IN 2018, Saudi Arabia visitors to Mauritius reached 16,507, a 221 per cent increase compared to 2017, ranking Saudi Arabia as the 12th most important international market for inbound travellers to Mauritius.
Based on the latest data available, 2019 has started off well, with the number of visitors from Saudi Arabia to Mauritius in January 2019 increasing by 6.3 per cent compared to January 2018.
TTN spoke to Arvind Bundhun, director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and he said: “Mauritius was discovered by the Arabs and ever since, the cultural and historical ties between our two countries continue to grow stronger.
“Saudi Arabian Airlines has been instrumental in its contribution towards the seamless link of passengers between our two countries. Since Saudia started scheduled flights between Riyadh and Jeddah to Mauritius in September 2017, the growth from Saudi Arabia has been unstoppable. They have also transported pilgrims from Mauritius to Makkah point to point.
“With Emirates flying two A380s daily into Mauritius, the international traffic has increased phenomenally, both from the Middle East and from feeder markets who transit via Dubai.”
With the traditional feeder markets for the country being European, the Mauritius government is pursuing a diversification strategy for tourism growth, and in this context, Saudi Arabia is an important market along with China and India. The country aims to reach 30,000 Saudi tourists by the year 2020.
Earlier this year, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority launched a week of promotions, travel industry workshops and gala events in Jeddah, Dammam and Riyadh to promote the Indian Ocean island’s breadth of attractions, and remind Saudis why it’s a great family-friendly, honeymooner and adventure-seeker destination to be visited throughout the year.
Though the country has a Hindu majority, all food served in Mauritius hotel restaurants and retail outlets are halal certified (even fast food chains). Also, Saudi nationals do not require a visa to visit Mauritius.
“The Gulf tourist is an inclusive tourist; he doesn’t remain in the hotel or resort. He explores the country, goes on excursions and immerses in the life of locals. And this is very interesting – they are almost like culture tourists in that respect. Popular activities for Gulf tourists include fishing and hunting - they also love sea karting, fly and dive, submarine and ziplining.”
Mauritius is a world in miniature where different cultures, religions and ethnic groups thrive in peace and harmony. The island nation offers distinctive luxurious experiences, eco-tourism, wellness and spa, adventure sports, conferencing and incentive programmes, as well as amazing golf courses, hiking, horse riding, hunting, nature and wildlife, zip line excursions, jeep safari, walking with lions, skydiving and trekking.
“Mauritius is a beyond beach destination,” says Bundhun. This is probably the main differentiator between Mauritius and its neighbouring Indian Ocean island destinations.
Tourism is the third pillar of the Mauritius economy accounting for 8.6 per cent of the nation’s gross national product (GDP), 20 per cent of the labour force and 11 per cent of investment. Tourism earnings amounted to $1.9 billion and tourist arrivals reached 1.4 million in 2018. With the total number of hotels and resorts increased to 114 properties, representing 13,523 rooms.WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
THE World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony took place last month at Sugar Beach – A Sun Resort in Mauritius and the host island Mauritius scooped up coveted titles.
The island country won Indian Ocean's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination, Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination Indian Ocean's Leading Wedding Destination and Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board.
Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Minister of Tourism, Mauritius, said: “It was a big honour and a great privilege for Mauritius to host the WTA Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2019."
The full list of winners is available on the official WTA website.