TERRY MUNRO
The Mauritius specialist tells us about his own favourite holidays and the company’s post-Covid plans
How often do you travel? Approximately eight times a year overseas as well as many domestic trips.
What is the last place you visited before
lockdown? Mauritius. And it’s the first place I’ll go when it’s lifted, for sure.
What do you remember most about childhood holidays? The beautiful beach in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal.
Describe your first trip abroad.
My first trip abroad was to London. I was so excited to land in this country steeped in history. I loved the many sights, like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Madame Tussauds and so many more. The thing that blew my mind was the efficient Tube and bus services. It was so easy to get around and explore.
What is the most difficult, remote or adventurous destination you’ve been to?
Thailand is certainly one of my favourite countries to visit with its humble people, many interesting sights and awesome food. I also love Mexico with its long history and many tourist attractions. The beaches are magnificent but it is a long way away and the time change is not ideal.
What is your favourite city in SA? Why?
Cape Town, as it has so much to offer including magnificent sightseeing, a great selection of quality restaurants, tasty wines, plenty of activities, live theatre shows, stunning beaches and so much more.
What's your favourite international city?
London for sure. It has so much to see and do, a long and interesting history and quality shops.
Do you prefer roughing it or luxury when travelling? Describe the best experience you’ve had of your choice.
I prefer luxury. My favourite place for this in undoubtedly Royal Palm, Beachcomber’s flagship. I have had the pleasure of staying there on about 10 occasions and it offers everything that one could wish for in every way. It has a wide variety of exquisite suites, a magnificent beach, a spa, tasty cuisine and the best service. Oh, I’d love to be there right now.
What do you hate about travelling or holidays?
Queueing is the first negative but then it is worth it in the end. Bumpy flights and sometimes the food can challenge the stomach, like I experienced in Egypt and India.
What has been your worst travel experience?
I think Taiwan, as the language was a problem. Also, I would never indulge in some of the food I was offered there: snakes’ blood, monkeys’ brains etcetera.
Are you an adventurous eater when you travel? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve tried? I love spicy food but I am not that adventurous. My worst food was jelly fish in Hong Kong (gristly and tough).
What’s your go-to plane outfit? Depends whether it’s short-haul or long-haul, but generally comfortable, loose clothing.
Must-have plane items? Toiletries, earphones (I enjoy a good movie), quality wine, jersey, maybe some sleeping tablets when crossing several time zones.
What’s your ultimate bucket-list destination? Two places I still want to visit are Cuba and Alaska in the US.
Tell us a bit about the impact of Covid-19 on your business. It’s been absolutely terrible in the tourism business with zero income but we’re still dealing with holiday postponements and cancellations. Fortunately, we have had reserves so no retrenchments have been made.
What are Beachcomber’s plans going forward?
It’s now key that we add safety to our wonderful resorts, which offer such excellent value for money and so much to see and do. It’s the best holiday ever for families.
Mauritius has always been popular with South African travellers. Do you think there will be a rush to return once the borders open? Yes. South Africans are resilient by nature and Mauritius did an outstanding job in containing Covid19. The country currently has two active cases. South Africans love Mauritius as a destination — it’s so close, with friendly people and top-class service.
What do you think some of the concerns will be and how will you manage them? The concerns will be that holiday makers must feel safe, so we will ensure that all precautions are in place from the moment people arrive at the airport to when they leave. Beachcomber Hotels has invested hugely in new measures and training to offer service with safety.
What would your advice be to someone who might have been planning a 2020/21 holiday with Beachcomber? Book as soon as the borders open between Mauritius and SA. What safer and better place is there to have a holiday?