BusinessTravel Guide
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Mauritius
The heavenly Island
M A U R I T I U S
Mauritius Mauritius is without doubt the perfect spot for the inquisitive business traveller, providing an endless array of surprises with every turn Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Ryan Gray PHOTO: LY HOANG LONG
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here is far more than meets the eye when it comes to Mauritius’ offerings to the eager business traveller. Of course there is the extensive beauty seen wherever you look; but delve beneath the surface and you’ll find a plethora of intriguing activities to take up your spare time. Perhaps offering up the most relaxing business trip you can find, Mauritius’ beaches are renowned for the piercing blues which will
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undoubtedly leave you speechless. However, look just beyond and you will discover the islands wildlife which will capture your imagination and leave you wanting more time to explore. Located just east of Madagascar, Mauritius only has two seasons for you to consider when travelling - summer and winter - with very little change to differentiate the two; taking into account that during your business hours, the central plateau will be cooler than time spent on the more coastal areas.
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FACTS & FIGURES
If you are a keen wildlife connoisseur, the wildlife tourism sector of Mauritius is gaining popularity; having saved more birds than any other country on the planet, this really shouldn’t come as a surprise. As a result, when you make your way down to the shores of this beautiful island, you will be treated to two of the loveliest birds in the Indian Ocean - the pink pigeon and Mauritian kestrel. Of course it is not just the natural sights you should relish in during your time there, with the food on
offer standing out as an experience in itself. Mauritius is gaining a long list of accolades for its excellence in food and fine-dining offerings, providing something to suit the tastes of everyone; it is most definitely an experience not to be missed. Mauritius will provide the perfect back-drop for your business trip and with the help of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority’s exclusive interview in this month’s travel guide, you won’t be short of ideas when it comes to down time.
Languages:
French, English, Mauritian, Creole, Tamil, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Hakka, Hindi
Area: 2,040km2 Population (2015): 1.263 million Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR)
Time zone: UTC + 4 Dialling code: +230 Internet TLD: . .mu Climate: Tropical maritime
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M A U R I T I U S
The Business End AS YOU WOULD expect for an area of such beauty, the tourism industry in Mauritius is booming, contributing 7.8 percent to GDP and providing one of the fastest growing sectors after the financial services industry. As a major tourist destination - ranking 3rd in the region and 56th globally, the island is growing in popularity as a hot-spot for tourists, but also excitingly for business opportunities. In order to continue on with this upwards trajectory for the sector, Mauritius is working hard to promote Mauritius as an all-year-round destination for people to enjoy - perfect for the business travel sector. The island provides the perfect backdrop, with just the right balance of business and pleasure available, including gold,
sports and eco-tourism, among many other activities to suit all tastes. Mauritius is making its way up the ranks as one of the best places to do business, having recently been ranked 32nd by the World Bank as one of the easiest places to do business out of 189 economies; both strategically placed as the perfect platform for investment into India and a gateway for investment into Africa. The market is particularly stable for business operations, with political stability playing a major factor, as well as its secure investment location and the availability of legal, accounting and finance professionals.
PHOTO: LY HOANG LONG
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Since its independence in 1968, Mauritius has come a long way, developing itself from a low income, agriculturally based economy to a particularly diversified economy built upon tourism, textiles, sugar and impressive financial services. Alongside those larger sectors, recent years have seen a rise in information and communications technology, hospitality, healthcare, renewable energy and education, making it the perfect diversified base for business travel.
join us on our next diving adventure
Why choose us?
→ We favour small groups → We offer PADI and SSI courses → Located opposite public beach → Regular safari dives to outer islands → We’re passionate about diving → Wide variety of dive sites for all levels
Just Diving is a PADI and SSI dive centre located in the north of Mauritius. We offer daily diving and a full range of diving courses from beginner all the way through to divemaster. We aim to provide a personal touch in a relaxing atmosphere.
www.justdivingmauritius.com info@justdivingmauritius.com → +230 262 6637
M A U R I T I U S
The Mauritius Tourism Authority THE MAURITIUS TOURISM AUTHORITY (MTPA) was borne out of the Mauritius Government Tourist Office, an institution set up in 1959 in order to promote the island as the tourist hot-spot that it is recognised as today. With the growth in the tourism industry, the Government fervently considered the need of Mauritius for a dedicated promotion agency for tourism, creating a new entity which would be able to operate more flexibly and with better efficiency in meeting the new challenges and impetus put on the industry. In the early days there was an average of 7,700 tourist arrivals and only two hotels operating on the island; now 30 years later, with the MTPA in full flow, the landscape of tourism in Mauritius has changed dramatically, with tourist arrivals sitting at 480,000 and approximately 90 hotels for them to chose from. Kevin Ramkaloan, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority talks to Africa Outlook about the exciting work of the Authority to make it the success it is today, alongside the
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plans for the future to take tourism in Mauritius to the next level. Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to portray? Kevin Ramkaloan (KR): The MTPA is acting specifically in the promotion of the destination in all our key markets and also in selected new markets where we believe there are opportunities for strong growth. We count on a local team of approximately 50 persons and on 10 overseas representative offices. Our key message has unwaveringly been to promote Mauritius as a lifestyle and all-year round destination to reach our targets. We also focus on niche segments, including golf, sports and eco-tourism among others. AfO: Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in Mauritius now compared to its condition when the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority began?
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KR: There has been a marked focus on professionalising the tourism industry in Mauritius, which has yielded positive results for this sector, and recorded an annual increase in tourism arrivals from 2010. Subsequently this has also resulted in an increase in the number of hotels and room capacity across the island. As at June 2017, there are 394 tour-operators listed in the following categories: DMC, Tour Organiser, Outdoor Tour Operator and Online Tour operator and going forward, ongoing and healthy public/private sector dialogue is key to developing further and growing the tourism industry. There is a need to work together in the tourism sector to take Mauritius to the next level in guest experience and ensure the island keeps its leading position as a global destination. AfO: What is in store for Mauritius over the course of 2017 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?
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KR: Mauritius has acquired a global reputation as a leading destination for excellence in hospitality. The sector operates within a growth market with tourist arrivals posting healthy doubledigit increases since 2015. However, it is also an extremely competitive environment and we have to continue delivering a world-class, seamless experience to both business and leisure travellers. As an industry, we need to focus on strengthening the emerging market and diversifying new markets and the successful completion of the Africa-Asia Air Corridor offers high prospects for the growth of the economy. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is to introduce a direct flight from Amsterdam to Mauritius from October this year, in co-operation with Air Mauritius. Using KLM’s extensive network will enhance the flights offered to Mauritius from Amsterdam and across Europe. AfO: Finally, looking forward, if we were to speak again in three-five years’ time, what progress and development would you
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hope and expect to be able to report back, both in regard to the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority as an entity, and in regard to the business travel industry in Mauritius as a whole? KR: As the MTPA, our focus is to be better staffed and, with a fully computerised IT system, be more responsive, adaptable and increase our efficiencies, effectiveness and decisionmaking processes. We are working towards introducing dedicated teams to retain and grow current markets and to develop new markets; we will increase the role of e-marketing, and engage proactively within our market segments such as sports tourism, the cruise market etc. Mauritius has successfully established itself as a business hub on the AsiaAfrica Air Corridor, within the tourism industry and financial services sectors, working together closely to achieve the objective of making Mauritius the preferred hub on the Asia-Africa Corridor.
www.tourism-mauritius.mu
PHOTO: LY HOANG LONG
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M A U R I T I U S
Out & About AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, Mauritius is becoming quite the extensive hub for business travellers, with various hotel groups - including the Indigo Group and Holiday Inn - moving in to cater specifically for business travellers, providing exclusive packages which target business travellers have been introduced by all the major groups to accommodate this growing sector. The hotel industry in particular is booming in Mauritius in order to meet the demand placed upon it by the growing tourism industry, with companies such as Starwood Hotels setting the benchmark for excellence with its range of hotels answering to all your needs across the island. In order to maximise your time in between a busy schedule
and make the most of the natural beauty available, there are a plethora of activities to suit every individual. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend your afternoon, then what better way than relaxing in Mauritius’ Natural Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, if you are looking for a little more adventure then one of Mauritius’ many diving excursion options could be the perfect activity for you. With companies such as Dive Passion Mauritius you can explore the beauty hidden away, travelling through passageways that lead to the open seas, rich in
PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH
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plankton and an endless variety of sea creatures. As previously mentioned, every day there will be a huge array of different cultural culinary specialities to entice you. Whether you would like a more relaxed offering after a busy day, or alternatively to experience fine-dining at its best in some of the most scenic restaurants in the world, Mauritius is able to offer it all. However long or short your business trip, you will undoubtedly be hooked by your time in Mauritius and with so much to explore be left with the perfect excuse to return to its clear blue beaches in your own time.
There is much to love about Mauritius and it’s not just because of its organic, mountainous beauty and pristine beaches, but also because of its melting pot of cultures, religions, and friendly smiles welcoming you to their land.
Plan your corporate bespoke events and intimate gathering at the The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa Mauritius & Le MĂŠridien Ile Maurice. Whether you are planning a special social event or a private meeting, we offer unrivaled excellence in hospitality. All three resorts offers a full range of meeting facilities for your next conference, business meeting or private event in Mauritius. Also on hand is our talented events team, bringing together your entire event and ensuring every detail is executed to your expectations.
Explore our venues today!
Village Hall Lane Road, Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius Tel:+230 204 3333 01800.banquet@lemeridien.com
Balaclava, Turtle Bay, Mauritius Tel:+230 204 1400 03216starmeeting@westin.com
Le Morne Peninsula, Mauritius Tel:+230 403 9000 Kennymoonsamy.Ponnen@stregis.com
M A U R I T I U S
Outlook recommends “I love my beaches... But I love even more the sense of the world that lies just beyond.” - Lonely Planet
FOOD AND DRINK
RETAIL Grand-Bay Shopping Le Caudan Waterfront
Beach Rouge HOSPITALITY St Regis Westin Turtle Bay Mauritius
Le Barachois Paul & Virginie NATURE
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Just Diving Just Diving is perfectly placed in Mauritius, surrounded by the amazing north islands which provide tourists with a huge and exciting variety of diving spots and depths to explore. The variety available is truly unique and an unforgettable experience for any adventurous business traveller looking to explore the depths of Mauritius.
Le Meridien Starwood Hotels’ Le Meridien is situated on the on the edge of 1,000 metres of sparkling ivory beach on the North-West coast of Mauritius. Offering guests a wide selection of beautifully sophisticated restaurants and bars, alongside the hotels gardens which create the perfect place for a serene hideaway after a busy day. In your spare time, the hotel offers an infinite array of activities and sports such as spa or diving, or the option to relax and take in the breathtaking views.
LEISURE
PHOTO: AMIT MEHRA
Mauritius Four Seasons Golf
Mauritius Natural Botanical Garden
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Casela Park
Swim with Dolphins
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Outlook Creative Services
Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.
PHOTO: LY HOANG LONG
PHOTO: LY HOANG LONG
ARTS & CULTURE
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services
Ministry of Arts and Culture
diving for pleasure
Blue Penny Museum Tours Natural History Museum
We share the love & respect of the ocean & its marine life.
PHOTO: AMIT MEHRA
Scuba diving in Mauritius
BEACHES Trou d’Argent Beach Ile aux Cerfs Mont Choisy Beach
PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH
A personalized service that will leave you with an unforgettable experience
Dive Passion Mauritius Coastal Road B 59 Belle Mare, Mauritius
Find us on
+230 58 56 55 27 divepassionmauritius@gmail.com www.divepassionmauritius.com
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C AA PU ER ITTOI U M W SN
Transport Links
Mauritius has successfully established itself as a business hub on the Asia-Africa Air Corridor
AS AN ISLAND, Mauritius is particularly dependent on its airlift and seat capacity and as such, it will bring about the opening of the AsiaAfrica Air Corridor, linking the two continents via Mauritius, a fact that will aid the island’s business tourism with easy connections to Singapore and offering high prospects for the local economy. This will provide travellers with a convenient stop-over in Mauritius that looks set to transform the island over the coming years to become a strategic airline hub for flights between Africa and Asia. With the
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ever-present focus on corporate events and business travel as a whole, additional flights from South India to Mauritius have been introduced in order to accommodate the increased hosting of corporate events. Mauritius is a particularly easy destination to get around and therefore makes for a very relaxed time in between meetings. In order to make the most of your time, it is advisable to rent a car - for longer trips - enabling you to explore all of the enticing corners of the island in less than 90 minutes. However, for the shorter
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business excursion then taxi’s are in a bountiful supply, and for a trip offshore, catamarans will provide the perfect mode of transport to get you to the offshore islands. For getting around the mainland, if you have a little more time on your hands between meetings, there are several reliable bus services operating around the island. Taking the bus is of course the most economical form of travelling, and with newly air-conditioned busses operating, it makes for quite the relaxing and enjoyable journey around.
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Landmark Attractions Black River Gorges National Park
“The Black River Gorges National Park offers a network of hiking trails that cut across the wild and empty Black River Gorges National Park…. Look for the rare tambalacoque (dodo tree), black ebony trees and wild guavas. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for Mauritius kestrels, pink pigeons, echo parakeets and Mauritius cuckoo-shrikes.” - Lonely Planet
Eureka
PHOTO: LY HOANG LONG
“The visit of the Eureka Mansion and its grounds provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life. The house is filled with antiques and photos of the period. It also has a magnificent garden surrounded by waterfalls of the Moka River… The Eureka house was restored and opened to the public as a museum in 1986.” - Mauritius Attractions
PHOTO: AMIT MEHRA
Blue Penny Museum
“The Blue Penny Museum is one of the prime elements of the Mauritian cultural scene… It displays a precious heritage collection about Mauritius and the region. A real voyage in space and time, this history and art museum will take you on the steps of the explorers and the successive occupation of the island, at the cross-road of civilisations from Europe, Africa and Asia.” - Caudan.com
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BusinessTravel Guide ENQUIRIES joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672