EXHIBITOR— MEETINGS AFRICA

It’s time to meet in #MauritiusNow

Mauritius is open for business, and this beautiful Indian Ocean island is the perfect destination to host your next group, whether it’s for a meeting, incentive trip, conference, an event or exhibition. With its well-established, world-class MICE facilities and tropical setting, Mauritius is an ideal destination for South African groups looking for a unique and rewarding experience.

Combining quality and elegance with a touch of island-style flair, MICE buyers are invited to experience Mauritius for groups, large or small, all year round. No matter the size of the group, Mauritius delivers world-class, luxury MICE packages at superbly appointed, business-friendly venues across the island.

Over the years, Mauritius has positioned itself as one of the top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destinations, offering scenic beauty, hidden treasures to explore and an exotic meltingpot of cuisines and cultures. Being named Indian Ocean’s Best MICE Destination for 2022 at the World MICE Awards is testament to this from the travel and tourism industry.

If you’re planning an incentive trip to reward your top performers, an international conference for a few thousand delegates, an exclusive high-level meeting for a business or government delegation or a product launch event, look no further than the island for the perfect venue, staffed by a professional and dedicated support team, to deliver your special event.

Mauritius offers the MICE buyer the infrastructure to cater for a variety of groups and sizes, all year round, as a MICE-friendly destination. The quality and variety of accommodation, the attention to detail in service delivery, state-of-the-art conferencing venues, qualified and friendly staff, and a variety of additional activities on offer, all guarantee a unique experience.

Boasting the largest and most modern multimedia convention centre in the Indian Ocean region, the Swami Vivekananda Conference Centre provides all the facilities needed for large, international conferences, and can accommodate up to 5,000 people.

Other venues include the Free Port Trade & Exhibition Centre in Mer Rouge (up to 1,000 delegates), Trianon Convention Centre in Trianon (up to 3,000 delegates) and the newly-opened The Caudan Conference Centre (up to 400) in Port Louis. Many of the Mauritian hotels and resorts also offer conference facilities and unique areas within the properties for spectacular marquees and setups to cater for up to 800 people at a time.

The island boasts a host of activities specifically geared for MICE groups, ranging from golf and adventure sports such as quad-biking, trekking, mountain biking and trail-running to zip-lining, fishing, kitesurfing, parasailing, canoeing and skydiving. Mauritius’ stunning outdoor locations are made for interactive and adrenalin-fueled activities and adventures that are perfect for team building. There are also many cultural and culinary festivities and spiritual festivals that can also be enjoyed.

Mauritius has a tropical climate, with warm weather all year round. The best months to visit are from May to December, when the weather is cooler, dry and sunny.

Enjoy everything that Mauritius has to offer as your ideal MICE destination, combining quality, elegance and style, in a perfect paradise island setting!

It’s time to meet in Mauritius and discover #MauritiusNow

The VAT Refund Scheme has been introduced to encourage the business and entertainment event industry to anchor major international events in Mauritius.

1. The event organiser is required to register the specific event before the date of the event on the website of EDB at http:// forms.edbmauritius.org/cn/al935/MICE

• Particulars of event organiser.

• Date of event.

• Location of event.

• Total number of visitors expected.

2. Following the event, the organiser is required to submit to EDB, not later than 60 days following the event, the following mandatory documents:

• A duly filled-in application form (https:// www.mra.mu/download/VAT7D.pdf).

• List of visitors who attended the event, including details on nationality, passport number, arrival date and hotel check in/out dates.

• Accommodation confirmation letter from hotel to confirm that the listed visitors provided resided at the hotel (stay period to be specified).

• VAT invoice/s and receipt/s issued by the hotel for accommodation costs in respect of the visitors/group.

• Details of the event and event organiser.

3. An assessment will be done by EDB; upon satisfactory compliance with set criteria and conditions as per requirements of the VAT Act, a statement will be issued by EDB to the applicant certifying inter-alia, the following:

• that the event has taken place.

• that the event has been attended by a minimum of 50 visitors.

• that each visitor has stayed for at least three nights.

• the qualifying accommodation costs and corresponding amount of VAT paid in respect of the visitors. The application is then recommended to the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) for a refund of VAT (15%) on qualifying accommodation costs.

MICE Incentive Programme — Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

Group size from 100 to 250 people: Rupees 100,000

Group size above 250 people: Rupees 200,000

• MICE incentive buyers should submit their proposals with details on the event, conference, incentive or meeting taking place in Mauritius.

• Minimum group size should be 100 tourists/ foreign participants per event.

• Minimum three-night stay per passenger per group in a hotel should be confirmed.

• A contract will be signed; refund of expenses will be made after the event, on production of original invoices duly certified by the main MICE incentive house or by the local representative or organisation, if they are represented locally.

• In case the payment has to be effected directly to the service provider, the local representative or organisation will need to submit the business registration number of the local service provider or an attestation/ evidence from the overseas service provider. The sponsorship should be used to cover costs incurred in Mauritius relating to, inter-alia:

• Entertainment (gala dinner/lunch hosted by the MTPA).

• Cultural events and shows (including special and personalised arrangements for welcome at the airport such as folklore show).

• Venue set up for an event including decoration, marquees, etc.

• Transport and logistics.

• Any other tourism-related activity approved by MTPA.

#MauritiusNow

#RatherMeetInMauritius www.mymauritius.travel www.mauritiusnow.com www.ratherbeinmauritius.co.za

For more information:

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

SA Representative: Meropa communications

Hermina Sennelo / Liana Barnard

Email: mauritius@meropa.co.za

Tel: +27 (0)11 506 7300