Inter-Island Travel: Air Austral Leads

Reunion airline since April 1 offers Pass Vanilla Islands. Which entitles attractive rates for single trips from St Peter and St-Denis to Mauritius, Comoros, Mayotte, Seychelles and Madagascar (Antananarivo, Nosy Be at Tamatave). Rates that vary between 45 euros and 90 euros (excluding taxes and service charges) or Rs 1800 to Rs 3600.

Among the conditions: the pass is only for travellers who book on Air Austral departing from European airports served by the airline. "The goal is to promote the islands of the region for travellers wishing to stay combined in more than one destination in the Indian Ocean, " argues Elizabeth Wiehe, representative of Air Austral to Mauritius. Especially as the demand is there, she adds.

Adding that it is left for the company, which revives the profits after financial difficulties. "The regional market is doing very well for Air Austral will restart its connection to the Seychelles on June 20, after more than a year suspension , "she says.

A destination that offers true diversity

Alain St-Ange, the president of Vanilla Islands and also Minister of Tourism in the Seychelles, welcomes this approach of Air Austral. "This is the result of the work we've done to tell around the world that we a new region is positioned for visitors in search of destinations combining diversity and complementary strengths from island to island. Austral Air should be commended for thinking region and thus Vanilla Islands " Has he told  lexpress .

Alain St-Ange goes further and says that the work done to put the name of the Vanilla Islands - concept launched at Tourism Fair Top Resa in Paris in September 2011 - has been a real success . "The region is known today and you begin to hear the side of tour operators that their customers are also looking for a Vanilla Islands combined package with two or three islands, " he said.

The specifications of each of the islands is also being prepared and will be followed by leaflets and finally a coffee table book , "which will highlight the strengths of our islands to better promote our region as a destination that offers true diversity ".

Ministerial meeting in Seychelles before Carnival

Meanwhile, the Vanilla Islands know another development. The second consecutive term of Alain St-Ange expires at end of May. In a statement issued Tuesday he wants the presence of all tourism ministers and presidents of regional councils of the islands of the Indian Ocean to the next and "important ministerial meeting" planned to Seychelles on April 24. Or, one day before the start of the International Carnival of Victoria, an appointment which appears in Calendar of Vanilla Islands. This meeting will be the appointment of Alain St-Ange successor.

"We also need to consult us to discuss other islands wanting to integrate Vanilla Islands", also said Alain St-Ange. Reference is made to Sri Lanka particular.