Karl Mootoosamy,
Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)
How does the destination behave?
Karl Mootoosamy - On the basis of available statistics for January-October 2010, we are currently recording growth of +6.5 % in tourist arrivals for all countries combined, compared with the same period in 2009. France, for its part, posted growth of more than 8 %.
How big is the incentive market?
K. M. - The incentive market is a profitable business, particularly during the off-peak period in May-June. At present, only arrivals relating to conferences held in Mauritius are counted. This is not significant, but nevertheless represents an average of 5,000 people over the last three years.
What are Mauritius' strengths in this segment?
K. M. - Our Mice assets are numerous. We have three large-capacity conference centres (from 600 to 5,000 participants), more than forty hotels equipped with meeting rooms, as well as specialised incoming agencies and a particularly wide range of incentive activities: green tourism, blue tourism, hiking, zip-lining, biking, canyoning, regattas, catamarans, quad bikes, diving, swimming with dolphins, etc. But we should also mention our 11 golf courses (including eight 18-hole courses) and, of course, the uniqueness of Mauritian culture - its gastronomy, its cultural attractions linked to the island's mixed-race culture - as well as the entertainment on offer in the bars and clubs of Grand Baie or Flic en Flac.
What are the main areas of development for tourism in Mauritius?
K. M. - Consolidating offers "green tourismgolf, well-being and spa; developing the offer "marriageThis is particularly important with Indian customers, as is the promotion of duty-free shopping.
Can you explain the concept behind the "Vanilla Islands" label?
K. M. - The "Vanilla Islands" concept is our card to play to make the Indian Ocean the new tourist area to discover. Madagascar, Réunion, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Rodrigues are complementary and varied products. Enabling visitors to enjoy the unique emotions of our "vanilla islands is one of our objectives. At the moment, we're working on a better service for the region between the islands and in relation to the source countries, mainly France.
