Mauritius is open for business

The current use of technology to host business meetings, workshops and virtual expos and events is a temporarymeasure, until the current stringent lockdowns and travel bans due to the Covid-19 pandemic, are lifted.

This is the view of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), as countries around the world grapple with the outbreak, spread and impact of the virus on their citizens, and the severe impact it has had on the global travel and tourism industry.

Despite the challenges to the tourism industry worldwide globally as a result of the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the MTPA would like to reassure the MICE industry that Mauritius is still very much open for business. This is evident as airlines, incentive houses, PCOs and groups agents continue to promote Mauritius as the idyllic Indian Ocean destination to cater for all your MICE needs. Infection rates of Covid-19 have remained low in Mauritius and the country has in place stringent safety, health and hygiene measures to protect the public. At the time of writing, Mauritius had recorded 332 infections in total, and has announced no new infections for the past 14 days.

“We are encouraged by the statistics, as well as our government’s huge efforts to curb the infection rate and put in place effective health and safety measures,” said Arvind Bundhun, director of MTPA. Mauritius is a vibrant, friendly and beautiful country to visit. Not only does it have some of the best luxury resorts and beaches on the planet, it is also a unique melting pot of cultures that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

The variety of adventure, sports and other lifestyle activities also make it an ideal destination for those who want the unique MICE experience for their guests. The MICE industry is an important cog in the MTPA’s tourism strategy, realising great economic benefits from this segment to the country’s GDP.

“We know that the skies will open up again. Those travellers who have come to know and love Mauritius – and those who plan to visit for the first time – will get the opportunity to visit and experience the island’s amazing warmth and hospitality. “Mauritius and South Africa have long enjoyed a magical relationship and we are confident this will continue as soon as it is safe to travel again,” Mr Bundhun added.

Plan to meet in Mauritius

Why not plan your next MICE trip to Mauritius? The paradise island offers an array of luxurious venues, staffed by professional and dedicated support teams, to deliver a unique, world-class event, with a touch of island-style colour and flair.

Mauritius is fast becoming one of Africa’s tourism and meetings jewels offering scenic beauty, hidden treasures to explore and an exotic melting-pot of cuisines and cultures. Just a short flight from South Africa’s three major cities, it is also visafree for South African passport holders.

MICE market

Mauritius offers the MICE buyer the total infrastructure to cater for a variety of groups and sizes, all year round. While the MICE market trend is uncertain post-Covid-19, there has been talk of a focus on smaller, regular incentive groups rather than larger events. Whatever the MICE industry trends hold going forward, as a MICE-friendly destination, Mauritius holds all the key ingredients to delight and deliver.

The quality and variety of accommodation, the attention to detail in service delivery, stateof-the-art conferencing venues, professional and friendly staff, and the additional activities on offer, all guarantee a unique experience.

Health and safety

Currently the health and safety of all its citizens and residents on the island remain the Government’s greatest concern and priority. However, once the tourism market opens up again, this same concern will be passed onto all its visitors to ensure they enjoy the full Mauritius experience within the stipulated regulations and protocol. All hotels and tourism operators will comply with all local regulations and directives from the Government and abide by the recommendations of the local health authorities.

Innovative health and sanitary protocols and precautionary measures have been put in place from arrival in the country and throughout the stay at hotels, and extending to all excursions and activities outside the hotels, to eliminate completely all risk and to ensure a safe and warm welcome to all visitors, including those who serve the MICE sector.

Social distancing measures can easily be implemented across all experiences whether it be the beach, restaurant seating, conferencing, eventing or room allocations. Hosting a group or event in low season (May to September) can be well-accommodated as occupancy is lower and rooms can be allocated with this precautionary measure in mind.

Conference facilities

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

Other venues include the International Conference Centre in Grand Baie (up to 600 people) and Trianon Convention Centre in Trianon (up to 3 000 delegates). Many Mauritian hotels also offer conference facilities and can cater for up to 800 people at a time, with spectacular marquees and set-ups on the hotel properties.

Activities

The island boasts a variety of activities specifically geared for MICE groups, ranging from golf to adventure sports such as quad-biking, trekking, mountain biking, trail-running, ziplining, fishing, kite-surfing, parasailing, canoeing and sky-diving, together with a host of water sports.

The island also offers stunning outdoor locations for interactive and adrenalinfuelled activities and adventures perfect for team-building exercises. There are also many cultural festivities and spiritual festivals that take place on the island that can be enjoyed.

When to visit

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 paradise island setting!

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

South African representatives: Janet de Kretser / Philippa Piguet Meropa Communications Email: mauritius@meropa.co.za www.tourism-mauritius.mu www.ratherbeinmauritius.co.za

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