The Seychelles Islands

The Seychelles is made up of about 115 tropical islands and 73 coral islands spread across the Indian Ocean south of the equator. All are surrounded by azure seas and white beaches - idyllic holiday spots.

The so-called Inner Islands are largely granite while the coralline islands are sandy cays and atolls mostly about 13m above the high water mark. Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, plus some of the neighbouring islands provide accommodation. There are only two islands among the Outer Islands that have these facilities, Desroches and Alphonse.

Though most are small, the islands offer an amazing variety of experiences. Diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, hiking, surfing and birdwatching are just some. The appeal of the Seychelles, however, is predominantly aesthetic. This is the world "as pure as it gets," unspoilt, largely untouched and infinitely beautiful.

From a South African perspective, the proximity of the islands to South Africa is a major plus. They are just a five-hour flight from Johannesburg.

Mahe is the principal island and the site of the international airport. Most visitors are content to stay here as the island has 65 pristine beaches, a number of good hotels and restaurants along with the thriving little town of Victoria.

There is much to do as well. Snorkelling expeditions are popular, so are semi-submersible excursions to the underwater treasure house of the Ste Anne Marine National Park. The more energetic can take a walk at Morne Seychellios National Park. The Beau Vallon Beach is also an excellent spot for water sports.

Mauritius expanding its tourism industry

Mauritius is aiming for 10 percent annual growth of its tourism industry by boosting marketing and opening up its skies to attract more airlines.

The Indian Ocean island relies heavily on tourism for foreign revenue as more than 700 000 visitors flock to its palm-fringed beaches and turquoise lagoons every year. Tourism Minister Xavier Luc Duval said the government had doubled the tourism promotion budget to $10-million and had changed its air access policy to help bring in more tourism revenue and offset losses in other traditional sectors.

Mauritius registered year-on-year increases of 18 percent and 16,8 percent in tourist arrivals in January and February, respectively. Duval said that allowing more airlines would increase passenger capacity during peak periods and create healthy competition for the national carrier, Air Mauritius .

"We want to increase competition as it will bring better services and better fares, and we will have three new airlines come to Mauritius this year," he said.

South Africa's Comair, France's Corsair and an Indian airline, possibly Air India, are expected to begin operations later this year. Duval said Mauritius, whose main markets are France and Britain, also wanted to tap emerging markets and sees strong potential for visitors from Russia, Australia and India.