CarJet, the international car hire comparison platform, has announced its expansion to Mauritius and Réunion, bringing its rental services to these Indian Ocean destinations. This strategic move follows the company’s recent entry into the Middle Eastern market with launches in Qatar and Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
2025 is proving to be a year of ambitious global expansion for CarJet. In this article, we’ll explore what this development means for travellers to these tropical islands, examine the unique offerings CarJet brings to these markets, and analyse the business strategy behind the company’s continued international growth.
Why are Mauritius and Réunion CarJet’s next step?
The Indian Ocean has transformed into one of travel’s most coveted destinations, offering a blend of pristine beaches, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities. Once considered off-the-beaten-path locations with limited accessibility, these islands have gained popularity thanks to expanded air routes and the power of social media showcasing their landscapes to global audiences.
Today, both Mauritius and Réunion sit among the Indian Ocean’s top five most visited islands. They particularly appeal to honeymooners and adventure-seeking travellers who desire the perfect balance between paradise settings and adventurous experiences.
Mauritius returns to pre-pandemic tourism heights
According to the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), the island welcomed approximately 1.2 to 1.3 million international visitors in 2023, nearly matching the record-setting 1.38 to 1.40 million arrivals achieved in 2019. While complete 2024 statistics have yet to be published, the first quarter shows promising growth with 328,691 tourists—a notable increase from the 299,082 recorded during the same period in 2023.
This upward trajectory suggests 2024 has been a successful year, with further growth anticipated. The island’s diverse appeal continues to attract visitors from across the globe, demonstrating a remarkable recovery from pandemic-related downturns. Port Louis, the island’s capital, and the Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand out as Mauritius main tourist attractions.
Réunion Island’s consistent tourism growth
Réunion achieved unprecedented success in 2023, hosting 556,089 visitors and exceeding its previous 2019 peak by 4.2%. This impressive performance indicates Réunion’s emerging status as a premier Indian Ocean destination, increasingly standing alongside more traditionally popular islands such as Mauritius and the Maldives. The island’s tourism outlook remains exceptionally positive, with continued growth expected in the coming years.
Part of Réunion’s appeal lies in its natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, or hike through the Cirque de Mafate, a remote caldera known for its dramatic scenery. The island also boasts Cascade de Grand Galet, a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, and Plage de l’Ermitage, a beach perfect for snorkeling and relaxation.
CarJet’s strategic market entry
Global tourism analyses indicate that Indian Ocean destinations are experiencing steady visitor increases, particularly from European, Chinese, and Middle Eastern markets. As traveller preferences shift toward remote, nature-immersive experiences, the Indian Ocean region is projected to maintain its position as a leading travel trend for the foreseeable future. CarJet has recognised this growing popularity and market potential as an ideal opportunity to establish its presence in these flourishing destinations.
CarJet’s SEO shared enthusiasm regarding the company’s expansion into the Indian Ocean market: “We’ve had our eyes on Mauritius and Réunion for some time now. These destinations represent a unique opportunity to provide travellers with the convenience and flexibility they expect when exploring tropical islands. Expanding here marks an exciting step forward in reaching more travellers who value independence and seamless mobility on their journeys.”
Hiring a car is essential to discover these islands
A crucial aspect of visiting destinations like Mauritius and Réunion is that having your own vehicle is a must to truly experience the islands beyond the typical tourist areas. In these island environments, a hired car transforms a standard holiday into an immersive adventure. With limited public transport options available, securing a rental vehicle becomes essential for visitors wanting to maximise their experience.
With a hired car in Réunion , travellers gain the freedom to explore the island’s dramatic volcanic landscapes at their own pace. Similarly, a rental car in Mauritius allows visitors to wind through verdant tea plantations and discover charming historic towns that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
CarJet emerges as the ideal solution for visitors seeking both convenience and value in their car hire experience. The company’s sophisticated search engine compares real-time offers from various car hire providers across both islands, ensuring customers receive the most competitive rates available. This service is delivered through an intuitive, user-friendly platform that aligns perfectly with the company’s core mission, as articulated by its CEO: “our objective is to make hiring a car easy and cheap”.
CarJet’s growth in 2025
This year has been a big one for CarJet, marked by a smart expansion in the global car rental market. Following its recent market entry into Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing accessible mobility solutions in regions experiencing increasing tourism demand.
Through these strategic moves, CarJet is cementing its position in the international car hire industry. The sector itself is experiencing significant growth, driven by rebounding tourism, increased business travel, and an evolving travel philosophy where authenticity and self-determination have become priorities for modern travellers.
As the company’s CEO emphasised: “2025 is a defining year for CarJet, as we continue to grow and adapt to the evolving travel landscape. At CarJet, we recognize this shift and are committed to providing seamless, accessible, and affordable mobility solutions wherever people need them.”
link a landing de Reunión cuando se haga.