(Posted 10th February 2026)
From left to right: Sydney Pierre, Junior Minister for Tourism of Mauritius, and Abubakar Ben Mahamoud, Minister for the Environment, in charge of Tourism of the Union of the Comoros
Gathered in Moroni on 04th of February 2026, on the occasion of the Annual Meeting of the Vanilla Islands Association, representatives of the member islands formalised the transfer of the presidency from Mauritius to the Union of the Comoros.
This transition continues the work carried out under the outgoing presidency and marks a new stage of regional cooperation in support of the Indian Ocean’s tourism profile and visibility.
Governance focused on action and “multi-island” travel
Under the new Comorian presidency, led by Abubakar Ben Mahamoud, the Association reaffirms its priority: developing tourism in the Indian Ocean region, notably through the creation and marketing of combined travel offers, to encourage longer, richer stays that are better distributed across the islands.
Building on the initiatives already underway, a Marketing Commission has been established and entrusted to Sydney Pierre, to strengthen the brand’s international positioning and structure joint promotional actions.
Regional cooperation and public-interest mission
The Vanilla Islands Association serves a public-interest purpose and a regional cooperation mission by promoting the exchange of information, practices and experience among public and private tourism stakeholders.
Created around a shared vision, the Association aims to link Indian Ocean destinations in order to stimulate demand, facilitate the development of multi-island products (combined stays and cruise itineraries), pool resources and share know-how among stakeholders.
Its action is made possible through funding based on co-financing, notably from INTERREG VI European funds, the Réunion Regional Council, and contributions from the member islands.
Tangible results: cruise tourism as a showcase of “multi-island” benefits
In 2025, the collective momentum was reflected in the growth of the cruise segment across the region, confirming the strategic importance of this sector for local economies (excursions, retail, service providers).
By way of example, 43,793 passengers were welcomed in Réunion, reflecting the region’s growing positioning on “Indian Ocean islands” itineraries.
Priorities for the 2026 term (Union of the Comoros)
Under the Comorian presidency, the Association will focus on:
– accelerating the marketing of combined travel offers, by facilitating partnerships, connectivity and inter-island packaging;
– deploying a unified international visibility for the benefit of all islands, through joint actions and branded events.
“Our ambition is to make the Vanilla Islands a model of regional tourism cooperation: more combined products, greater local economic benefits, and a stronger presence in international markets,” said Abubakar Ben Mahamoud.
