Interview / Arvind Bundhun
Interview with Mr. Arvind Bundhun of MTPA As the primary agency promoting tourism in Mauritius, MTPA has played a key role in putting the island on the world map and promoting it as a golf destination. It has been an excellent example of collaboration in both public and private sector initiatives.
MGT: What has been the prime motivation for the MTPA to promote golf, over other tourism sector activities; was this the result of a clearly agreed strategy between the key tourism players, and when was this strategy defined? Arvind Bundhun: As tourism demand and supply evolve regularly, we have always adopted sound business principles at the MTPA to understand this market development and constantly initiated change strategies. In this respect, promoting golf tourism is a niche market in a competitive environment, and is fit for a mature tourism destination like Mauritius. Over recent years, we have therefore adopted the concept of customer experiences to judge the supply for golf tourism. Today, the relationship between golf and tourism is so evident that it represents a unique marker with its own features. The excellence that the game inspires is crucial for the affirmation of a tourism destination. Given these unique features, golf is not only valuable as a tourism product, but it also diversifies the offer of a tourism destination; while contributing to mitigate the seasonality phenomenon. MTPA has worked closely for the past three years with MGTA and IAGTO to expand the market mix by implementing tailored actions in new markets in Asia, even while maximizing international visitor arrivals from established key markets. The MGTA has created a Year-Round, Multi-Course Product which gives specialist Golf Tour Operators an incentive to market Mauritius to their clients. We can play golf all year round In Mauritius with the advantages that include purity of the air, and the unrivalled hospitality at all levels that gives the country the edge that every golfer desires. MGT: We are aware that MTPA were very active participants of the project to bring the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open to the island‌ Once again, what does MTPA see as direct and indirect benefits of being an official backer to what has now become a very prestigious event?
occupancy and media visibility. Moreover, the participation of top world players adds to the glamour and prestige of the event, which is picked up as headlines in major news networks. For example, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open now reaches over 400M viewers; it has enhanced the visibility of our destination worldwide and is now well established in the golf tournaments calendar. This first international golf tournament jointly sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour, the European Tour, and the Asian Tour has definitely placed golf as one of the main growth components for Mauritius as a tourism destination. Additionally, with its broadcast across the world, it opens the door for further investment opportunities.
A.B.: Golf is clearly rising as a leisure product, driven by new international sports heroes that attract the media, the public, and sponsors. This diversification in tourism provides a more sustainable foundation to the industry by decreasing dependence on certain markets. The benefits are therefore multi-fold, both in terms of room
MGT: As a sport, Golf, in terms of courses, resorts, accommodation, and ancillary services requires large investments‌ with Mauritius already having 9 championship courses, and a number of property resort developments built around golf, how does MTPA see the future in terms of growth; are there still growth opportunities?
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