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 Mauritius is largely dependent on European visitors, with France being the largest single market followed by UK and Germany. The diversification strategy adopted by the Ministry since 2008 focusing on emerging markets like China and India is paying dividend. So much so, that the euro zone which constituted about 67% of our total tourist arrivals in 2009, has gradually declined to reach 57% in 2016. Conversely, tourist arrivals from Asia which stood at 7% in 2009, increased to 16 % in 2016. Likewise, tourist arrivals from Africa increased from 23% in 2009 to 28% in 2016.​

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 Achievements

 

New Policy Framework for Pleasure Craft Activities

 

In August 2016, the Ministry introduced a new policy framework called Pleasure Craft Management System for the management, licensing and operation of pleasure craft in a bid to reinforce safety and security of pleasure craft activities, which form part of our core tourism product. The new policy framework requires that:

 

•       the design and construction of pleasure craft in Mauritius to be in accordance with ISO 12 217 standard;

•      the carrying capacity of pleasure craft not ISO certified to be determined in a scientific manner based on the Australian method, which takes into account adverse weather conditions and rough seas; and
•      the skippers to be classified in three categories as per their competencies, namely ocean going, up to 24 nautical miles and up to 12 nautical miles.

 

The new policy framework does not only enhance safety and security at sea but also fosters the harmonious development of the pleasure craft sector.

 

Elimination of Low Season

 

For two years in a row, the Ministry has succeeded in eliminating the low season through the organization of specific sport events and shopping fiesta with the collaboration of tour operators, airlines and hoteliers during period May to September. Special promotional packages were also offered targeting proximity markets like Reunion Island.

 

Last financial year, MTPA launched its “Mauritius 365” campaign to make Mauritius more appealing during the low season. This project promoted Mauritius as an all year round destination with a wide range of activities that caters for multiple segments. The campaign comprises a series of events such as Mauritius Open Golf Tournament, Rugby 10 Tournament, International Chef Competition, Cycling and Mauritius Extravaganza. This low season strategy resulted in an increase of 9.2 % in tourist arrivals for period May to September 2016 over the corresponding period 2015.

 

Business Facilitation

 

In the spirit of business facilitation, the Tourist Enterprise Licence in respect of hotel, guesthouse, tourist residence and domaine have been replaced by a Tourist Accommodation Certificate (TAC). The TAC constitutes an omnibus permit which combines all activities (restaurant, beauty parlour, health and fitness, spa and wellness, boat house, shops, boutiques and bar) operated by a hotel, guesthouse, tourist residence and domaine. Accordingly, operators are now required to pay a single operating fee for all their activities as opposed to a Tourist Enterprise Licence fee in respect of each activity.  

The IT Infrastructure of the Tourism Authority has completely overhauled and replaced by a new IT platform where the public can apply and obtain a licence online and effect payment thereof electronically. This measure will greatly improve service delivery by the Tourism Authority and reduce cost of doing business for tourism operators.

 

Hotel Classification

 

A hotel classification system was introduced in February 2016, in a bid to consolidate the tourism industry with well-defined criteria for operational standards. The classification system, which adopts a customer-centric approach, has greatly contributed towards upholding the image of Mauritius as an upmarket destination and reinforcing tourist confidence by ensuring value for money. A total of 99 hotels have been classified as follows:

Index​ Assises du Tourisme 2017​
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