VANILLA ISLANDS COOPERATION GAIN NEW MOMENTUM UNDER DUVAL’S PRESIDENCY
(Posted 16th June 2015)
Hardly into the new job as President of the Vanilla Islands Organization has the Mauritius’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, the Rt. Hon. Xavier Luc Duval, already signaled a new era for the Indian Ocean islands marketing group.
In what seems to be the clearest indication yet the the copy and paste days of notorious Vanilla Islands opponent Karl Mootoosamy are numbered, has Duval announced that Mauritius’ key annual calendar event will be the hosting of a major international golf tournament, very likely with the best players from the Vanilla Islands facing off against international competition.
The sporting event, yet to be given a date, will be part of the group’s calendar of events, under which Madagascar hosts an annual international tourism trade fair, Reunion hosts the Festival Liberte Metisse, the Comoros host the Culinary and Arts Fiesta and the Seychelles host the annual Carnival International de Victoria. Still missing from the calendar are events from the other two islands, Mayotte and the Maldives, something both destinations are reportedly working on. It is understood that the organization, headed by Mr. Pascal Viroleau, is now preparing a dedicated brochure, printed and on line, to showcase the currently five events, which have turned into premier showcases for the members, often attended by the global media as well as delegations from other islands and the African mainland.
Five of the seven islands were present at the just concluded ministerial meeting and the previous holders of the office of president have all pledged to extend their fullest support to Mauritius’s Duval during his one year presidency of the Vanilla Islands.
Information received in fact from the Seychelles underscore this as founder president and Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange said: ‘Our region’s suite of events is diverse and should help keep our region on the tourism map in different niche markets. The decision to mandate Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Organisation to now move to produce a brochure to promote these events is another positive step forward. Five of the seven islands were present for the Ministerial meeting and the commitment for working together was clearly communicated by one and all at this Ministerial Meeting that took place in Mauritius. I have assured Mr Xavier Luc Duval of my total support during his Presidency of the Vanilla Islands and I have reiterated to everyone that in unity we are strong because no island can any longer be an island unto itself’.
Way to go as the fence sitting days of Mauritius vis a vis the Vanilla Islands are now clearly over and a breath of fresh air and a new spirit have swept the offices of the organization as a result of the change of government in Mauritius.
