a private beach, but locals can take a ferry or boat across from the mainland as well to enjoy the fun of the little island. Our day in Port Louis was also excellent, and the markets were a big hit too.”
TOP IMAGE: Anahita Golf & Spa Resort
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