The Réunion Island Tourism Board hosted a workshop for South African travel agents on April 7 to showcase the island’s natural wonders and unique experiences.
Located 210km southwest of Mauritius, Réunion offers a variety of activities and adventures as well as white- and black-sand beaches. The island’s offerings are a more affordable alternative to Mauritius, which has become more costly since the pandemic, according to Stéphane Bonneau, Head of International Markets Development at Réunion Tourism.
Bonneau welcomed agents, showcasing Réunion’s numerous activities, cultural diversity and various accommodation options.
The island offers over 70 outdoor activities, including diving, surfing, horse riding and paragliding. A variety of hiking trails allow hikers to also summit the island’s active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, when volcanic activity is low. They can also explore the lava caves and tunnels. During whale season, June to October, travellers have the rare opportunity to swim with the whales.
Less adventurous travellers can experience local Creole cuisine through a cooking class. A local chef takes visitors to a market to source ingredients and they then cook the traditional meal themselves.
The board’s partners, Connections Réunion (DMC), Quality Time (DMC), Oussa Nou Dor (accommodation provider), Gites de France Ile de Réunion (accommodation provider), Voyazil (travel agency), and Air Austral (airline), were all present to educate agents about the destination.
Agents were advised on the best ways to explore the island, including staying at multiple accommodation sites or self-driving, which makes exploring the island easier.
It is just a three-and-a-half-hour flight on Air Austral, the only airline offering direct flights from Johannesburg, and South African passport holders do not need a visa.
