THE Réunion Island Tourism
Board (RITB) believes in a
strong relationship with the
travel trade in developing
tourism from Southern Africa,
says representative Hélène
Bezuidenhout.
“We rely on and support
the trade to get packages
out to market, we invite
them on fam trips and
constantly train them on the
destination,” she told TNW
when the RITB hosted a
Creole cooking lesson for the
trade in Cape Town recently.
She said although
France and Mauritius were
Réunion’s primary tourism
source markets, it was keen
to diversify with a strong
focus on SA, China and
India.
She advised the trade
to focus on the diversity
of the island and to sell
it as the “adventurous
alternative to Mauritius and
the Seychelles”. “Beaches
are not the focus here.
Active holidays are a big
draw-card. More than 40%
of Réunion is a Unesco
World Heritage Site.
Réunion is a paradise for
green adventure seekers.”
Selling points include Piton
de La Fournaise – one of
the world’s most active
volcanoes – road tripping,
thanks to the excellent road
infrastructure; and adventure
tourism – scuba diving,
canyoning, paragliding and
hiking.
“The target market includes
the young and fit; families;
and seniors who are looking
for something different. It’s
also an excellent destination
for incentive groups, teambuilding trips, or school
groups.
“Réunion is positioned
as a bit of France in the
Indian Ocean, made even
more unique through its
Creole culture,” she said.
To overcome the language
barrier, she advised agents
to book tour guides from
reputable companies who
are fluent in English.
