Mixed Message

March is here already.  This post is long overdue.  My reasons for the silence are: 

• Festive Season
• Post Festive Season
• Ski Holiday
• No clear ideas of what to write in this mixed-up world. 

The top three excuses are behind me now, but unfortunately I still don’t know what my message must be.  My ingredients are listed below.  What would you cook up with these? 

• I hear there are hotels and hotel groups that are experiencing very low occupancies.
• I am told about hotels (big nice ones) that are 100% full.
• My diving buddy says his income from February is higher than last year even with a week closed due to cyclonic activity.
• My hotel management mate says occupancies look like they will be down 25% this year (this is not as much as many fear).
• Some self catering properties have halved their prices.
• Hotels are under pressure from the Tourism Authority to offer better value (see my previous blog about the rip-off on booze prices).
• IRS looks very quiet
• Construction costs are coming down
• Virgin and Comair have suspended flights
• Air Mauritius is putting pilots to pasture
• The Chinese Premier promised billions on his visit last week
• RES looks as busy as it was.
• There are buyers stalking good value properties
• There are still South Africans interested in moving to Mauritius
• Quality rentals are still rocketing up.  Over Rs100 000 (nearly $3 000) per month for a good four bedroom house.  This time last year, we were looking at Rs75 000.
• The Mauritian rupee is falling against most currencies (not the rand).  Last year it was stronger than more than half of the majors.
• The Government is looking for ways to make it easier to invest capital (purchase property) in Mauritius.                             

I am a devout optimist.  I look at the above mixed messages and conclude that we will come out of this long dark tunnel stronger and sharper.  Many people will suffer hardship and insecurity.  We will be less arrogant, and will know what it is like to work harder and longer for less. 

Time will tell.