Mauritius Prime Minister showcases sustainable tourism recovery model at 66th UNWTO CAF Meeting
During the 66th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Africa, Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, showcased Mauritius as a leading example of sustainable tourism recovery amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the three-day meetings at Le Meridien in Pointe aux Piments, Mauritius, he underscored Mauritius's commitment to fostering a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious tourism industry that could serve as a benchmark for the entire African continent.
The Prime Minister shared Mauritius's remarkable journey in tourism, from its humble beginnings in the 1950s to becoming a significant economic pillar, attracting 1.4 million visitors and generating 1.8 billion USD in tourism earnings in 2019.
However, he acknowledged that the pandemic had brought Mauritius's tourism sector to a standstill, impacting related industries like retail, transport, and agriculture. The government swiftly closed borders to foreigners from March 2020 to September 2021 to protect citizens. Despite the challenges, the government provided financial assistance to tourism operators, demonstrating its dedication to sustaining the industry during trying times.
Prime Minister Jugnauth revealed the positive outcome of their revival strategy, stating that the industry had made significant progress on the road to recovery. From July 2022 to June 2023, tourism had rebounded to 86.8% of pre-pandemic levels, with tourism earnings reaching 1.54 billion USD for the period from July 2022 to April 2023, compared to 1.52 billion USD during the same period in 2018/2019.
He attributed this success to the effective collaboration between the public and private sectors through a Joint Public-Private Sector Working Group, which devised safe reopening measures and strategies to relaunch the tourism sector.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Mauritius's ongoing efforts towards sustainability, including plans for a 10-year Blueprint for the tourism sector developed in partnership with the World Bank.
Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, he reaffirmed Mauritius's commitment to sustainability by integrating eco-friendly policies and working towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The aim was to position Mauritius as a sustainable island destination by 2030, with a shift from traditional coastal tourism to inland tourism to relieve pressure on fragile coastal areas.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized Mauritius's efforts in promoting investment and business in the African tourism sector. With a conducive business environment, predictable policies, and a range of facilities, Mauritius aimed to be a platform for channeling investments into the region's tourism industry.
Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth called on African leaders to unite and collaborate as "One Africa" to enhance the continent's tourism potential. He proposed combining and extending partnerships like the "Iles Vanille" collaboration of the Indian Ocean Islands and arrangements between Southern and Eastern Africa, fostering a "Beach and Bush" concept that twinned attractions to boost tourism within Africa. The focus would be on developing medical tourism, business tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), and enhancing air and sea connectivity.
During his speech, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised Mauritius as a shining example of resilience and a symbol of the unwavering spirit and strength characterizing African tourism. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry due to the pandemic but commended Africa's collective determination and unity that allowed it to emerge stronger.
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of looking towards the future and embarking on a transformative journey to rethink tourism for Africa. Central to this vision was the UNWTO Agenda for Africa, tailored to address the region's specific needs and potentials. Key objectives included promoting innovation, advocating for Brand Africa, facilitating travel, and unlocking growth through strategic investment and public-private partnerships. The ultimate goal was to achieve strong governance, more education, and better job opportunities in African tourism.
