Lydie Sangarin, market manager, Reunion Island Tourism Board
A bit of France in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island boasts of a unique Creole culture and offers Indians newer experiences. There are exciting adventure activities for tourists and there is also a peaceful space for honeymooners. Lydie Sangarin, market manager at the Reunion Island Tourism Office shares with us the best bits of the island for you in this interview.
Why should an Indian choose Reunion Island for its next holiday?
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is an overseas French island that holds high appeal for adventure enthusiasts, family vacationers as well as couples wanting a romantic escapade. We are welcoming families, honeymooners, millennials for those who would like to have a sensational holiday. Our island is offering accommodation and activities for every kind of segments that is a great advantage compared to other destinations in the Indian Ocean.
At the crossroads of European, African and Asian cultures, Reunion is also a true melting pot of different cultures. Indians would definitely feel at home here.
Visa has been eased for Indians, what is the feedback ?
The visa facility for 15 days on arrival is an access to France and tropical holiday in the Indian Ocean at the same time. It’s great opportunity for Indian national to discover France culture also in this part of the world.
What’s new in Reunion Island?
We have more and more activities and new hotels to offer to our guests. paragliding, helicopter trip, exploring the lava caves, diving, etc…
Honeymooners come in big numbers to Mauritius, but Reunion Island has its own charm too!
Indeed, the honeymooners can benefit of visiting two countries in one journey out of India. We are only 40 minutes away from Mauritius island by direct flights many times a day. Indians guests would be pleased to feel the difference of culture and landscaping of these two islands.
You have been working on the Indian market for couple of years now, what’s the growth and how do you foresee the development and opportunities in the market?
The numbers have been in constant growth since we started developing the Indian Market. We are receiving a lot of interest for our beautiful island and all its aspects. Reunion Island is a perfect destination for the Indians willing to discover our natural wonders and adventures. We are grateful to have the trust and the help of the Indian professionals. Their motivation in promoting our island is the key to develop all the opportunities in India for our destination.
You are coming to India for a roadshow early April, what are the objectives and what do you expect from the market?
It’s an honour for us to have the opportunity to be here again in India with our local partners. It’s important for us to thank the Indian professionals who have developed our destination but also very important to meet new professionals. We are pleased to come again this year with our Airline, our Hoteliers, our DMC’s and our Tours partners to explain and show our clients what we are keeping willing to offer to the Indian Market. The Reunion Island Tourism Board has entered an alliance with Atout France offices in India for an effective promotion of the Island.
Lydie Sangarin is originally from Reunion Island. She has a long experience in promoting the Indian Ocean as she worked in the trade and the hospitality segment in France, Australia, Mauritius and Maldives.She has been working on the Indian Market for many years and is passionate about representing her beautiful island to the best Indian partners.
