The popularity of Mauritius among South Africans is well known, and it has for a long time been a staple for travel agents, with many families accustomed to returning year after year. It seems we just can’t get enough of the beautiful island.
Arvind Bundhun, Director of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), says South Africa is indeed one of Mauritius’s main markets, ranking fifth in importance after France, Réunion, the UK and Germany. On a recent roadshow to South Africa, Bundhun met up with Travel News in Johannesburg.
Bundhun said SA was such a valued market because of its proximity (a four-hour flight), the direct air connections between the two countries, and the fact that there was no language barrier. Then, there is the enormous love South Africans have for the island’s white beaches and crystal waters, and our appreciation for the legendary hospitality in every corner of Mauritius. “Hospitality is a part of our DNA.”
He said the island’s approach to COVID was a gradual easing up, step by step, as the health authorities observed and acted in accordance with world trends. The MTPA, he said, was currently working towards easing the PCR entry requirement for vaxxed travellers to reduce the hassle and expense of testing.
“For travel now, safety is the new luxury, and Mauritius ticks all the boxes. We were able to open up Mauritius under safe circumstances – 92% of Mauritius residents have had one vaccination, 80% of residents have had two vaccinations and 40% have had a booster. All hotel and tourism staff are tested weekly and all are vaxxed. We have created a vaccinated bubble. In Mauritius, if you are unvaccinated, you should not work in the tourism industry.”
Bundhun would like to see the South African MICE market becoming active again, and said he had reason to believe that the current protocol, which stipulates a maximum of 50 people in a closed room, would soon be changed. He added that if the airlift was inadequate for groups, Air Mauritius would put on more flights.
“We are ready to welcome our friends from South Africa. We do not run the risk of closing again; we are protected by our sanitary protocols and there will be no more stop-go. Mauritius is open, and we look forward to a million tourists in 2022!”
MTPA will soon launch a new marketing strategy with a campaign, ‘Secret Mauritius’, using photography of 20 ‘Hidden Gems’ around the island by internationally acclaimed photographer, Paul Choy.
