MK recognises travel partners

LAST year was a great one
for Air Mauritius. In 2013
the airline recorded a 22%
increase in own revenue
for the South African region
versus the previous year and
a 10% increase in passenger
numbers.
Air Mauritius Limited also
recorded a nett prot of
€4,9m (R74m) in its second
quarter, representing an
increase of more than 21 000
passengers. Carla da Silva,
Air Mauritius regional manager
for Southern Africa and Latin
America, attributes the results
to the airline’s strategy to
rebalance growth to the
emerging market.
Mauritius’s tourism industry
remains Euro-centric and the
nancial situation in Europe
does not provide bright
prospects, said the High
Commissioner, Mahomed
Ismael Dossa. “As a result
Mauritius Tourism Promotion
Authority was entrusted with
the responsibility to redouble
its efforts on the African
continent as a prelude to
enabling direct ights. Africa
used to be viewed as a
continent of doom. Now it
is a continent of hope with
an emerging middle class
and a projected growth rate
above 5,2%. Hotels are full
during peak seasons. During
low season, occupancy
remains dismal. As a result,
government has created a
special fund of 25 million
rupees (R9m) to boost arrivals
during low season from
regional destinations.”
Meanwhile, Air Mauritius
has strengthened and
established key partnerships
and alliances in order to
improve coverage, says Carla.
Air Mauritius has signed
commercial agreements with
Virgin Australia and Emirates,
strengthening its offering
beyond Southern Africa. Air
Mauritius has also increased
frequencies to Shanghai and
Beijing.