Newsletter May 2023

Dear Partners and valued readers,

Greetings! I hope this newsletter finds you well and embracing the joys of the splendid month of May. As we welcome the tropical winter, I am thrilled to share with you the delightful experiences that have shaped My Holidays’ this month.

May brought forth a tapestry of celebrations and activities that invigorated our spirit and allowed us to immerse in various enriching endeavors. From honoring the hard work and dedication of individuals on Labour Day to savoring the diverse flavors of bread on Breads Day, each occasion provided moments of reflection, connection, and indulgence.

Likewise, the Chinese Food Festival was a gastronomic extravaganza that tantalized our taste buds and celebrated the rich culinary heritage of China.

But most importantly, we were excited to hear the news of Mauritius’ “No Passport” scheme for Reunion Island travelers. It is a testament to the island’s commitment to fostering cultural exchange and creating unforgettable memories for travelers.

As we embark on this journey through the month of May, I invite you to revel in the simple joys, embark on new adventures, and embrace the beauty that surrounds us. May this season bring you warmth, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.

Happy Reading!

Josian Deelawon

Labour Day Celebrations

Labour Day holds a significant place in the history of Mauritius, as it was celebrated for the first time on May 1st, 1938.

This year, we commemorate the 79th anniversary of this annual observance in our country. It is a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of our workers.

Moreover, the year 1950 marked another milestone as Labour Day was officially recognized as a public holiday. This recognition was a hard-won victory for Mauritian workers, earned through their unwavering struggle between 1936 and 1948. Their relentless efforts paved the way for the establishment of this cherished holiday.

Almost eight decades have passed since the enactment of the Labour Ordinance of 1938, a pivotal moment in our history. This legislation brought about significant changes, including the transformation of the Immigration Department from the Indenture Era, which once stood at the esteemed Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, into the Labour Department. These transitions during the late 1930s and 1940s left an indelible mark on the lives of Mauritian workers and shaped the foundations of our early labor movement.

Labour Day in Mauritius is also a time for cultural festivities and entertainment. Communities organize events such as music performances, traditional dance shows, sports competitions, and food fairs to celebrate the contributions of workers and foster a sense of community spirit.

La Fête du Pain

After a four-year absence due to health restrictions, “La Fête du Pain” has made a triumphant return. From May 19, until Saturday, May 20, Les Moulins de la Concorde cordially invited both the public and professionals to gather at the Caudan Waterfront for a delightful celebration centered around bread. The primary goal of this event is to foster a sense of togetherness and indulgence as attendees discover the culinary wonders crafted by talented chefs and exhibitors. Visitors were greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods and had the opportunity to satiate their taste buds with these delectable treats.

Moreover, the festival showcases Mauritius-themed artworks, which were unveiled to the public on Friday morning and remained on display until Saturday afternoon. Exhibitions and sales are planned to introduce the public to exciting new products while highlighting the talents of Mauritian producers in a festive ambiance.

Furthermore, the festival places great importance on environmental consciousness by encouraging exhibitors to utilize recyclable materials and featuring furniture made from pallets.

Competitions are being organized in collaboration with the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs of Mauritius (AHRIM) in several categories, including artistic creations, bakery catering, and a gourmet basket composed of breads and pastries. Supermarket bakers unleashed their creativity to present their best “Baker’s Basket” to a distinguished panel of judges, comprising chefs from the Bocuse d’Or Academy in Mauritius.

Charitable endeavors are also a significant part of this event through the “Pains du Partage” initiative orchestrated by Winners supermarket. By purchasing the festive breads, customers contributed to a fund that will be distributed among several Mauritian NGOs.

Furthermore, the Moulins de la Concorde will carry out a benevolent distribution of brioches to hospices throughout the island and to associations benefiting from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

Escapades

Catamaran Trip to Northern Islands

The sailing trip begins at 9:00 AM from Grand Bay Sunset Boulevard, offering a picturesque view of Grand Bay. Cruise on a catamaran around Coin de Mire island, which serves as a sanctuary for sea birds. Afterward, the catamaran will anchor in the turquoise lagoons near the islets of the north, providing a tranquil escape from the hectic daily routine.

Experience the joy of snorkeling and swimming, followed by a delicious BBQ lunch served onboard. You’ll also have free time to relax or explore Gabriel Island on foot, an uninhabited island away from the bustling city life.

At 4:00 PM, the journey back to Grand Bay Sunset Boulevard commences, concluding the sailing trip.

A hiking Adventure!

If you’ve ever been curious about the Dodo’s habitat or what Mauritius looked like in its pre-human era, a visit to Ebony Forest is a must. Take a break from the beaches and immerse yourself in the lush mountains and greenery of Chamarel, which shelter some of the world’s most endangered species.

Kickstart or conclude your visit with a self-guided tour of our museum, the Ebony Experience. It was authored and illustrated by Dr. Julian Hume, a respected British paleontologist, artist, and co-author of the renowned book “Lost Land of the Dodo.” If time is limited, don’t miss the captivating 6-8 minute film available in English or French, sponsored by the Mauritius Commercial Bank and produced by Mystic Mauritius. Exiting the museum, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the significance of our conservation efforts.

Before embarking on your hike, seize the opportunity to meet Donatello, Vanille, Ralph, and Flash—our four Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea)—who are diligently creating a grazing lawn. These tortoises are part of a study exploring whether exotic tortoises can assume the ecological roles once performed by the extinct giant Mauritian tortoises. In the past, these giant tortoises roamed in vast herds and played vital roles in seed dispersal and grazing. We aim to utilize these gentle giants to assist us in managing exotic vegetation.

During your 1.3 km hike (15-20 mins) towards the Flycatcher Raised Walkway, you’ll encounter various restoration sites in different stages of management. Look for stones marked with “RS” that denote these “restoration sites.” Some may have recently been weeded, while others might have been freshly planted or grown to heights exceeding 3 meters. Our NGO tirelessly endeavors to transform this habitat, currently lacking in species diversity, into a thriving and biodiverse forest that serves as a home to numerous threatened species.

Meet your guide at the beginning of the Flycatcher Raised Walkway and embark on a 30-minute guided tour through one of Mauritius’ best-preserved ebony forests using our unique raised walkways. Discover our forest restoration and bird conservation initiatives, experience the density of ebony wood, and understand why it is among the world’s most valuable woods. Observe fruit bats hanging from trees or feasting on fruits, endemic Phelsuma geckos basking in the sun, pic pic birds hopping around the canopy in search of insects, and one of the world’s rarest trees—the bois corail or Coral Tree—renowned for its magnificent coral-shaped flowers. Immerse yourself in the sweet aromas of the fresh and cool forest air and learn about our installation of artificial nest boxes for the Mauritius Kestrel and Echo Parakeet.

After the guided tour, ascend the steps to the Ridgeline Trail. This tranquil 1.1 km trail winds through native forest, offering breathtaking views of Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the crystal-clear waters surrounding Ile aux Benitiers. Along the way, spot Mauritius Paradise Flycatchers in their territory as these inquisitive birds join you on your walk. On average, it takes 30 minutes from the Flycatcher Forest to reach Sublime Point, living up to its name with awe-inspiring vistas. Considered one of the finest views in Mauritius, if not the very best, it encompasses Le Morne, Ile aux Benitiers, Tourelle du Tamarin, Montagne du Rempart, Corps de Garde, Trois Mamelles, Le Pouce, Pieter Both, Piton Canot, and the island’s highest peak, Piton de la Riviere Noire. From this unique vantage point, observe the endemic Mauritian Fruit Bat soaring beneath you, White-tailed Tropic Birds delighting with their aerial acrobatics, as well as Mascarene swiftlets and Mauritius Kestrels. While you relax and relish the view, indulge in local snacks and drinks, such as gateaux piments, samosas, tamarind juice, and lemongrass juice at our Sublime Snack.

For the adventurous and energetic, a hike up Piton Canot offers a rewarding 360-degree panorama of the west and southwest coasts, the village of Chamarel, and the Black River Gorges National Park. This 400 m trail involves a 140 m ascent to the summit at 542 m above sea level. We recommend starting the hike up Piton Canot no later than 4 pm.

The return hike to the Visitor Centre spans 2.4 km and takes approximately 30 to 50 minutes. Enjoy the scenic views overlooking the valley towards Baie du Cap. If you missed the museum during your initial visit, now is your chance to explore it. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir from our Shop. Your visit and purchases contribute to the conservation of endangered species and habitats, as well as carbon offsetting. All profits generated are reinvested into our conservation work at Ebony Forest or one of our other conservation sites.

Once upon a time, the lush ebony trees reigned over Mauritius, but today, only fragments of the native forest remain. At Ebony Forest, our mission is to revive and recreate 45 hectares of indigenous forest, as the exceptional biodiversity of Mauritius relies on it. Since 2006, we have diligently cleared invasive plants from over 13 hectares and planted more than 130,000 native plants cultivated in our specialized nursery. This restoration work is a long-term commitment that necessitates a dedicated team working tirelessly to combat invasive species. By visiting our forest, you contribute to financing this costly endeavor.

In addition to invasive plants and animals posing threats to the island’s biodiversity, we acknowledge that a lack of awareness and disconnection from nature is one of the primary challenges. The future of our natural world depends on the present and future generations recognizing its intrinsic value. To address this, we have established an Ecology Centre and developed educational programs aimed at reconnecting local children with their natural heritage. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature among the youth, ensuring a brighter future for our ecosystems.

A must do!

Chinese Food Festival

China Town, Port Louis changed into a vibrant atmosphere as it hosted the much-anticipated Chinatown Food and Cultural Festival on May 27th and 28th, 2023. This must-attend event, organized by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Mauritius, showcases the rich Chinese heritage through delectable cuisine and captivating cultural performances.

Indulge in an array of culinary delights as you explore the festival’s 26 stalls dedicated to catering. From traditional boiled and fried noodles to tantalizing Chinese cakes and other mouthwatering dishes, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Cedric Ah Chuen, the president of this year’s festival, promised an abundance of choices, ensuring a delightful experience for all attendees.

In addition to the culinary extravaganza, immerse yourself in the cultural aspects of the festival. Local artists graced the stage with captivating performances throughout the two-day event. Furthermore, Malaysian artists have been invited to provide musical entertainment and showcase the mesmerizing art of bian lian, a mask-changing performance.

Located in the heart of Port Louis, China Town is a treasure trove of traditional and cultural wonders. Stretching approximately 500 meters along the renowned Rue Royale, this quaint neighborhood exudes a unique charm, making it a significant cultural heritage site in Mauritius.

The origins of China Town can be traced back to the 18th century when the first wave of Chinese immigrants arrived in Port Louis. These courageous individuals, primarily from Guangzhou, embarked on British, French, and Danish ships, seeking new opportunities. They settled along the central street of Port Louis, establishing a small but thriving Chinatown. Over time, more Chinese immigrants, including Cantonese and Hakka speakers, joined the community, contributing to its growth and diversity. Today, despite being a minority comprising only 3% of the Mauritian population, the Chinese community has left an indelible mark on the island’s culture and cuisine.

Wandering through the bustling streets of China Town, you’ll witness a hive of activity on weekdays, with people engaged in business meetings and trade. The area is renowned for its delectable Chinese cuisine, which has become an integral part of Mauritian culture. From fried noodles and dumplings to chopsuey and Pekin ducks, the flavors and aromas of China Town will tantalize your taste buds. The shops in the area offer a diverse range of products, including toys, Chinese paintings, clothing, books, and traditional medicines. The enchanting scent of Chinese spices permeates the air, while authentic Chinese cakes tempt passersby. Whatever Chinese cooking ingredient you seek, China Town is sure to have it.

Yearly, China Town hosts a food festival that celebrates the diversity of Chinese cuisine, providing a melting pot of flavors and a glimpse into Chinese traditions. As you navigate the lively stalls, you’ll discover unknown dishes and immerse yourself in the vibrant Chinese culture. From lion and dragon dances to firecrackers, street arts performances, cultural shows, and martial arts demonstrations, the festival offers a captivating experience for all.

News

Maurice sans Passeport!

Good news: the “Mauritius without passport” measure, which offers Reunion Islanders the possibility of entering Mauritius with a valid identity card, has been extended for one year.

Reunionese travelers can rejoice: they will be able to benefit from the “Mauritius without passport” measure for another year. Indeed, the system which was initially to end on June 30, 2023, has been extended for one year. It will now end on June 30, 2024.

Facilitate trade between Mauritius and Reunion

The Republic of Mauritius always welcomes its Reunionese neighbors with open arms. To allow them to travel more easily on its territory, it implemented on September 19, 2022 the measure “Mauritius without a passport”. The latter allows Reunionese to come to the island only with their valid identity card. This system has been a great success since its introduction.

Modalities of Mauritius without Passport:

In order to benefit from the measure, certain conditions must be met. It’s necessary:

be a French national residing in Reunion Island and traveling from Reunion Island for vacation purposes;
make a stay of at least 2 nights in Mauritius;
meet the usual immigration requirements in terms of round-trip airfare and confirmed accommodation arrangements;
present on arrival a valid French identity card instead of a passport to the immigration officers at the point of entry. The latter will issue an “entry permit”.

The extension of this measure further strengthens the ties that exist between our two islands and their inhabitants. Mauritius is waiting for you!

Mauritius - Feel our Island Energy

Spread the word and join us in sharing the energy of our beautiful island!

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority is excited to announce that our official media kit for the new campaign ‘Feel our island Energy’ is now available for download. Dive in and discover the unique experiences that Mauritius has to offer, and help us spread the word far and wide.

Mauritius enjoys a mild tropical maritime climate throughout the year. The country has two seasons: a warm humid summer extending from November to April and a relatively cool dry winter from June to September. The month of October and May are commonly known as the transition months.

Mean summer temperature is 24.7 degrees Celsius and mean winter temperature is 20.4 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between the seasons is only 4.3 degrees Celsius.

The warmest months are January and February with average day maximum temperature reaching 29.2 degrees Celsius and the coolest months are July and August when average night minimum temperatures drops down to 16.4 degrees Celsius.

Long term mean annual rainfall (1971-2000) over the Island is 2010 mm. The wettest months are February and March. The driest month is October.

Mean summer rainfall (1971-2000) is 1344 mm, which is 67% of the annual amount over the Island. Mean winter rainfall (1971-2000) is 666 mm. Although there is no marked rainy season, most of the rainfall occurs in summer months.

The Island receives 6.5 to above 8 hours of bright sunshine daily. In summer months around 6.0 hours of bright sunshine are received over the high grounds, whereas the coastal regions are exposed to 7.5 to over 8.0 hours of bright sunshine. In winter months, the Central Plateau receives around 5.0 hours of bright sunshine whereas the coast receives above 7.5 hours of bright sunshine.

The climatology of the Island for the regions West, North, East, South and Centre is summarized in the pdf documents below. Medine, Pamplemousses, Fuel, Plaisance and Vacoas are considered to be representative of the above five respective regions.

Digitally Yours

We are embracing the digital age and revolutionizing the way we provide travel services. With our commitment to innovation, we are proud to introduce advanced technologies that will enhance our services.

At My Holidays, we understand the importance of seamless and efficient operations. That’s why we are integrating cloud computing into our systems. Cloud computing allows us to securely store and access data, ensuring quick and reliable information sharing across our network. This means that our team can access real-time updates, collaborate efficiently, and provide you with the most up-to-date and personalized travel solutions.

In addition, we are in the process of implementing an automated booking engine that will simplify the entire booking process. With just a few clicks, you can easily browse and select from a wide range of destinations, accommodations, activities, and transportation options. Our booking engine will streamline the entire journey, from initial inquiry to final confirmation, saving you valuable time and effort.

The digitalization of our company not only improves our internal processes but also enhances your overall experience. With our advanced technology, we can provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences, offer real-time availability of services, and ensure a seamless and hassle-free travel experience for your guests.

We are also committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the travel industry. By embracing cloud computing and automated booking engines, we are entering a new era of digitalization that will revolutionize the way we serve you and our guests. Join us on this exciting journey and let us create unforgettable travel experiences for you, powered by cutting-edge technology.

My Holidays