Along with its well-established beach offering, Mauritius is increasingly becoming a hub for cultural tourism, with a growing interest among South Africans seeking cultural experiences during their stay.
The growing interest is reflected in global recognition, with UN Tourism naming Grand Baie and Roches Noires among the world’s 55 Best Tourism Villages this year.
UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages is a global initiative that highlights villages
where tourism preserves cultures and traditions, celebrates diversity, provides opportunities and safeguards biodiversity.
Liana Barnard, Senior Consultant and SA Representative at the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), told Travel News that the MTPA planned to promote these villages, highlighting the country’s cultural appeal.
Noting the growing interest from the SA market, she added: “This is partly due to the island's rich cultural heritage, which blends African, Indian, French, and Chinese influences. The ease of travel (visa-free for up to 90 days) and direct flights from major South African cities also contribute to this demand,” Barnard said.
Ehad Bhaukaurally, Assistant Front Office Manager at Constance Belle Mare Plage also confirmed the demand.
"Our South African guests enjoy the local culture of Mauritius, including the music, food and buying local mementos. At our resort, guests enjoy the Sega show (traditional Mauritian dance) after the Mauritian buffet. It’s a Mauritian-themed night held every Thursday. Our guests interested in Mauritian culture are also encouraged to visit Flacq market on Wednesdays and Sundays,” Bhaukaurally told Travel News.
Joanne Visagie, Sales and Marketing Director of Beachcomber Tours, added that Beachcomber had several interesting and exciting itineraries in the various day tour options that were available to clients in-destination.
Highlights of the itineraries include the World Heritage Site of Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis and the highly recommended working site that Beachcomber endorses as a “must visit” location: the workshop of Beautiful Localhands, an initiative started by Beachcomber in 2006 to support vulnerable individuals.
These products can be found in all the Beachcomber boutiques, Visagie told Travel News.
While also mentioning Sega performances and Aapravasi Ghat as major cultural tourism drawcards, Barnard highlighted the following as notable and unique cultural tourism experiences in Mauritius:
- Culinary Tours: The diverse Mauritian cuisine, influenced by various cultures, is a major draw. Dishes like vindaye and rougail are particularly popular.
- Local Markets: Visiting markets like those in Curepipe and Port Louis allows tourists to experience local life, crafts and food firsthand.
- La Citadelle (Fort Adelaide): Located in Port Louis, this fortress was built by the British in the 19th century. It offers views of the city and is a symbol of the transition from slavery to indentured labour.
- Château de Labourdonnais: A restored 19th-century sugar estate, this site provides insights into the island’s sugar industry and colonial history. Visitors can explore the mansion and gardens and enjoy local rum tastings.
- L’Aventure du Sucre (Sugar Museum and Factory): The museum is in a former sugar factory and tells the story of sugar’s impact on Mauritius. The tour includes tastings and showcases the island's historic significance of sugar production.
- Bois Chéri Tea Museum: As the first tea plantation in Mauritius, Bois Chéri offers guided tours of its factory and plantation, along with tastings of various teas. It is a great way to learn about the island’s tea culture in a scenic setting.
- Eureka House: This Creole house, built in the 19th century, is now a museum showcasing colonial life. It features gardens and a collection of antiques, providing a glimpse into the island’s past.
