Kuoni has expanded its programme in the Indian Ocean in a move designed to position it as the ‘number one operator for premium holidays’ in the region.

Six new resorts in the Maldives, four in Mauritius, two in the Seychelles and one in Sri Lanka have been added.

The Maldives, followed by Mauritius, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles already top Kuoni’s list of bestselling destinations for 2022 based on forward sales, making up more than half of the company’s advance bookings.   

Kuoni says the Indian Ocean remains the favourite honeymoon choice for couples, many of whom have rebooked following postposed plans resulting from pandemic.   

Demand for child-free resorts; special interest trips, such as diving, and ultra-luxury is on the rise, with the average spend for 2022 Indian Ocean holidays up by 15%.

Senior Programme Manager Sheena Paton said: “Whilst international travel has been on hold, we’ve been looking to the year ahead and getting ourselves ready to excite customers about this stunning part of the world.

“This has been a huge project behind the scenes, to get ourselves ready and at the top of our game for a strong return for travel in 2022 and 2023.   

“We’ve worked with our partners in these destinations to find the very best of what’s new on the market as well looking at customer trends to add more of what we know customers are asking for.

“Our focus has been on using our expertise and knowledge of the region to select the best in class so we can match our clients with the best possible holiday options.  

“People’s ideas of luxury is hugely varied, some prefer a laid-back, rustic style and others enjoy chic, stylish simplicity and we’ve expanded our range with this in mind.  

“From adults-only resorts to top diving locations and premium all-inclusives to health and wellness retreats, we’ve worked to find the best of the best.”