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Mauritius Unveils Tech-Driven Tourism Innovations for Enhanced Visitor Experiences Mauritius Unveils Tech-Driven Tourism Innovations for Enhanced Visitor Experiences

Mauritius is pioneering a technology-driven approach to enhance its tourism sector, offering exciting new prospects for African travel agents. The Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) recently showcased four completed projects under its Innovation Boost Grant Scheme (IBGS), all designed to revitalize and transform the visitor experience.

These innovative projects, focusing on "Travel, Tourism, and Entertainment Innovation," include a 3D virtual tour of the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, the MauNature app for nature-based activities, a study on closing the skills gap in the tourism sector, and the Mauritian Treasures app, a digital guide to the island’s cultural and natural gems. These initiatives aim to boost sustainable growth in one of Mauritius’s most vital economic sectors.

The IBGS initiative emerged from the "Les Assises de la Recherche et de l'Innovation" conference, a national platform for developing a strategic roadmap to reinvigorate the tourism sector post-pandemic. The MRIC launched a call for proposals in March 2023, ultimately selecting eight projects for funding, four of which have now reached completion.

Professor Theesan Bahorun, Executive Director of MRIC, highlighted tourism’s crucial role in Mauritius’s economic progress. In 2023, the sector contributed about 9% to the nation’s GDP, with 1.3 million arrivals generating around Rs 86 billion in revenue. The government aims to attract two million tourists by 2030, with projected tourism revenues exceeding Rs 93.6 billion in 2024 alone.

Acknowledging the pandemic’s severe impact on tourism, Professor Bahorun stressed the need for collaborative recovery efforts. The MRIC, despite limited resources, has championed innovative research to support key economic sectors like tourism. A national roadmap for innovation in travel, tourism, and entertainment has been established, focusing on sustainable practices, skills development, enhanced marketing, data analytics, and improved air connectivity.

The Immersive Discovery project offers a multilingual 3D virtual tour of the Aapravasi Ghat, enhancing accessibility and educational outreach for this significant historical site. The MauNature app promotes eco-tourism by providing detailed information on natural attractions and encouraging responsible travel. The skills gap study offers valuable insights into workforce development needs, while the Mauritian Treasures app serves as a comprehensive digital guide to the island’s diverse offerings.

These initiatives underscore Mauritius’s commitment to innovation and sustainability within its tourism sector. By embracing technology and focusing on visitor experience enhancement, Mauritius is positioning itself as a leading destination in the African travel market. Travel agents can leverage these developments to create compelling itineraries and cater to the evolving demands of today’s travelers.

Mauritius’s proactive approach to tourism recovery and growth serves as a model for other African nations. By investing in research, technology, and sustainable practices, the country is creating a vibrant and resilient tourism sector that benefits both the local economy and the broader African travel industry.

The projected growth in tourist arrivals and revenue signifies the effectiveness of Mauritius’s strategic initiatives. With a projected CAGR of 6.35% for arrivals and 1.22% for revenue between 2023 and 2030, Mauritius is poised for continued success in the tourism sector. African travel professionals are encouraged to explore the opportunities presented by these developments and partner with Mauritius to offer their clients exceptional travel experiences.