Coronavirus spotlight: chatting with Mauritius Tourism

We all know that air travel isn’t great for the environment, but a new study has found that tourism is four times worse for the environment than previously thought. The alarming research conducted by University of Sydney researchers and published in the journal Nature Climate Change found that the tourism industry (including direct sources like flights and indirect sources such as souvenir manufacturing) is responsible for eight percent of global greenhouse emissions, which is four times higher than scientists had previously estimated.

Though I pride myself on being an independent traveler—I was in the United States Peace Corps in Paraguay for two years, have been to six continents, and spent multiple years reviewing hotels across the U.S. and around the world, by myself— India is one country that I’ve never considered visiting as a solo traveler.

AirHelp, the online service that files complaints against airlines on behalf of passengers entitled to compensation for air delays or cancellations, knows a thing or two about air travel. Because it’s hard for the average person to understand air passenger rights and pursue a legal claim when they’ve been wronged, AirHelp is always going toe-to-toe with airlines and airports—and reveals once a year which ones that treat their passengers for the better (or worse).

Mauritius has long entranced its visitors. Charles Baudelaire called it ‘the perfumed land, fondled by the sun’, while Mark Twain noted simply that ‘heaven was copied after Mauritius’. The stunning white, sandy beaches lapped by aquamarine seas are some of the best in the world. Here is our pick of the best beaches in Mauritius.

A day-long road trip around the beautiful island of St Lucia gives you an incredible insight into its natural beauty, numerous opportunities to stop for delicious food and the chance to experience the island as locals do.

Situated in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel and one of the world’s most popular (and spectacular) UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The monument’s grandeur, the intricate detailing, and the stunning play of light as the sun rises and sets all contribute to an experience that captivates millions of visitors each year. Many take the journey to the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh solely to see the Taj — in fact, many would argue to trip to India would be incomplete without making the detour. Because of this, most visitors who come to Agra are there for the same reasons and stay for only a night or two. And there’s nothing wrong with this. There’s a huge amount to see at the Taj Mahal complex (with differing times of day offering a varying experience) and you shouldn’t overlook visiting other heritage sites such as the Agra Fort, and Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. And when you add the crowds and heat, a trip to Agra can be full on. That’s why carefully handpicking your accommodation is important. There’s a handful of superb hotels near Taj Mahal, the number one being The Oberoi Amarvilas that offers views of the monument from its range of suites and bedrooms. If your budget allows, a stay at this luxurious hotel will make the chaotic city easier to handle. But there are also a handful of other trustworthy, comfortable, and budget-friendly hotels in Agra. Here’s some of the best.

Surrounded by the pristine beauty of Félicité Island in the Seychelles, Six Senses Zil Pasyon offers an escape into the lap of luxury. This stunning resort seamlessly blends in with its natural surroundings, providing guests with an intimate and immersive experience in these East African islands. From its sweeping views to its world-class amenities, Six Senses Zil Pasyon truly a tropical paradise.

We might all be marooned in our houses, but what about those stuck on actual desert islands? Here, we take a look at coronavirus in the Caribbean, diving into its impact and thinking about what travel here might look like for the rest of this year and into 2021. In the meantime, evocative virtual campaigns are emanating from the region – inspiring content that will bring tropical vibes to your quarantine barbecue and have you gagging to visit. We talked to Sharon at the Grenada Tourism Authority, who helped us to scratch beneath the surface to start understanding what coronavirus means for the Caribbean.

Few travel moments illicit such a thrill as catching sight of a rare or beautiful bird emerging from its natural habitat. Here are a few of our favourite birdwatching holidays, from pigeons in Mauritius, to birds of paradise in New Guinea.

California’s Central Coast – threaded by the iconic Pacific Coast Highway – is made up of six counties: Ventura, Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, San Benito and Santa Cruz. Epic oceanside views and the dramatic coastline of Big Sur, stellar wineries and cool galleries all find their home in the region, as does the University of California, with campuses at both Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. This is “Hollywood’s Backyard”, coastal hotspots stretching from LA to San Fran. We spoke to Cheryl Bagby, VP Sales & Marketing for Visit Ventura, as well as the VP of the Central Coast Tourism Council, about how the region was coping with coronavirus, and what plans are in the area moving forwards.