Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority- Tourism Growth Accelerating
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority by the Numbers
Coming Attractions
A week of promotions has been launched by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. They’ve also began implementing travel industry workshops and gala events to take place in, Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah to increase tourism in Mauritius’s many options of attractions; which they hope will remind the Saudis why of the beauty and attractions which can be be visited year round.
In a speech given for the Mauritius Minister of Tourism, Anil Kumarsingh Gayan stated: “Mauritius is a world in miniature where different cultures, religions and ethnic groups thrive in peace and harmony. Mauritius offers not only distinctive luxurious experiences, but also eco-tourism, wellness and spa, adventure sports, conferencing and incentive programs, as well as amazing golf courses, hiking, horse riding, hunting, nature and wildlife, zip line excursions, jeep safari, walking with lions, skydiving and trekking to name just a few of the activities in addition to all the sea-based activities that can be enjoyed.”
Arvind Bundhun, who is the Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority made sure to note that: “Mauritius was discovered by the Arabs and ever since, the cultural and historical ties between our two countries continues to grow stronger yet.”[1] Bundhun added: “Saudia Airlines have been instrumental in their contribution towards the seamless link of passengers between our two countries. They have transported tourists from Saudi Arabia to Mauritius and also pilgrims from Mauritius to Makkah point to point.”[1]
The Data:
Tourism is considered by many to be the third pillar of the Mauritius economy which accounts for 20% of the labor force, 8.6% of the nation’s GDP, and not to mention 11% of investment. $1,900,000 was the total of tourism earnings and tourist arrivals had a whopping $1,400,000 million in 2018 alone. The total amount of resorts and hotels grew to 114 properties, which translates into over 13,000 more rooms.[2]
In 2018 alone, there was over a 200% increase number of visitors from Saudi Arabia reaching a total of over 16,507. Which was drastically improved from about only 5,000 visitors in 2017. Saudi Arabia is not the only country in which Mauritius has seen growth by incoming tourists. Statsmauritius.govmu’s data on 2018 tourism arrivals shows “1.The number of tourist arrivals for the year 2018 increased by 4.3% to attain 1,399,408 compared to 1,341,860 for the year 2017 2. Tourist arrivals by air increased by 3.6% from 1,312,295 in 2017 to 1,359,688 in 2018 while those arriving by sea increased by 34.3% from 29,565 to 39,720. 3. The performance of our main markets, which accounted for 71% of total tourist arrivals for the year 2018”.[3]
Another plus for Saudi travelers is a visa isn’t required for them to travel to Mauritius.[5]
The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority will be organizing “Mauritius Week in Saudi Arabia”, as well as a number of promotional plans are to be held in 2019 in Saudi Arabia. Which is expected to increase the number of travelers from Saudi Arabia much more, which will raise the profile, importance and rank of Saudi Arabia as an important strategic market for Mauritius tourism as a whole.[4] Looking at the latest data available, 2019 is showing promise so far. The number of travelers from Saudi Arabia in Mauritius during January 2019 increased by 6.3% from January 2018.
[1] – Saudi Gazette, “‘Mauritius Week’ launched in Saudi Arabia to promote tourism”, https://gulfdailynews.net/business/mauritius-week-launched-in-saudi-arabia-to-promote-tourism/
[2] – Saudi Gazette, “”, http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/562637/BUSINESS/Mauritius-Week-launched-in-Saudi-Arabia-to-promote-tourism
[3] – Statistics Mauritius, “International Travel and Tourism Year 2018”, http://statsmauritius.govmu.org/English/Publications/Pages/Tourism_Yr18.aspx
[4] – BBC, “Modern Mauritius: how 50 years of independence has transformed the island”, http://www.bbc.com/storyworks/travel/mauritius-at-50/economy
[5] – BBC, “Mauritius profile – Timeline”, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13882731
Nomad Africa Magazine, Exclusive Interview with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Youtube
