PORT LOUIS — Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) launched a promotional roadshow last April 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia that saw a delegation of 10-companies and tourism stakeholders from the island nation meet with over 60 leading Saudi tourism partners as part of an ongoing effort to develop the number of tourists visiting the island paradise from Saudi Arabia. The delegation, headed by Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, Minister of Tourism, and Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority officials continued the mission on to Al-Khobar last April 8 for similar promotional activities before heading to Riyadh, where the delegation will exhibit and take part in the 10th edition of the Riyadh Travel Fair, which will take place at the Al Faisaliah Tower Hotel on April 10-13, 2018.
A total of 10 industry partners from Mauritius-based tourism and hospitality entities will join the roadshow to promote the island’s unique tourism products, hospitality services and attractions including; Akqua Sun, As-siyaaha Tour Operator, Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, Heritage Resorts / Veranda Resorts, Over The Horizon Mauritius, Promo Tour, Seaside Holidays Ltd., Lux Resorts & Hotels, YU Lounge, and Sunway Residence. As part of the promotional activities Saudi travel agents and tourism professionals will be provided the latest information and updates on Mauritius’ touristic offerings through presentations, workshops and a series of business development meetings.
Minister of Tourism Anil Kumarsingh Gayan said "Mauritius is one of the preferred destinations for Saudi tourists as we offer a distinctive, luxurious, romantic, eco-friendly, family-focused experience and offering. Our rich natural wonders and exotic location, year-round schedule of festivals and special events, numerous kid-friendly eco-parks and beautifully designed hotels and resorts are just a few of the many reasons for Saudi families, honeymooners, adventurers and groups to come and visit Mauritius.
From January to December 2017, Mauritius received a total of 5,142 Saudi tourists visiting the island nation, an increase of 62.5% compared to the total number of Saudi visitors that visited in 2016, which in turn was a 10% increase compared to the total number of Saudi visitors that visited in 2015. By conducting the tourism missions to Jeddah and Al Khobar, it is expected that this increase in Saudi visitation will continue well into 2018.
Anil Kumarsingh Gayan added that "Saudi Arabia remains an integral emerging target market for Mauritius’ tourism development. The upcoming roadshow is one of many major activities MTPA has planned to ensure that key international travel agents maintain a close awareness and link with Mauritius’ tourism industry partners, in order to mutually expand the business opportunities between both, while offering their clients quality tourism experiences. Our expectation is that travel to Mauritius from Saudi Arabia will continue to grow and thrive, reinforcing Mauritius’ status as a world-class aspirational destination for luxury travel, honeymooners, groups and family tourism.”
In December 2017, Mauritius celebrated its 50th year of independence as well as the country’s 26th anniversary as a Republic delivering a strong message of necessitated adjustment, tolerance and respect for different faiths and cultures making the destination more ideal to welcome tourists from all over the world.
Mauritius is among the Top 10 countries to visit this year, according to Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018. — SG
