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Whether it’s the exquisite beaches, romantic resorts or melting pot of cultures, religions, activities and cuisine, Mauritius is a paradise beyond the beach. The country has become the tropical island of choice for both thrill and chill seekers.
South Africans have always loved Mauritius and, not surprisingly the country is the 4th largest contributor of annual visitor arrivals. From January to October 2008 some 68,966 South Africans visited Mauritius, representing an average of 7.1% increase over the previous year. Given the current global economic dynamics and the importance of the South African market to Mauritius, the Mauritian Government, through the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), has formulated a strategy and action plan to increase its market presence in South Africa and maintain its visitor arrivals. This strategy kicked off with a 3-city roadshow in early February 2009, hosted by the Mauritian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Leisure and External Communications, the Honourable Xavier Luc Duval and a senior delegation from the MTPA. The delegation will also include representatives from a wide range of Mauritian tourism and travel product owners, suppliers and the hotel industry. But it is Xavier Duval with his easy manner and personable, approachable charm who really “sells” Mauritius with his passionate approach to his country. This CA- turned-politician has been the custodian of tourism to Mauritius for 13 years. But it all started many moons before that. A chance encounter on a plane would turn the little then-unknown fraction of pristine heaven that is Mauritius into the thriving tourist paradise it is today. Xavier’s father happened to be seated on a plane bound for the Seychelles next to a man by the name of Sol Kerzner. “My father managed to convince him to invest in Mauritius instead,” he says smiling. Talking about the global economic slow-down he says that nothing has changed as far as their product is concerned. “We are on a serious drive to look at what we can improve in our tourism industry,” he says. “We are looking at opportunities in this down-turn, in fact.” Mauritius and South Africa have always had close working relationships and the Mauritian government and MTPA’s strategic imperative is to leverage tourism opportunities for mutually beneficial sustained growth. The road-show provided a platform to facilitate discussions with the local travel trade, cement partnerships, support and cooperation going forward. Mauritius has also allocated additional budget to the South African market for increased promotional activities in the first half of this year aimed at driving top-of-mind-awareness of Mauritius as a value-for-money holiday destination that offers diversity. The country has become the tropical island of choice for both thrill and chill seekers - from honeymooners and weddings (Mauritius and honeymoons have become synonymous over the years) to families, singles and retired couples and corporate travellers (corporate incentive programmes, conferences and more). With daily direct flights of under four hours Mauritius is easily accessible for South Africans. On top of this, it offers diversity like few other island destinations – from exquisite beaches and a myriad of water-based activities to world class resorts and spas, natural scenic beauty and a lush, tropical interior offering adventure abound – Mauritius has something for everyone. A unique and critical success factor of Mauritius tourism is the commitment each citizen has to the industry. From the Prime Minister to the local village people, every Mauritian understands the importance of tourism to their country and welcomes visitors to their shores, making them feel at home from the moment they step off the plane until they depart. | 
