Mauritius Aiming to become Effortless, Highly Desirable Destination for all Indian visitors
In the vibrant world of global tourism, few destinations capture the imagination quite like Mauritius, a paradise of azure waters, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. As the Officer in charge of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Hurry Boodhun stands at the forefront of promoting this enchanting island to travelers worldwide. In an exclusive interview with Senior Delhi-based journalist Neeta Lal for Traveller World magazine, Boodhun delves into the strategies and initiatives driving the island’s tourism sector. From overcoming challenges during the pandemic to leveraging digital innovation, he shares insights on how Mauritius is poised to captivate the hearts of travelers post-COVID-19.
How important is the Indian market for Mauritius tourism? Are there any new focus areas, such as Tier 2 cities?
India remains one of the most crucial markets for Mauritius, contributing significantly to our tourism sector. Over time, we have seen consistent growth in the number of Indian visitors, with strong interest spanning various segments, including leisure, honeymoons, family holidays, and adventure travel. The allure of Mauritius lies in its unspoiled beaches, top-tier resorts, rich cultural offerings, and a broad range of activities that cater to all kinds of travelers.
In addition to maintaining a strong presence in our established markets like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru, we are now focusing on emerging Tier 2 cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow. These cities are increasingly exploring outbound travel, and through tailored marketing campaigns and strategic collaborations with the travel trade, we aim to increase awareness and engagement. By tapping into these regions, we hope to inspire more Indian travellers to choose Mauritius for their next getaway.
What new offerings have you introduced specifically for Indian travellers?
Mauritius remains a highly favored destination for Indian travelers, thanks to various bespoke offerings. Indian travelers can enjoy luxury stays, water activities, helicopter and seaplane rides at more attractive prices, making high-end resorts and premium experiences more accessible. Likewise, wellness seekers can indulge in spa treatments inspired by Indian culture and infused with Ayurvedic elements.
For Indian couples considering a destination wedding, several luxury resorts offer the flexibility to host fully customized celebrations, from traditional mandap setups and baraat processions to Indian catering and priest arrangements. The presence of temples on the island also allows couples to have an authentic ritualistic wedding in a scenic and spiritual setting.
How have you improved air connectivity from India? Are there any new routes?
Strengthening air connectivity is a top priority for us, as it boosts tourism and fosters deeper cultural and economic exchanges between India and Mauritius. Currently, Air Mauritius operates nonstop flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, while Air India provides direct connectivity from Mumbai.
A major milestone in our efforts to improve connectivity was the launch of IndiGo’s direct flight from Bengaluru in November last year. Bengaluru, being a key business and leisure hub, makes this new route a game-changer for Indian travelers. It opens up exciting possibilities for those eager to explore Mauritius’ stunning landscapes, luxury resorts, and a variety of adventure activities. This addition has also significantly improved accessibility for travelers from Karnataka and the surrounding regions, offering them a direct and convenient connection to the island.
Our goal is to build on the connectivity and expand our reach to potential travellers from Tier 2 cities, making Mauritius an effortless, accessible, and highly desirable destination for all Indian visitors.
How significant is the Indian MICE and wedding segment for Mauritius? Have these segments seen an uptick post-COVID?
The Indian MICE and wedding segment is a key pillar of Mauritius’ tourism growth, thanks to the increasing interest from corporates, couples, and families. For MICE travelers, Mauritius offers a range of high-end resorts and dedicated convention centers equipped with cutting-edge technology, flexible meeting spaces, and top-tier business facilities.
Indian corporates are increasingly choosing the island country for incentive trips, leadership retreats, and high-profile conferences, drawn by the island’s safety, accessibility, and diverse leisure activities. On top of that, Mauritius’ appeal in the MICE segment is augmented by its easy visa-on-arrival process, a well-connected network of flights, and the special 15% incentive for hosting MICE groups of over 15 members. Mauritius is also renowned for its prolific golf offerings, with numerous elite golf courses located across the island. This makes it a particularly attractive destination for incentive programs and corporate groups looking to combine business activities with relaxation and recreation.
When it comes to destination weddings, Mauritius provides an unparalleled mix of stunning venues, be it beachfront settings, private islands, or lush garden spaces. Indian wedding celebrations are known for their grandeur, and our hotels and resorts are fully equipped to host multi-day festivities with customized Indian menus, dedicated event planners, and seamless logistical support. Families can enjoy vibrant mehendi and sangeet nights by the ocean, traditional pheras at sunset, and grand receptions under the stars.
With strong cultural ties between India and Mauritius and a growing demand for intimate yet luxurious events, the island continues to solidify its position as a preferred choice for Indian MICE groups and wedding celebrations.
Can you share insights about Mauritius’s hotel infrastructure? Are there any new additions?
Mauritius’s hotel infrastructure is continuously evolving to meet the demands of a wide range of travelers, from honeymooners and families to business professionals and those seeking adventure or relaxation. Post-COVID-19, there have been exciting additions to the hotel landscape in Mauritius. Several luxury resorts offer innovative designs, exclusive services, and world-class amenities, while pre-established hotels have revamped their designs and offerings to suit modern travelers. Mauritius is also expanding its mid-range and budget hotel offerings to cater to a broader range of tourists. The growth of boutique hotels in scenic locations provides more options for those looking for a more intimate and personalized experience.
Mauritius also continues to prioritize its MICE sector with the development of modern convention centers and meeting spaces equipped with the latest technology to support business tourism. With these new developments, Mauritius ensures that its visitors have access to the most comfortable, unique, and premium accommodations while enjoying the island’s natural beauty and culture.
Could you elaborate on the sustainability measures Mauritius has adopted, considering its fragile ecosystem?
Mauritius is deeply committed to sustainability, recognizing the importance of preserving its fragile ecosystem. To this end, we’ve introduced several measures to ensure that tourism grows in harmony with the environment. We have strict regulations in place for coastal development to protect our marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Key areas such as the Black River Gorges National Park and Île aux Aigrettes are designated as protected reserves to safeguard biodiversity. These areas are carefully managed, ensuring that tourism activities respect and preserve the natural surroundings.
In the hospitality sector, many of our hotels and resorts are certified with green standards, promoting sustainable practices like waste reduction, energy efficiency, and water conservation. This ensures that our tourism infrastructure is both eco-friendly and capable of supporting the island’s growing visitor numbers without compromising its beauty.
Mauritius also places great importance on cultural preservation. We encourage visitors to engage in authentic experiences, such as exploring local markets, attending traditional festivals, and supporting local artisans. To facilitate this, tour guides are trained to educate tourists about the island’s cultural customs and sensitivity. We also run campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness about the cultural and natural treasures that Mauritius has to offer.
The government, in partnership with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), has also put in place measures to regulate tourism activities in an eco-friendly manner. This includes zoning laws, capacity limits for popular attractions, and environmental impact assessments for new developments. These steps ensure that tourism is managed sustainably and that Mauritius remains a desirable and responsible destination for future generations.
Have you traveled to India? What are your favorite destinations?
Yes, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting India, and every trip has been a truly enriching experience. Mumbai and Delhi stand out as vibrant cities that perfectly blend tradition with modernity. Mumbai’s dynamic energy, bustling business environment, and coastal charm make it an exciting destination, while Delhi’s rich history, iconic landmarks, and cultural depth provide a profound connection to India’s heritage. Each city offers something unique, and I always look forward to exploring more locations during my future visits to India.
Delhi-based journalist and editor Neeta Lal has worked with India's leading publications in her three-decade career. She writes for over 20 publications worldwide and was nominated for World Media Summit Global Awards for Excellence 2014 and SOPA Awards 2014. A postgraduate in English literature, she has also been a scholar at the International Summer School, Norway and Concordia University, Canada, and has travelled to 72 countries.
