The Vanilla Islands (Indian Ocean) have been honoured by the Creative Tourism Network® with the “Best Creative Tourism Island Strategy” award, at the 13th edition of the World Creative Tourism Awards.
This international recognition comes in a record-breaking competitive context: the jury—made up of international experts in tourism marketing and the creative economy—selected the winners from 223 entries from 28 countries, assessing in particular originality, the ability to build a local creative ecosystem, and the integration of sustainability principles.
A reimagined inter-island strategy “for women”: narrative, creative and meaningful itineraries
The award recognises the “Vanilla Islands Women-Only Combos” strategy, which repositions inter-island travel as a true creative tourism journey: itineraries shaped as stories, blending immersive cultural experiences, encounters with local communities, the discovery of traditional know-how, and a narrative approach that strengthens coherence, confidence and safety throughout the trip.
Designed as a B2B2C approach, the strategy also aims to reinforce the recommendation and distribution chain: clearer structuring and improved readability for professionals (travel agencies, tour operators, DMCs), alongside the rollout of inspirational communication built on route narratives, testimonials and reassurance content.
“This initiative shows how creative tourism can become a tool for empowerment, regional cohesion and sustainable development. By valuing women both as travellers and as creators of experiences, the Vanilla Islands propose a new model of inter-island travel: immersive, conscious and deeply rooted in the cultures and communities of the region,” said Caroline Couret, representative of the Creative Tourism Network®.
According to Gaëlle Lallemand, who leads the development of women’s travel for the Vanilla Islands: “Our region, rich in assets, perfectly meets the expectations of travellers seeking meaning, safety and authentic experiences.”
Abubakar Ben Mahamoud, Minister for the Environment with responsibility for Tourism of the Union of the Comoros and President of the Vanilla Islands, adds that this project anchors the Vanilla Islands in tangible sustainable development, to the benefit of all.
A model of regional cooperation serving sustainable and inclusive tourism
Beyond narrative innovation, the jury also praised a unique model of regional cooperation, encouraging longer stays, better travel planning, and multi-territory discovery within a single trip—contributing to a better distribution of visitor flows and a more sustainable approach to inter-island travel.
The Vanilla Islands’ work is made possible through co-financing, notably European Interreg VI funds and funding from the Réunion Regional Council, as well as contributions from member islands (Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Mayotte, Seychelles, Réunion).
The Vanilla Islands are also signatories of the Women’s Empowerment Principles and are committed under the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, in line with a responsible and regenerative tourism trajectory.
