From July 5, 2011, Air Mauritius will launch direct flights from Shanghai to Mauritius. The flights are via Kuala Lumpur and will offer connections to Reunion, Antananarivo and South Africa.

Six island destinations - including the Seychelles, La Reunion, Mauritius and Madagascar - will create a new vacation experience that has been termed the "Vanilla Islands".

The tourism ministries of the four islands have developed the Vanilla Islands concept, for those who wish to island hop in the Indian Ocean.

Though the islands have a natural and cultural heritage in common, they each have their own distinct identities.

Sunbathing in Mauritius, relaxing on the Seychelles, hiking on La Reunion and an overwhelming natural experience in Madagascar all beckon.

The Vanilla Islands concept is based on four pillars. First, visa-free travel within the islands shall be facilitated; and the transportation network between the islands extended and enhanced. The third pillar is close cooperation between tour operators, hotels and authorities. And finally a homogenous marketing strategy will be developed.

More information about the Vanilla Islands, in French, can be found on http://www.ilesvanilles.com.

China Daily