Every year, Mauritius attracts over a million visitors in search of sunshine, heavenly beaches and new discoveries. In the face of the traditional hotel offer, vacation rentals are enjoying remarkable growth. Alex Pondville, founder of Sealodge Mauritius, analyzes the changing expectations of this new category of traveler.
A complement to the traditional hotel business
While the classic hotel remains the benchmark, a new category of tourists seeking private accommodation has been emerging for several years now. As Alex Pondville explains: “Above all, our travelers are looking for a unique experience, with the comfort and intimacy of home and made-to-measure services. From villas with private swimming pools to waterfront apartments and top-of-the-range residences, our offer caters for a varied clientele, from couples on a getaway to large families.”
A real asset for the local economy
This boom doesn’t just benefit travelers; it also positively stimulates the local economic fabric. “Visitors staying in private accommodation consume differently than they would in a hotel, where they have everything at their fingertips: they favor local craftsmen, typical restaurants and local shops”. This trend is also prompting owners to professionalize their properties by using specialized managers like Sealodge, employing housekeepers and various service providers.
An encouraging outlook
At present, Mauritius has around 7,000 units available for seasonal rental, but few of them really meet the quality standards expected by a demanding clientele. Private accommodations with high standards, able to provide a bouquet of hotel services to travelers through a specialized service provider like Sealodge, continue to see their demand increase. “Our average occupancy rate in this segment is 78% year-round. The key to success rests on three essential pillars: a quality property, yield management and a thorough understanding of travelers’ expectations.”
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