Sales up 15% for the Indian Ocean, reveals Pure Luxury
Q. How has the Indian Ocean performed in 2025 and what are your expectations for the region going into 2026?
Throughout 2025, momentum for this ever-popular destination has continued to increase, and we are in double-digit growth for the region. Looking ahead to 2026, we are already seeing a healthy increase in sales from those booking their future holidays – and we don’t imagine this slowing down any time soon.
Q. How do sales to the region this year stack up compared with previous years?
In 2025, room nights to the Indian Ocean are up 15% year on year, with sales up more than 20% versus 2024.
Q. Which destinations are performing particularly well and what is driving that demand?
The Maldives continues to hold its allure – we saw an increase in room nights of almost 30% over the first six months of the year. The romantic, tropical island of Mauritius, home to some of the best hotels in the world, also performs well for Pure Luxury. With an incredible food scene, championship golf courses, destination spas and wildlife havens, Mauritius offers travellers the whole package.
Q. Are there any Indian Ocean destinations you are hoping to develop and see more growth in?
Pristine natural beauty is synonymous with the Seychelles, and several prestigious hotels and resorts can be found on these paradisiacal islands, hence it has been a longstanding feature in our product portfolio. We envisage increased demand in 2025 and beyond for the Seychelles and, as such, will be shining the spotlight on this beautiful destination – especially for those customers seeking an alternative to the Maldives.
Q. Which new hotels and luxury product are you most excited about in the Indian Ocean?
Cheval Blanc Seychelles, which opened in 2024, is an exciting addition to our offering in this stunning region. It boasts absolute privacy with sumptuous villa-style accommodation and is superbly located between the untamed jungle and pristine white shores of the Indian Ocean. It showcases the soul of the Seychelles through its design, and prioritises wellness and a sense of escape for all who visit.
Q. What key booking trends are you noticing?
We have seen twin and multi-centre bookings trending this year. Improved connectivity across the region and increased knowledge of the possibilities out there – from breathtakingly beautiful beaches to world-class safaris – have also encouraged travellers to discover more.
Q. What’s your trade strategy for fuelling sales?
We strive to always provide added value for clients that agents won’t find anywhere else. Whether that be through the product we offer or via the service that we provide during every stage of the quote and booking process. Our breadth of product in the Indian Ocean is vast and, therefore, competitive, and we are always on top of the latest openings and experiences to remain first choice for agents.
Q. What are the main challenges and opportunities for the Indian Ocean currently?
As luxury hotels prioritise timely renovations to ensure their product shines, we occasionally feel the effects of these temporary closures in our sales as clients choose to holiday elsewhere while changes take place. In terms of specific destinations, there is opportunity for growth in tailor-made itineraries in Sri Lanka, as more luxury properties open. Sri Lanka’s diversity makes it an attractive destination: with pristine beaches, wildlife-rich national parks and ancient cities, this teardrop-shaped island has it all. Plus, with the increase in luxury hotels and resorts, and a growing focus on exceptional culinary offerings and mindfulness.
Background
Layla has been part of the dnata family for more than 15 years. After studying tourism as part of her degree, she worked as a senior luxury travel specialist at Travel 2 before becoming a Pure Luxury travel ambassador in 2020. Layla’s passion is for luxury travel and she enjoys bringing elevated touches to every booking. Her favourite destinations include the Seychelles and the Maldives, which she has visited seven times and never tires of returning to.
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