Mauritius, Pearl of the Indian Ocean has reopened its borders for international tourists since Oct 2021. With pent up demand of international travel, Mauritius has got decent share from Indian market too. Mr. Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority on his recent business trip to India, shared key updates with MICE Affairs Media Group.

“Since we reopened international borders for tourists in Oct 2021, Mauritius has welcomed 500,000 tourists in six months starting October 2021 to March 2022. In the pre covid times the numbers were approximate 1.3 million tourists annually. And during these six months we have also noticed that the infections were very few and nil causalities, which has prompted us to ease down the process. Hence starting 1st July 2022, we have decided to welcome both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers in the same way. No testing is required. Only those who get infected at the destination, will have to self-isolate” shared Arvind.

Upon asking about MICE projects in Mauritius and any new initiatives to entice the MICE Planners, Arvind explained “When borders were reopened, there was a cap of 50% on all events in Mauritius. But starting July 2022, there are no such restrictions in place for MICE events. And to encourage MICE movements in Mauritius, we are supporting VAT refund of 15% for groups of 50 persons or more, travelling together and staying for a minimum 3 nights in Mauritius. Moreover there is a plan to offer MICE cash incentive for group of minimum 50 pax traveling together in same flights. The incentives, which will be rolled out in a few days, will be worked out on a case to case basis”

With Air Mauritius increasing flight frequencies to six every week from India to Mauritius starting August and Visa being free on arrival, MTPA is eyeing big on Indian MICE Market.