Courrier des lecteurs : "How we were cheated at île-aux-Cerfs..."

11 octobre 2015

11 octobre 2015, 10:38

Commentaire(s)

10:38

Commentaire(s)

Par

La Rédaction

Partager cet article

Courrier des lecteurs : "How we were cheated at île-aux-Cerfs..."

This tourist from Hong Kong sent us a letter, describing his misadventure at Ile-aux-Cerfs. A small incident from a local crook which surely affects the reputation of Mauritius as a tourist destination.

I am a tourist from Hong Kong who visited Mauritius in October 2015. We had a very good memories in Mauritius walking with lions, swimming with dolphins, skydiving. However in our last day in Mauritius, something unhappy happened, we were cheated in Ile-aux-Cerfs. When we arrived at Ile-aux-Cerfs, we met a person named Bobby. He introduced some activities to us including parasailing, snorkelling and underwater walk. I was surprised that there is underwater walk in Ile-aux-Cerfs, and so asking him where was the location of the underwater walk, he replied "nearby". He also said that the underwater walk last for 30 minutes and there is a DVD. I was interested underwater walk in Ile-aux-Cerfs, and so I paying him Rs 6 000 for two persons.

When someone pick us up to the underwater walk, something unexpected happened. Firstly, they drove us back to the main island and went to Belle Mare for underwater walk. It is so crazy, if I wanted to do something on the main island, why should I travel the distance to Ile-aux-Cerfs, and travelling back for doing it? Secondly, after we went down to the water, we were back to the ground five minutes later. Thirdly, the guide who pick us up said that the price do not include pictures and video. The service we got was different from what he described.

"He should pay me back the whole Rs 6 000"

Finally, we called the police. Bobby was at the police station, he replied that the 30 minutes-walk included the transportation time. He was willing to pay back Rs 500 for the DVD. With the help of the police, he was willing to pay Rs 1 000. On my point of view, I wished my underwater walk can be recorded, otherwise I would have taken my camera or I would not pay him anything. Also, I would have enjoyed the whole day at Ile-aux-Cerfs, not going for underwater walk if I knew the "nearby" location is in Belle Mare. I believe that he should pay me back the whole Rs 6 000. As I was leaving on the next day, so I accepted the Rs 1 000 compensation only.

The police was helpful, my taxi driver and the boss at the restaurant at Ile-aux-Cerfs were helpful too. I appreciate all of them. My loss is not big, but I hope that the coming visitor can take more care at Ile-aux-Cerfs. Do not let some bad guys destroy the excellent reputation of Mauritian tourism.

Ching