COVER STORY

Mauritius is open for business

Following 18 months of lockdown restrictions and border closures, Mauritius reopened its borders, on 1 October, to welcome the world back to its shores once again. During this time, the island managed the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent widespread infections and received praise from the World Health Organisation for its handling of the virus.

Coping with Covid-19

Now having achieved herd immunity, with almost 70 per cent of its population vaccinated, this award-winning paradise island in the Indian Ocean is open for business. Recent global accolades include being named in the top three when Lonely Planet, one of the world’s most renowned travel guide producers, unveiled its top 10 countries to visit in 2022. And, at the recent 2021 World Travel Awards, Mauritius was awarded as both the Indian Ocean Islands’ Leading Wedding and Adventure Destination.

It is no wonder that Mauritius is the ideal destination to visit, whether it’s for a business trip or an industry conference, an adventure excursion or simply to reawaken your soul, after a stressful year and a much-needed break.

The island’s tourism and hospitality sectors were amongst the first to be vaccinated since the tourism sector plays such a vital role in the country’s economic growth. Now a Covid-safe destination, it has been praised by the World Health Organisation for its management of the global pandemic. Everyone working in the industry follows the very strict safety and hygiene protocols put in place by the Mauritius Government to protect both the local population and all visitors to the island.

South Africans have a special affinity with Mauritius. So, it was no surprise that the bookings started pouring in again when the travel ban with South Africa was lifted, the borders reopened, and Air Mauritius announced the resumption of flights between the two countries from the beginning of October.

Mauritius at a glance

Mauritius is a small island (approximately 2,500 sq. km), situated in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, surrounded by 330 km of protective coral reef. Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius and is the country’s bustling administrative and commercial hub.

Population: 1.3 million.

Languages spoken: The Mauritian population is multilingual; however, the official language is English. Creole is the country’s native language, while French is also widely spoken.

Climate: Tropical

Economic information: Mauritius has shifted from an agricultural-based economy to a diversified economy. Key products and services include tourism, textiles, sugar, financial services and ICT/business process outsourcing sectors.

Meeting in Mauritius

Having hosted a series of virtual business meetings, webinars, workshops and expos during the past year and a half, it’s time to get back to business. This is the view of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), as the country fully reopened its borders to the world from 1 October. Airlines resumed their routes to the island, including Air Mauritius, which flew its first flight from Johannesburg to Mauritius following the 18-month travel ban, filled with excited travellers able to return to the island once again.

After months of no arrivals, October recorded 67,727 tourist arrivals, with South Africans making up 4,685 of this number, despite limited flights, with Air Mauritius only flying three to four flights per week, initially. However, airlift is increasing and by December there will be three other airlines flying the Johannesburg-Mauritius route, with SAA returning on 21 November with two flights per week, and BA Comair resuming flights from 30 November, with three flights per week. The new player in the market, FlySafair, launches its inaugural flight on 11 December, with two flights weekly thereafter.

With many of the hotels and resorts in Mauritius taking advantage of the shutdown period to undergo soft refurbishments or major renovations, the island is waiting to welcome back the world, including the MICE and business sectors of the tourism industry. Despite all the challenges facing the global tourism industry because of the pandemic, the MTPA would like to reassure the MICE industry that Mauritius is once again open for business. This is evident as airlines, incentive houses and agents representing PCOs, and groups have continued to promote Mauritius as the idyllic Indian Ocean destination to cater for all your MICE needs.

Infection rates of Covid-19 have remained relatively low in Mauritius and the country has put in place stringent safety, health and hygiene measures to protect the public and travellers to the island. All travellers need to be fully vaccinated and present a negative PCR test on arrival, to travel around the island and enjoy the full offering that Mauritius is renowned for.

“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,” says Arvind Bundhun, Director of MTPA.

Beautiful beaches… and so much more

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, but 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. Currently, there is a limit of 100 people at a meeting or gathering, due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place.

“Now that our skies have opened again, those travellers who have come to know and love Mauritius – and those who plan to visit for the first time – have the opportunity to visit and experience the island’s amazing warmth and hospitality again. Mauritius and South Africa have long enjoyed a magical relationship and we are confident this will continue as people feel safe to start travelling again,” Mr Bundhun added.

A reception at Le Chateau. Photo: VLH Kamani

Rather meet in Mauritius

Planning an incentive trip to reward your top performers, an international conference for a few thousand delegates, an exclusive high-level meeting for a government delegation or a product launch event?

Look no further than the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius. Here, you will find the perfect venue, staffed by a professional and dedicated support team, to deliver a unique, world-class event, with a touch of island-style elegance and flair.

Mauritius is recognised as one of Africa’s tourism and meetings jewels, with its scenic beauty, hidden treasures to explore and an exotic melting-pot of cuisines and cultures. It’s a short four-hour flight from Johannesburg and is visa-free for South African passport holders.

MICE market

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 island has the key ingredients to host successful meetings, incentive groups, conferences and events. The quality and variety of accommodation, the attention to detail in service delivery, state-of-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 citizens and residents on the island remain the Government’s greatest concern and priority. With the tourism market now opening once again, this same concern will be passed on to all its visitors to ensure that they enjoy the full Mauritius experience, within the stipulated regulations and protocols.

All hotels and tourism operators 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, throughout the stay at hotels, and extending to all excursions and activities outside the hotels, to eliminate risk and to ensure a safe and warm welcome to all visitors, including those who serve the MICE sector.

Social distancing measures are 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) may be well-accommodated as occupancy is lower and rooms may 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. There are other smaller conference venues on the island, and many of the hotels and resorts also offer conference facilities including spectacular marquees and setups 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 skydiving, quadbiking, trekking, mountain biking, trail-running and ziplining, together with a host of water sports including fishing, kitesurfing, parasailing and canoeing.

The island also offers stunning outdoor locations for interactive and adrenalinefuelled activities and adventures perfect for teambuilding exercises. There are also many cultural festivities and spiritual festivals that take place on the island that may 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.

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

#MauritiusNow #ReawakenYourSoul www.mauritiusnow.com

Incentive Scheme

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority has an attractive incentive scheme in place for the MICE segment.

This applies to bookings for large groups of 100 people or more to the island, and includes a 15 per cent VAT rebate, on-the-ground assistance and cash incentives, if three nights or more – at the same hotel – are booked for the group.

Sponsorship to MICE promoters will be in cash, subject to availability of funds, on the following conditions:

– Maximum sponsorship of MURs 200,000 per event, depending on group size:

- Group size 100 to 250: Rs 100,000

- Group size above 250: Rs 200,000

– MICE incentive buyers and wedding planners need to submit their proposals with details of the event/ conference/incentive meetings taking place in Mauritius.

– Minimum group size should be 100 tourists/foreign participants per event/conference/incentive meeting.

– A minimum of three nights’ stay per passenger for the entire group in a hotel should be confirmed.

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

– In case payment has to be effected directly to the service provider, the local representative/organisation will have to submit the business registration number of the local service provider or attestation/evidence from the overseas service provider.

– Organisations involved in political or religious activities will not qualify for the sponsorship.

- MTPA reserves the right not to approve project proposals.

- The sponsorship is meant to cover costs incurred in Mauritius relating to, inter-alia:

= Entertainment (e.g., gala dinner/ lunch hosted by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority).

= Cultural events and shows (including special and personalised arrangements for airport welcome at the airport, such as Sega dancers).

= PR and media related costs.

= Venue set-up for any event including decoration, marquees, etc.

= Transport and logistics; and

= Any other tourism-related activity approved by MTPA.

#MauritiusNow

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority — SA Representatives:

Janet de Kretser/Philippa Piguet –Meropa Communications

Email: mauritius@meropa.co.za

Website: www.mymauritius.travel