5 - Mayotte
Transcription
5 - Mayotte
full steam ahead for the vanilla islands Reunion Island / Mayotte Combinations 3 4 Mayotte, the 101st french departement Mayotte as a Département … what’s changed ? 5 6 MAYOTTE, A PARADISE FOR DIVERS Mayotte Marine Nature Park 7 8 OUTSTANDING BIODIVERSITY Protected endemic species 9 10 PLENTY OF UNMISSABLE ACTIVITIES 11 NEW TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES 12 EXPLORE MAYOTTE’S CULTURE At a glance : the “Great Weddings” 13 14 CULINARY SPECIALITIES At a glance : the “Voulé” 15 16 HOTEL RATINGS 17 WHO VISITS MAYOTTE, AND WHY? 18 USEFUL INFORMATION 19 AIR LINKS 20 KEY DATA 21 CRUISES: MAYOTTE, A STOPOFF POINT IN THE MOZAMBIQUE CHANNEL 22 MAP 23 Contacts 24 3 Officially launched in September 2011 during the Top Résa exhibition, the “Vanilla Islands” concept is supported by and developed in partnership with Ile de la Réunion Tourisme (IRT), the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), the Madagascar National Tourist Office (ONTM), the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), the Mayotte Tourism Board (CDTM) and the Comorian Association of Tourism (ACT). s label: d n a l s I a e Vanill h t f o l a o g, The g marketin ibility in ord n a n io t a vis unic g ising ise comm roach to maxim t from the existin y im t p o o s p T it o p a joint a authentic get the m - To take new clients and y sacrificing the a der to win ithout in any w the w lands in is le e h t f o cliente land, products of each is ght the authentic li - To high ean. c O Indian The Concept Accessibility, quality, unity and competitiveness are the watchwords of this initiative, which draws upon the cultural identity of each island. The exotic atmosphere, excitement and heritage of the Indian Ocean and the huge variety of experiences to be shared there are all shown to best effect. 1. Attraction • A distinctive positioning policy based on the cultural identity of each island, encouraging responsible tourism which respects both the inhabitants and the local environment. • The culture and quality of the cultural heritage and all it has to offer. 2. Visibility • Links between coastal and inland products and a capacity to make the most of the distinctiveness and the specific characteristics of each island, not forgetting their complimentary nature, are all vital elements in building the Indian Ocean network. 3. Accessibility • Building an Indian Ocean network (improving regional connections) • Making effective use of transport connections, services and networks • Proposing an attractive, coherent, regional destination to forge links between the islands • Improving accessibility where entry formalities are concerned, (bilateral agreements and visas) d n a l s I n o i Reun ns o i t a n i b m o C e t t o y / Ma At the initiative of the Mayotte Tourism Board and the IRT (Ile de la Réunion Tourisme), a major publicity campaign focusing on combined visits to Mayotte/Reunion Island has been launched in the French and German markets. 2 flagship products take pride of place : diving & hiking 4 t s 1 0 1 he t , e t t n e m e Mayot rt a p e d french 5 Mayotte recently gained the status of “Département” On March 31, 2011, the Collectivité Départementale de Mayotte officially became the 101st French département and the fifth overseas département (a département is the French equivalent of a county). Following a local referendum on March 29, 2009, the “YES” camp was the clear winner (gaining more than 95% of the votes) and Mayotte is today the 101st French department. The 170-year history of French Mayotte… 1841 - 1843 TRANSFER TO FRANCE France took possession of the island of Mayotte thanks to a treaty signed between the French king Louis-Philippe and Andriantsouli, the Madagascan Sultan of Mayotte. The colony was officially established on June 13, 1843. 1912 ATTACHMENT TO MADAGASCAR After the Comoros became a protectorate, a number of different statuses were envisaged for Mayotte and the rest of the island chain. The colony was finally attached to Madagascar in order to reduce operating costs and to boost its economy. 1946 THE COMOROS BECOME A FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORY The Comoros suffered badly from being attached to Madagascar: funding became difficult to obtain in this “colony of a colony”. In 1946, the island chain gradually broke free of the larger island and gained the status of a French overseas territory. 1956 - 1963 A TIME OF FRICTION The capital of the colony of Dzaoudzi (Mayotte) was moved to Moroni (Grande Comore) due to a high degree of discontent with the Mahorais population and its representatives. Local politicians joined forces to defend Mayotte’s special interests in relation to the three other Comorian islands. 1964 - 1970 BEHIND THE BARRICADES Following the actual transfer of the administrative departments to Moroni, tension increased between the government of the overseas territory and Mayotte. Groups of women displayed their hostility by ambushing visiting Comorian politicians using a very effective and non-violent method, earning them the title “Les chatouilleuses” (the ticklers). 1971-1975 AT A CROSSROADS The gulf between Mayotte and the other islands was constantly increasing: the lagoon island was the only one to vote against independence in 1974 and its representatives stated their formal opposition to the unilateral declaration of independence announced on July 6, 1975 by Ahmed Abdallah. 1976 A WAVE OF REFERENDUMS Hesitating about the position it should adopt faced with the unprecedented situation in Mayotte, France organised two referendums of its population the same year. In December, Mayotte became a collectivité départementale (regional authority), a transitional status which was eventually to lead to the island’s acquisition of the title of Département. 1977 - 1999 A LONG BATTLE Despite the refusal of the Comoros to recognise the Mahorais’ decision to remain French, the island returned to a situation of administrative normalisation and economic and social development. There was a need to establish the conditions for the granting of département status to the island before any change in Mayotte’s status. 2000 - 2007 TOWARD COMMON LAW The agreement of 2000 and the visit by President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to Mayotte in 2001 saw an acceleration in the integration process aimed at transforming Mayotte into an overseas département. Significant changes accompanied these developments, such as moves to outlaw polygamy in 2003, and decentralisation in 2004. 2008 - 2009 THE END OF THE LINE On March 29, 2009 the population was asked to vote on the creation of a “single authority known as a département (…) exercising the rights and duties devolved to overseas départements and regions”. More than 95% of the Mahorais voted “Yes”. 2011 CONSECRATION Following the vote in parliament confirming the creation of the Département of Mayotte, the island finally achieved the longawaited status on March 31, 2011. Seen as a victory and a sign of hope for the future, this date will remain forever etched in the memory of all of Mayotte’s population. 2014 MAYOTTE, AN OUTERMOST REGION OF EUROPE As the last stage in its full integration within France and Europe, in 2014 Mayotte will acquire the status of «outermost Region of Europe» which will enable it to benefit from European structural funds, thereby giving a welcome shot in the arm to the island’s economic development. … t n e m e t r a p é D a s a e Mayott ? d e g n a h c s ’ t a wh Social action: The successful launch of the RSA The Revenu de solidarité active (RSA or “Active Solidarity Income”) was introduced in Mayotte via the order of November 24, 2011 and the decree of November 30, 2011. On January 2, 2012, the people of Mayotte became eligible for the RSA at 25% of the standard rate, i.e. €119 instead of €460 in mainland France. During the last standing committee meeting during which the elected representatives were asked to give their opinion on the order concerning the extension and adaptation of the RSA in Mayotte, an amendment was voted by all of the representatives present that day, to increase the level from 25 to 85%. The scrapping of the Qadial justice system With common law now in force, the Qadial justice system was scrapped in favour of Republican law. The Muslim judges known as “Qadis”, who once presided over matters of local law, are no longer recognised. Nevertheless, the Qadis still play a major role within Mahorais society. The Qadis have today been transformed into Ombudsmen, working on behalf of the Conseil Général de Mayotte (Mayotte area council). Their status of ombudsman should be officially established during the second half of 2012. Short-term challenges Mayotte, a Région ultra-Périphérique LIn July 2012, the European Council approved the proposal to change the status of Overseas Country and Territory of Mayotte to that of Région ultra Périphérique (Outermost Region of Europe) in 2014. With this in mind, from 2012 onwards, the Conseil Général de Mayotte is implementing a development strategy aimed at bringing the island of Mayotte up to the required social, economic and environmental standards with the goal of becoming an Outermost Region of Europe by 2014. Introduction of the ordinary rules of taxation The 2014 deadline is approaching quickly, and with it the end of the special tax and customs system in Mayotte. The département and district of Mayotte should benefit from the introduction of the ordinary rules of taxation, with the housing tax, land tax and the new local economic contribution which is replacing the taxe professionnelle (local business tax). The successful implementation of this tax system is the result of three policies which have been underway for several years now, namely: Improving the reliability of the register of births, marriages and deaths, The inclusion of the new measures of the LOEDOM overseas economic development law in the general taxation code. The launch of a procedure for assessing the rental value of taxable properties in order to calculate the property tax. 6 7 Discover the Indian Ocean’s largest lagoon One of Mayotte’s main attractions is its huge lagoon, with in some cases more than 4 km between the coast and the reef and with depths of up to 70 m in places. Sheltered from the raging ocean currents, this is a haven of peace for the area’s extremely diverse fauna and flora. Whales, dolphins, turtles and fish have wisely taken up residence in these protective living walls. A genuine natural aquarium in which multi-coloured fish live harmoniously alongside impressive pelagic species in a fascinating environment comprised of coral reefs; exploring this undersea world with the diver’s bottle or with flippers, diving mask and snorkel reveals its exuberant fauna and flora. More than 100 white, black or ochre sandy beaches can be discovered along the island’s coast. The lagoon is interspersed with some 30 small islands. The tiny islands in the South or the North are themselves worth the visit to Mayotte and perfectly represent the image of a tropical paradise conjured up by the turquoise lagoon surrounded with white sand. Another curiosity which never fails to delight visitors, the mangrove swamps are the last primal forests here, spanning a surface area of more than 700 hectares. They provide excellent natural protection against the effects of pollution in the lagoon and enable numerous marine species to survive. speak s e r u g The fi emselves … for th ecorded species r marine 0 0 3 2 n a th on ■ More 2 of lago m k 0 0 5 ■ 1 ies of fish c e p s 0 6 ■ 7 ies ral variet o c 0 0 fs 3 ■ ringe ree f f o m k fs ■ 195 coral ree f o 2 m k fs ■ 150 arrier ree b le b u o d ■ 18 km 8 e n i r a M e t t o y a M k r a P e r Natu its ve rise to a g h ic h cree w ement in the de sk of the manag ged e t la u a ip t na st his is the ently defines ma 012, ficially f T o . n n o io t o a g cre so in 2 otte La ich curr 10, May re park ittee, wh ill carry on doing s and the 0 u t 2 m a , n m 8 o e 1 c in y r r a and w jective On Janua first overseas m . ent goals pelling out its ob e a framework k r m a e p h t e e in s r gly rovid becam nd ma increasin tion which will p the action plans. ce’s seco s n i a r F w c o d a n h r a g of deareas fo eated, r nt draftin c e s u q a ust also e w s m b t u i e s e r t e e it h t t m ssible for s af e ment com h will make it po h e t g f a o Two yeartoday? n a n io m e The creat tors whic ess of th it doing2011 saw the actualand the start of he indica ify the effectiven t be undert e n fi ly ver park, canno atory The year of objective loyed. This work e nature the initial prepar o in t r a nowledge m k e t t p m e o e u r y d a a p im s M re ities a min measure lan and p t at least ned and the activ te’s u t o o y h a it work to p w M r n place in . s conce w up an s take activities s earned itself a ong relationship ironment he task is to dra tate of v n e e h t r a h .T st rent s The park l landscape with rs involved in the carried out there g the cur in t s li a e , y n ” la io w t vervie institu ll key p marine ea “initial o ed with a ncement of the g r o f s g ie e Mayott g the t k . r in a e a a g h p be m d n “ d e le e o t t w d s kno tion an rities is t intere oncernin preserva ing to ge tions already in f the prio ce in all fields c l marine o lp e e h n , O t n e a tropica t opiexcellen environm ough the organis his oring of f the firs ifientre of it o c n r g o h t in ition of t m u d is s d e u n is n q a c e ig e a s h t g involv e e d h v oth knowle , and wit jects likely to ha ent purp erefore, e h m c T e n g . e a ” t s n is a x m . e pro ent d for m ageecosyste ncerning marine environm ganised to be use l part of our man , e g nions co r d o e le h ) t w s kno integra cts on ark day he 2012 cant effe ust be an h this in mind, t Parc”, (p future of Mayotm u d , s s e e s arine é rn e cies. Wit or the National M li bt the me of th The “Jou o u e p o h d t t n a e e h t f t m on withou ramme , this year stry were shermen king prog used on: u r fi for the d o ll w in a g g in in foc and data oducing e rovid n h b p s l io te’s fish , t fi il a 1 a w 1 m n r k 0 u tr fo t of 2 rs to t s Par tion of in erview and the in c e ll high poin ore-based angle press their hope o c e - Th sh ex itial ov of the in term monitoring from solo n opportunity to g in t f a r d gerating ha gular lon business and op e boats wit r f o n . io t erns g of the and conc e draftin h eeping T … e tions in k orer c b m a o la c é c ifi it o c o t e plan till tte d ent of sp cies of the park. Actions asturel marin de May8o janvier 2013, deploym oli e h T n gement p he le 1 a T i n c . a ’i n m d io Le Parc t e n a with th de gestio on décret de cré w up a s r son plan d it o o t v é s r le p need ainsi que rine nature park ry 18, 2013, as a m nua Mayotte lan by Ja p t n e m e g its mana Contact M. Baker JOMA AMADA “Administration and Communication” Project Leader [email protected] 9 Hiking in Mayotte A paradise for nature lovers, Mayotte is a well preserved island which has long avoided large-scale settlement and a fast pace of growth. A strip of land between Africa and Madagascar, Mayotte boasts an abundant fauna with a large number of endemic species and a particularly original flora. Whether you enjoy a gentle walk or a long-distance hike, a number of themed hiking trails enable you to discover the endemic tropical plants, the heady fragrance of the ylang-ylangs or the geological curiosities of this fascinating island. For the sportier among you, the long-distance hiking trail leads through the heart of the forests, over the peaks and along the coasts. More than162 km of marked-out trails await you. Discover the Mayotte long distance hiking trail (GR) in 12 stages N°1 Mamoudzou to Koungou 10,5 km 2h45 The governor’s house, Panoramic view over the lagoon, Padza, the lake, bamboo plantation, farmland. N°2 Koungou to Dzoumonyé 18,8 km 4h55 The Majimbini Forest reserve, Ylang-ylang fields, still, padza, view across the lagoon, food crops.. N°3 Dzoumonyé to M’tzamboro 11,9 km 4h15 The Dzoumonyé hill reservoir, ylang-ylang fields, traditional still, river, the Peak Trail, panoramic view across the lagoon from the top of Dziani Bolé. N°4 M’tzamboro to Mtsangamouji 10,8 km 3h25 The forest trail, Mount Hachiroungou, Padzas covered with fern, the Hachiroungou Forest reserve, natural rainforest, the “haricot géant” (giant bean). N°5 M’tsangamouji to Chiconi 15,7 km 4h00 The Peak Trail, view across Soulou bay, Beach, mangrove swamp, Soulou waterfalls, sugar cane field. N°6 N°7 17,5 km 3h55 Viewing point across Bouéni Bay and Mount Choungui, ylangylang fields, traditional still, farming and market gardening, padzas, bangas. 6h00 Forest of red mangroves in the mangrove swamp, mangrove crabs, Choungui forest reserve, padzas, baobab, dry forest, ylang-ylang fields and traditional still, egg-laying by sea turtles. N°8 Saziley to Bandrélé 14,5 km 4h00 The Saziley beaches, baobab forest, panoramic view over the Ilôt de Sable Blanc N°9 Bandrélé to Tsararano 14,8 km 5h10 The southern peaks forest reserve, Padzas, view across Mount Choungui and Bouéni bay, the forest of takamaka, the Bénara forest reserve. N°10 Tsararano to Vahibéni 11 km 4h00 The Sogorombili forest reserve, lemurs, drongo, padzas, the foot of mount Combani, ylang-ylang fields, traditional still. N°11 Vahibéni to Mamoudzou 10,6 km 2h40 Panoramic views across the interior of the island, padzas, farming/forestry areas, the Majimbini river Chiconi to Miréréni 12 km Miréréni to Saziley N°12 Dzaoudzi to Pamandzi 14 km 3h25 The Dziani-Dzaha Crater Lake, panoramic view across the lagoon and the Jumelles de Moya, egg-laying by turtles. 10 d e t c e t o r P s e i c e p s c i m e d en The maki, one of Mayotte’s most emblematic animals An endemic species in Mayotte, the lemur (Lemur fulvus mayottensis), is an animal protected by the Washington Convention. Although wild, the mischievous maki can also be quite sociable if you have some bananas for him. Their diet is comprised of fruit, berries, nuts, leaves and sometimes insects and eggs. Active both during the day and night, the makis enjoy a long nap around midday. During your walks in the forest, keep your eyes peeled because they can often be seen there. It is estimated that there are currently 2,000 makis in Mayotte. ngo, o r D e yott The Ma red forest bird ir… and a e g n emic b d ts. Today a d d n e n n e a an ngo is e fores Mayott otte Dro the The May tic of the is r e t reat from st few c h a t r a r e h c d n s u specie er the la are and ayotte ov ed very r r M e d as id in s y n a o c erw een liste ve d b n s u a n h io d t deforesta is little-known bir ”. The drongos li n th d f extinctio eing identical an decades, o r e g n a d b l a le s ic a n m a ee “in crit le and fe ic sounds. You c pa m e h t , rhythm in pairs the exce powerful, d’s forests with ui g in c u d pro e Choung islan h t e d h t n a f o y all f Sazile them in forests o y r d e h t tion of range. The Souïmanga, a bird living close to man… The Mayotte Sunbirds live in pairs and often set up home in the dense shrubs and bushes frequently found in gardens, such as the bougainvillaea, hibiscus or fast multiplying palm trees. It is therefore possible to see them just about everywhere around the island as the Sunbird is well adapted to contact with humans and quite happy to nest in town. Taking the form of an oval globe, the nest is built with interwoven dried grasses and strips of spider’s web. These birds, which live as a couple all year round, have a very elaborate reproduction strategy ensuring the survival of the species. 11 At sea... Scuba diving A genuine paradise for divers, Mayotte’s lagoon is a great place to try your hand at scuba diving. France’s second-largest marine park has plenty of outstanding diving sites including: coral heads, dizzying faults and “must-see” nature reserves! Discovering marine mammals With a quarter of the global diversity of marine mammals present in Mayotte’s waters, it is possible to watch cetaceans all year round. From July to November, Mayotte’s lagoon becomes a rearing ground for humpback whales. Definitely a sight not to be missed! During the rest of the year, several species of dolphin criss-cross the lagoon and for the luckiest among you, you will possibly come across the mysterious dugong during your trip out to sea. Kayaking in the mangrove swamp The ideal way to discover the mysteries of the mangrove swamp, kayaking provides a relaxed way to make your way between the red mangroves and to discover an original natural environment including crabs, the periophtalmus or the Cattle Egret. In the air... Microlight flying When it comes to excitement, nothing compares with discovering Mayotte by air. You’ll need to take off early in the morning to enjoy the best microlight flying conditions. It takes just a few minutes to really get a taste for the spectacular landscapes, contrasting between the emerald green of the forests and the turquoise blue of the lagoon. 0n land... Mountain biking Around the island’s interior. Easy routes, well adapted to beginners, can be enjoyed all year round. For the more sporty among you, special trails exist which will take you to some unusual or difficult to reach areas. The company Mayotte VTT Excursion proposes cycle discovery days combining the natural environment and wild landscapes of Mayotte. Tel 06 39 29 17 73. Horse riding Located in the south of the island, the Hajanguoua Equestrian Centre proposes a number of unusual treks on horseback through the bamboo plantations, up the trails or along the beaches. Suitable for all, horse or pony trekking trips are sure to delight both young and old alike. 12 Undersea viewing The ideal way to discover the ocean depths in total safety, this glass bottomed boat offers a panoramic view of the marine fauna and flora. Two companies propose half day or full-day boat trips: Aquavision Equipped with six extra-large windows, L’Aquavision provides a panoramic view of the coral and multi-coloured fish to be seen around the reefs of Mayotte’s Lagoon. Thanks to the Aquavision, you can see how the turtles and dolphins live in their natural environment. Another very original feature of this boat is the possibility to see what’s going on beneath the waves at night: Spotlights built into the hull light up the ocean depths at night, enabling you to safely discover predators such as the red lionfish or moray eels. Excitement guaranteed! Trips last a half-day or a full day including the discovery of the cetaceans, the small islands and the reefs. Nighttime outings by moonlight. Contact : Nils Bertrand to 06 39 69 00 46 [email protected] www.aquavision.com Aquarium Lagon Aventure’s glass-bottomed boat L’Aquarium is a vessel designed for viewing the undersea depths, the dolphins, whales and all other kinds of fish. This is the only undersea viewing boat in Mayotte approved by the Maritime Affairs Department for observing and admiring mammals and cetaceans in their underwater environment. It is also used to view the reefs and their many inhabitants including the fish and turtles, etc. Always passionate and enthusiastic about their work, Lagon Aventure’s eco-guides ensure that you enjoy an unforgettable boat trip. Outings are organised every day on a daily or half daily basis including undersea viewing, dolphins, whales according to the time of year, the small islands with their white sandy beaches, swimming with dolphins and a meal break at midday on a beautiful tropical beach. Contact : 06 39 65 42 63 - 06 39 69 00 67 www.lagonaventure.fr Luxury catamaran ALAMANDAS BOAT In order to help you visit the finest lagoon in the Indian Ocean, on October 1, 2011 the company ALAMANDAS BOAT acquired the luxury catamaran ALAMANDAS BOAT. This vessel, a LAGOON 450 with a surface area of approximately 120 m2, left the factory in July 2011, and is the only one operating in the Indian Ocean. It comprises a large lounge with huge, ultra-comfy sofas, picture windows offering a 360° view and a solarium. This boat has been designed down to the last detail for maximum comfort at sea. Contact : Patrick VARELA to 06 39 27 59 25. www.catamayotte.com 13 At a glance: The island’s traditional dances The wadaha With the aid of a pestle which they throw up in the air, the women dance around the mortar. They sing as they pass the pestle to one another. This is a very astonishing and spectacular dance for women. The débah Reserved exclusively for women, this dance combines songs and gestures. The débah often has religious connotations. It is practised as a form of entertainment and often forms the basis for a competition between several women’s associations from different villages. The M’biwi Extremely spectacular and festive, this dance takes the form of a challenge between two individuals from different traditional groups. The dancing is accompanied by striking the M’biwi together (small bamboo sticks) with the result being a rhythmic and dynamic sound. The chigoma A traditional dance from Zanzibar, this is mainly practised during the “Great Weddings”. Reserved for men wearing smart suits, this spectacular dance requires perfect timing. The Dahira A religious song accompanied by dancing, the Dahira requires no instruments. Only singing forms the rhythmic backdrop to the dance. Reserved exclusively for men, the dahira is an event which can bring the whole village together. Spectacular and dynamic, this dance is all the more captivating as the men appear to be in a total state of trance. The Moulidi A religious song backed by an instrument such as the tari (a musical instrument of Persian origin). This activity is reserved exclusively for men and male children. 14 e h t : e c n a l g a t A ” s g n i d d e W t a e “Gr Each year, Mayotte is in a state of excitement between June and September. From north to south, not forgetting the centre of the island, everyone is busily getting ready for the “Haroussi” (“Great Wedding”) ceremony of niece or a neighbour. The Great Wedding is one of the most important and lively customs on the island. This is a major event which can last for more than a week with several dozen people being invited every day to the festivities (including family, friends, workmates and inhabitants of the village). The expenditure on the events can be exorbitant: the more expensive the wedding is, the greater the honour which goes to the families celebrating it! The first of the “Great Wedding” festivities is the Madjilisi, a meeting reserved exclusively for men who sing religious melodies praising the life of the prophet. After a brief prayer from the Imam at the door threshold, the husband enters his new home and joins his wife in their bedroom. Shouts of joy accompany this stage of the custom. In the house’s yard, mats are spread out on the ground. In one corner the gifts of domestic appliances offered by the husband’s family to his wife are spread out. Women from the bride’s family arrive from all over with huge cooking pots, dishes of every kind and bowls of fruit. A prominent citizen or the Qadi gives a speech, provides a recap of the lineage of the two families and announces the dowry. This is followed by the celebrations with plenty of singing and dancing, which go on until late into the night. A wedding in Mayotte is a marvellous adventure which is as extraordinary as it is surprising. room’s g d n a ide The br ents m commit isation organ ndle the a h y il m ration of e’s fa he prepa t The brid d n a s truction stivitie the cons o t n of the fe io it in add home. If the meals ed and equipped aughter’s ish their d of a furn d in ot build n o d s k her han t s n a e r o a t p t n e th wa man will home, no owry, ! ffer the d cloo t s u m marriage y full of m’s famil suitcase a s. The groo d n a y r hold item elle e w s je u o n h e d ld go es an thinkarics, sho gle is un in s g thes, fab in he of remain an in Mayotte. T The idea m o the man or w herefore seen as a r o f le b is t edding” ulture. “Great W ahorais c M in l a o g ultimate 15 eole n and Cr ia d n I , n h discoadagasca ally wort e rican, M r f A is g g in in y h as k Displa pices suc ais orais coo s h a s u M io , r s a e fv hor influenc mixture o n, traditional Ma buds. le t b u s saffro taste vering. A ves and e for the lo is c r , p r n u o s m t horais cinna a pleasan and chicken, Ma e id v o r p s green t dishes s such a fish, mea le b n a o t e d g e s e es, not yv Often ba et potato e panied b w m s o c d c n a a des, ya or brè cuisine is eadfruit, manioc a p a p n e , br rom gre bananas s made f d la aves) a s g edible le d e forgettin k o o c tion of (a collec es e: At a glanc ecialiti local sp Kakamuku For 4 people Ingredients : • 2 to 3 cloves of garlic • Peppers • 2 lemons • Cumin • Curcuma • Hanga (a sort of Mahorais parsley) • Salt and pepper • 1.5 kg of fish • 1 onion Carefully clean, gut and scale the fish and then wash them. Next, chop the onion and garlic and add the peppers. Then mix the lemon juice, the curcuma and the cumin. Put all this in a large saucepan adding the previous condiment. Put this mixture on the fish and cover with water. Cook on a medium heat until the juice has reduced. Salt and pepper should be added generously to the mixture. Serve hot accompanied by cooked manioc or rice. Mataba - Manioc leaf Ingredients : • manioc leaves • 1 onion • 1 clove of garlic • 1 L of milk • 1 fish (any variety according to preference) • Salt You’ll need to peel the onions and garlic and then crush them with the manioc leaves. Fry or roast the fish and then boil the coconut milk. Add the manioc leaves and salt when the coconut is boiling. Stir from time to time. Wait until the coconut juice is boiling well before adding the fish. ” é l u o V “ ce: the n a l g a t A The Voulé is a traditional Mahorais art... It requires plenty of planning! To begin with, you’ll need to agree a spot, often a beach specially equipped for barbecues. Next, bring along enough food for all of your guests, not forgetting the music, some hot conversation topics and football. There you have all the ingredients you need for a great day at the beach. Yes, you guessed it… it’s a huge picnic ! A traditional family gathering, the voulé is organised at weekends on the beaches around Mayotte. A time to relax, to have fun and to enjoy yourself in great company. men and women each have their respective roles including finding wood, preparing the fire, peeling vegetables, seasoning the meat etc. The children enjoy a great opportunity to have fun on the beach. Around midday, the family meets up with the guests (friends or workmates, etc.) for a festive gathering comprised chiefly of grilled chicken (the famous mabawas), meat (tchak tchak) or fish. The vegetables are cooked in large cooking pots including manioc, bananas or breadfruit. The sauces are also very important: you can’t have a successful voulé without the famous “poutou”, crushed peppers paste with spices or “Tchari”, candied The voulé needs to be planned several days in advance as all of the logistics must be pre- lemon, tomatoes or mangoes mixed with pared beforehand including the food, drinks, peppers. and the bulky items such as cooking pots, The voulé has become a major social phenobowls, coal, etc. menon in Mayotte. It provides an opportunity The first people start arriving early in the to meet up and chat and a way to strengthen morning to reserve the best spots: near the links which already existed between friends sea, with easy access and above all plenty of shade. The rest of the family arrive during and the family. the morning and everyone gets down to work: 16 17 At the initiative of the Mayotte Tourism Board, the company OCTROI, an accredited organisation, has drawn up ratings for the island’s hotels. Following its inspections, six hotels have been the subject of prefectural decrees confirming the following ratings : Hotel SAKOULI • Hotel MAHARAJAH • Hotel LE ROCHER 3-star category tourist hotel Hotel JARDIN MAORE • Hotel LE CARIBOU • Hotel IRIS 2-star category tourist hotel • • The Ylang quality label inspired by the “épis” (ear of wheat) ratings used by Gîtes de France, the “Ylang” quality label is a specific rating system used in Mayotte. The Ylang label provides information concerning the level of comfort and the services provided in Mayotte’s gîtes and B&Bs. In 2012, 23 were rated : 5 ylangs 1 gîte : Les Bangas 4 ylangs 11 furnished apartments and B&Bs : Les couleurs, L’horizon, Meublé val fleuri, Villa Maora, Villa Restonica, Nourach,Banga Low, Maison Az&Ma, Villa vanille, SCI Alizés, Le Zalifat. 3 ylangs 7 gîtes and B&Bs : Villa coco, Anantsika, Les gîtes de Kwalé, Toît de May’hôte, Tatagnagna, Villa Ti Ben Lagon, Les Saints Albert. 2 ylangs 3 B&Bs : Refuge tropical, Antana Kélé, Le Santal Logis. 1 ylang 1 B&B : Le relais Forestier 18 Individuals [ Peers ] Groups [ Leisure* ] [ Business ] * Réunion Island: the leading local visitor source: Leisure stays, maritime activities, themed weekends 3 “visitor experience” concepts Open-air activities Natural and environmental tourism Leisure and discovery activities Reasons for visiting Mayotte African France in a secure setting To discover Mayotte’s outstanding natural heritage To experience To get away from it all in a fairy-tale setting: Lagoon and white sand Authenticity & Traditions biodiversity & discovery Exciting sensations & discoveries Mayotte offers visitors a host of different experiences in outstanding natural settings, in optimal safety and security supervised by professionals who put the emphasis on contact with the local population, the local wildlife, excellent hospitality and personal interaction. 19 n just an More tha ! e rg a emerB word has ithout its w w e e n tt o a ” y t a e a fact th kely as M e “barg uch so in th st as unli m ju o the … S is . o e tr tt star between s Me Mayo it e t in ic u rv o re e h e s it h A local ent” aris w a shuttle imagine P is a living “monum this morning ? perating o , e rr e g Trying to -T e e n, from rg you bargin nd Grand estrians. e directio n, the ba a re d n o e o A e ti p . rr tu ” in e d g ti y n s -T e ctice a in in een Petite scooters, bicycles tte: “Barg their journ r! This unusual pra s o r tw y e a fo b M y k a n in p li a ean rs, nly ged the at this m uarantees arrying ca that passengers o at some time or o g th c e k r, u rg in o a th h b ill The barge is therefore et, but w ry half an me back e k y e o c v a c th e ti m f s to o is d d h d n c n e a r ti two isla a ticket you’ll ne ill pay fo aracteris aturally, nique ch ’t pay for ain, he w N u g n a . o r e d e e rr th tt ls e o o a T y n A tite arriv from Ma ide: new erre to Pe r sets off o it is Grande T nt but deceptive s v e When th asa has a ple is free! Not at all! ort trip. of transp the return e s u r e v ne Nestling at the far north of the Mozambique Channel, between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn, the East African coast and the island of Madagascar, Mayotte is located 1500km from Réunion Island and 8000 km from Paris. Capital: Mamoudzou (53,022 inhabitants) Surface area: 376 km2 Population: 186,452 inhabitants To call Mayotte from: • Mainland France: dial the local 10-figure number • Abroad: international dialling code +262 followed by the nine figures of the local number. Examples: +262269…to call a landline +262639…to call a mobile. Transport The island of Mayotte is comprised of two main islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre in addition to around 20 small islands geographically located in the Comoros island chain. Mayotte has 17 districts, of which 2 are on Petite-Terre and 15 on Grande-Terre. There is no regular transport in Mayotte. However, several bush taxis serve the main villages on the island (you should count on approximately 5 Euros between Mamoudzou and Sada). The barge operates services between Petite–terre and Grand terre. The ticket price is 75 cents. Weather Banques Time zone BFCOI (Banque Française Commerciale de l’Océan Indien) Route de l’agriculture 97600 Mamoudzou Tél : 02 69 61 10 91 / Fax : 02 69 61 17 40 CREDIT AGRICOLE Im. de la Briqueterie, r. du Stade 97600 Mamoudzou Tél : 02 69 61 12 00 / Fax : 02 69 61 16 00 BR (Banque de la Réunion) Im. de la Palme d’Or ZI Kawéni 97600 Mamoudzou Tél : 02 69 60 82 82 / Fax : 02 69 60 82 83 BRED Banque Populaire ZI Kawéni RN1 97600 Mamoudzou Tél : 02 69 60 51 51 / Fax : 02 69 60 51 10 Characteristics Mayotte has a tropical maritime climate divided into two seasons: a dry and temperate season from May to October (average 24°C) which corresponds to the austral winter, and hot season more generally referred to as the “rainy season”, from November to April, (average 27°C) which corresponds to the austral summer. : GMT+3. The time difference between mainland France and Mayotte is 2 hours in winter and 1 hour in summer. Telecommunications Mayotte’s local operators for fixed telephony: France Télécom, STOI, XTS. For mobile services: SFR, ONLY, ORANGE. The currency used in Mayotte is the Euro. 20 Inter-regional and international airline operators: AIR AUSTRAL / AIR France AIR MADAGASCAR / KENYA AIRWAYS AIR MAURITIUS / AIR SEYCHELLES / Interiles air Agence IssoufaliAgence IssoufaliInterîles Air place du marché 97600 Dzaoudzi Tél 0269 60 21 21 97600 Mamoudzou Tél 0269 60 10 52 GSM 0639 03 75 53 Tél 0269 61 36 36 [email protected] www.interilesair.fr Entry formalities for citizens of: France: valid identity card or passport European Community: valid passport All other countries: valid passport with consular visa and a ticket for a return to your home country or another country. 4 airline companies serve Mayotte, departing from Paris and other major French cities. Frequency Daily flights 3 flights per week 3 flights per week 3 flights per week Departure Paris CDG 2A Marseille, Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse Orly Paris CDG 2 Paris CDG 2F Réunion Direct Paris / Mayotte Tananarive on return Tananarive Nairobi www.air-austral.com www.corsairfly.com www.airmadagascar.com www.kenya-airways.com Tel : 01 56 93 47 64 Via Contacts for Reservations Contacts in Mayotte N°Indigo 08 25 013 012 (0.15€/mn) Tel : 08 20 042 042 Tel : 08 92 680 014 Agence commerciale Mayotte Vacances Air Madagascar Rogers Aviation Place mariage Place du marché Place mariage Place du marché 97600 Mamoudzou 97600 Mamoudzou 97600 Mamoudzou 97600 Mamoudzou Tel : 02 69 60 90 90 Tel : 02 69 61 25 50 Tel : 02 69 61 01 53 Tel : 02 69 64 19 30 21 nds or mily, frie of the a f h it w 17% rists stay welcome % of tou ly n 3 5% o 7 ls e hot guests, 6 e e as ’ h t t T ls o e . y t s a o t h n M pare hose h acOf the tourists c being 4,600 tourists. îtes, whic sto0 g ’s 0 e d h n ,2 T 8 la . 4 is s , tourist ve a cu In 2011 y destination, this e fall in visitor business urists, ha of busio e t h r a T f a d o . li o 0 % h 1 their prised ate 7.5 n in 20 ing the commod ewer tha 42% com teep dur s is h ly r ic o la h t tourists f u w ic red due was part mer base s. tte suffe o y e t a numbers h t is M r f u o n o ness t ter whe he end h s a e r last quar trations held at t e w ied wit f nce is a r s F t n o a d n s m e la e the d main 10. On ists ar r rists from s they were in 20 u u o o T ayotteed or very . T r a M e u y a e R in 1 1 m y 0 o fi r a s in 2 umbers f to their st ither satis ncern e 0 r e 1 o r numerou 0 a it 2 is s t v hand, ,300 in e touris yotte co verall, th the other dropped from 23 tay in Ma island (83% O s ir e h t nd with f the nion Isla satisfied aspects o uality (92%). 1. 1 m 0 is 2 r u in o t q 19,100 ning the reception nt concerning e h t f d o n a ) rs mbivale satisfied quarte r more a e h e t a e tisfied). r h r e r a h T wit (67% sa They y y e a n o t s m s for the value tourist riends family or f Graph 1: Changes in tourist numbers based on reason to travel 60000 50000 Total number of tourists 40000 Leisure tourism 30000 Visit to family and friends 20000 Business tourism 10000 Other reasons 0 2008 2009 2010 • 53% of the tourists live in mainland France, i.e. 25,700 visitors from mainland France in 2011. This figure has been rising continuously since 2004. • 40% of visitors are from Reunion Island, marking a fall of 18% compared to the previous year. • 7% came from the neighbouring islands: Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, etc. 2011 7% France Réunion island 40% 53% Neighbouring island 22 Mayotte : A stop-off point in the Mozambique Channel With the creation of the Cruise Club in 2010, corporate and professional partners of the tourism industry joined forces with the Mayotte Tourism Board to guarantee cruise companies a highquality welcome for cruise passengers when stopping off at this lagoon island. With this goal in mind, the Tourism Board has introduced a number of special reception measures to make life easier for cruise passengers: 1. Effective and efficient organisation involving all local professionals involved in the arrival of cruise liners. In Mayotte, ensuring minimum reception standards for cruise ships is a priority, based on four criteria for success: • • • • The The The The quality of the port area and the associated services quality and relevance of signposting and documents efficiency and good interpersonal skills of the information centre information and activities proposed for crew members 2. A personalised welcome for individuals and trippers A flyer in three languages (French, English, Italian), a taxi rank also including selected private carriers, with a “Caribou Maoré” sticker, a craft village offering a chance to taste local delicacies and to discover demonstrations of local skills, shops and restaurants prepared to try their hand at English, three information teams, the presence of surveillance, security and traffic services, folklore and entertainment activities, plus ancillary services and activities for individuals, etc. 3. Technical resources • Three pontoons : Mamoudzou plaisance / Dzaoudzi / Mamoudzou Marché • One quay : Longoni commercial port During the 2011-2012 season, four cruise ships stopped off in Mayotte, with some 1170 passengers visiting Mayotte. Hanseatic Nautica Clipper Odyssée Clipper Odyssée [ [ [ [ 197 667 135 179 passengers passengers passengers passengers ] ] ] ] 28 31 05 03 novembrer 2011 decembrer 2011 february 2012 march 2012 Press contacts at the Tourist Board TOURIST BOARD Public relations / Promotion / Press department Tel : (+ 262) (0)269 61 09 09 Fax : (+ 262) (0)269 0269 61 03 46 Press relations assistant Nassulati AHAMADA [email protected] Promotion / Communication / Press Manager Chloé REMONDIERE [email protected] Manager Michel AHAMED [email protected] The Mayotte Tourism Board office The Mayotte Tourism Board office in Paris 33, Avenue de l’Opéra 75002 Paris Tél : 01 55 03 03 03 Email : [email protected] On Reunion Island – New address 19, rue Sainte-Anne 97400 St Denis Tél : 02 62 56 62 90 Email : [email protected] Publication and editorial management : Comité Départemental du Tourisme de Mayotte. September 2012 Graphical design : Caméléon création CD-ROM version : Giga services Photographic credits : Catherine Théral / Sandrine Debiesse / Jean Philippe Aiglehoux Cassandra Caméo / A. Hulnet / cowboy5434. Fotolia