Reunion Islands for the discerning

Kuoni recently organised a training session for the travel trade, educating them on Reunion Islands for the discerning clients. Lured by resplendent nature, landscapes and adrenaline, Indian travellers are lately venturing to niche, exotic destinations. Reunion Island with its astounding geographical diversity is eyeing the Indian market to boost its tourist flow. Its tourism board recently conducted a training spot for travel agents at the Kuoni Academy in New Delhi.

On its first year of promotion in India, the island is trying to highlight its distinct identity. Alefiya Singh, Director, Iris Reps, says, “Mauritius draws a lot of mass traffic, and I wouldn’t want that. ing, and explore its endangered species, turtle sanctuaries, majestic mountains to trek up in the Cirques, drop- offs to dive from or paraglide, big waves to surf, extinct volcanoes and canyons. Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes and you might even get to see molten lava.” A two-night stay in the island could cost anything between 400800 per person, including two excursions, one spa, dinner and stay.

Earlier, tourism followed a set pattern: high season, shoulder period, low season. But those patterns apply no longer, says Gaurav Juneja, Centre Head and Business Promotion, Kuoni. “The newgeneration Indians are looking for adventurous places to visit. They want to pick a destination with good accessibility, short travel time and easy documentation. To fly to Reunion Island, you need to transit at Mauritius, and there’s visa on arrival at both Reunion and Mauritius.”