Emirates Airline and MTPA hold joint road-shows in key Middle East markets to promote Mauritius

Dubai, U.A.E, 5th March 2009 – Emirates Airline and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) joined forces to promote the Republic of Mauritius in four key cities across the Middle East over one week, with the road show concluding in Dubai today.

The Middle East road show is part of a long term campaign to promote the Republic of Mauritius as an exciting and unique holiday destination. Kicking off in Kuwait on the 1st March, the road show then travelled to Riyadh and Jeddah before making its final stop in Dubai today. The four cities were carefully selected by Emirates and the MTPA due to their strong potential for travel.

Targeted primarily at the travel trade, each of the road shows involved presentations by key Mauritian delegates, highlighting the idyllic islands key attractions; from pristine beaches to untouched mountains and world-class hotels and resorts, Mauritius offers something for even the most discerning travellers.

Honourable Xavier-Luc Duval, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism and Leisure and External Communications said: “The Middle-East is to be considered as a market which is geographically close to the Mauritian destination. Mauritius is well served by Emirates Airline throughout the year. A special terminal at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is dedicated to private jets.

“The Middle-East is a prosperous market and Mauritius already welcomes numerous Arab families who come on vacation in the island. The Mauritian destination is also open to the expatriate community, residing in the big cities of the Middle-East who have a high purchasing power.

“The Mauritian tourist product is in line with what this clientele is looking for. We offer a warm welcome, security, luxurious hotels, food which is adapted to the Arab clientele and we are only a few hours away by air from the main cities of the Middle-East.”
The Mauritian government delegation was headed by Honourable Xavier-Luc Duval, Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism and External Communications and Dr Karl Mootoosamy, Director of the MTPA, amongst others. A number of representatives from local Mauritian hotels and tour operators were also be part of the road show. Emirates was represented by Khalid bel Jaflah, Vice President – UAE, Commercial Operations Emirates and Dina Al Herais – VP Commercial Operations – Emirates Holidays.
Commenting on the road shows, Khalid bel Jaflah, said: “Emirates has always played a catalytic role in developing the tourism links between Dubai and the destinations that it serves. By organising these road-shows, Emirates has taken one more significant step in its endeavour to promote Mauritius as a luxurious destination.”

“Emirates is a strong advocate for Mauritius and throughout the years we have worked in association with the MTPA to help raise awareness of the incredible facilities the destination has to offer. Campaigns have taken the form of road-shows, press trips, travel agent familiarisation trips as well as special features in Emirates in-flight magazine. These actions have resulted in creating and sustaining the visibility of the destination in new and emerging markets, more particularly the Middle-East and East European countries.”

“Mauritius offers unbeatable value to tourists ready for a truly unforgettable holiday. There’s no better time than now to take advantage of the many attractions of this paradise island.”
Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates Airline, has strongly marketed Mauritius through its ‘World of Choice’ brochure which proposes flexible, affordable and high-value holiday packages to all types of travellers including families, honeymooners and up-market travellers.

As part of the Mauritius Road show Emirates Holidays has put together some fantastic destination packages starting from; AED 7860 from Dubai.

The packages include return economy class airfares and accommodation as well as meet and assist private transfers on arrival in Mauritius. Accommodation packages include options such as ‘stay five nights for the price of four’ and all packages include breakfast. Eight hotels have been incorporated in the Emirates Holidays packages including; Four Seasons Resort Anahita, One and Only Le Saint Geran, Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa Le Touessrok, The Oberoi Mauritius, Les Pavillons, Paradis Hotel and Golf Club and Beau Rivage Ile Maurice .

Packages can be booked in person at any Emirates travel hub or travel agency. Packages are valid for booking from 1st May to 30th September 2009 and are subject to availability and applicable conditions.

Currently, Emirates operates a daily flight between Dubai and Mauritius on three configurations of the Boeing 777.