A delegation headed by Mauritian minister of tourism Anil Kumarsingh Gayan met with Middle Eastern travel agents and tour operators at ATM last week, to boost the profile of island nation as a holiday destination for Middle Eastern tourists.

The delegation was joined by members of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), and tourism stakeholders Akquasun Indian Ocean, Angsana Balaclava Mauritius, Connections, Destination Soleil, Maritim Hotels, Over the Horizon LTD, Romantic Travel Tours (Mtius) Ltd, Sofitel Mauritius L’Imperial Resort & Spa, Sun Resorts Hotel Management Ltd and Emotions DMC.

Travel agents made a beeline to the Mauritian stand to learn about the country’s vast potential for Middle Eastern travellers as a an ideal destination for honeymoons, luxury trips, heritage and cultural experiences — as well as being an ideal location for adventures – in a  safe, friendly, and welcoming location boasting great value for money.

Minister of Tourism, the honourable Anil Kumarsingh Gayan (above, centre-right) said: “The response from the Middle Eastern agents and public has been overwhelmingly positive. It is clear that Mauritius can very quickly become one of the preferred destinations for Middle Eastern 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 Middle Eastern families, honeymooners, adventurers and groups to come and visit Mauritius.”

The minister went on to say: “Our touristic offering has been extremely well received by the Middle Eastern travel agents. We expect that following this participation there will be many new Mauritius holiday packages and special offers made available to Middle Eastern travellers, and that the number of visitors from the Middle East to Mauritius will continue to increase significantly.”

During 2017 11,866 Middle Eastern tourists visited the region, an uptick of 18.9% on 2016 –an increase of 5.8% on 2015 figures – and by going on the road and introducing the many different faces of the island to TA’s at events like ATM, the country would expect to build on these figures in 2019.

“…reinforcing Mauritius’ status as a world-class aspirational destination for luxury travel”

Gayan closed his comments: “This tourism development mission 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 will continue to grow and thrive, reinforcing Mauritius’ status as a world-class aspirational destination for luxury travel, honeymooners, groups and family tourism.”