The relationship between the five Vanilla Island nations of the Indian Ocean is a very strange one, indeed. One day they are joined hand-in-hand to promote joint tourism across the region, the next day they are directly competing with one another for as many new arrivals as they can get. The latest episode in this unusual back-and-forth comes by way of an announcement by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority indicating their plans to conduct their own annual Carnival beginning in 2013.

The Mauritius Carnival will be direct competition with the annual event in Seychelles, no doubt. The Seychelles Carnival is only in its third year but it has enjoyed great success and growth with each passing year. Seychelles has centred its event on cooperation among a multitude of nations that all fly in to participate. The result has been increased tourism, economic development, and better partnerships between the tourist ministries of several different countries. Most notably, Seychelles has strengthened its relationship with Dubai to the extent that both are actively looking for ways their individual tourism promotions can be mutually beneficial.

According to officials in Mauritius their decision was a logical one based on the success they have seen from their neighbour. Mauritius has resisted participating in the Seychelles event until they were sure of how it would all work out. But now that they know Seychelles has reaped great benefits from it they plan to go it alone beginning next year.

As for officials in Seychelles, the announcement is neither a surprise nor something to worry about. As far as they are concerned there is plenty of room for all of the Vanilla Island nations to prosper in the tourist trade.

In the meantime, Mauritius tourism officials have not released details about a date or what their carnival will look like. It's expected that all inclusive Mauritius holidays will be included in the plans as a means of getting tour operators on board with promotions. It's possible that Mauritius' thriving golf industry will also find a way to participate as well. Hopefully the Carnival will not be scheduled around the same time as the Seychelles event in order to avoid conflicts that could potentially disrupt Vanilla Island cooperation.

If that happens, keep an eye out for Seychelles to step in and try to resolve the issue. They have worked too hard over the last several years to see a split in Vanilla Island cooperation.

Keep your eye out for more details to follow later this year. If you are planning a Mauritius holiday sometime next year being part of the inaugural Carnival might very well be an event to remember. When the details eventually become available your tour operator should be able to supply you with all the necessary information.

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