Vanilla Islands (French: Les ÃÂles Vanille) is an affiliation of the islands of Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion (France), Mauritius, Comoros and Mayotte (France) in the Indian Ocean formed as a joint travel destination brand. Founded on 4 August 2010 in La Réunion, the aim of the co-operation is to pool resources and market the region as a combined tourism destination, rather than market each island individually as was done previously.
Official communications also refer to the Vanilla Islands Association (Vanilla Islands Organisation) as the regional cooperation body behind the initiative. In a 2026 statement, Tourism Seychelles said the association was established in October 2013, described it as a joint platform promoting the region internationally, and stated that it was then headed by Pascal Viroleau of La Réunion.
By January 2014, Seychelles Nation described the grouping as comprising the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion and Seychelles, with Alain St Ange as President and Pascal Viroleau as Chief Executive Officer under the auspices of Taleb Rifai from United Nation World Tourism Organisation.
From 14000 cruise passengers in 2014, the strategy of the organisation led to more than 60000 in 2019. After the covid 19 crisis, the sector resume and became fruitfull again. Cruise Industry News reported, citing a press release from the organisation, that more than 35 ship calls were expected across the region during the 2024âÂÂ25 cruise season.