Mauritius: MTA publishes guidelines to start operations
The Tourism Authority of Mauritius recently released a new set of guidelines that highlight the sanitary measures necessary to be undertaken by the tourism sector for resuming tourism activities. The guidelines have been designed to tourism businesses with specific health and safety solutions to ensure the protection of staff and customers. The guidelines have been introduced as an integral part of Mauritius’ recovery strategy.
The solutions mentioned the guidelines are in line with the measures provided by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). They have been made to cater to the different operational needs of a variety of businesses connected to tourism from car rental companies and golf courses to restaurants and guest houses. The measures consist of various recommendations on cleaning and disinfection. It also suggests methods to provided contactless options.
The measures also highlight the needs and ways of social distancing as well as a set of protocols required to be followed for suspected COVID-19 cases. It also mentioned that authorities will carry out regular inspections to ensure that the measures are being implemented in the right form and manner. Any kind of failure to execute the measures may result into license cancellation. In addition, Mauritius Tourism authorities have joined hands with Mauritius Telecom to introduce a ‘Safe Travels’ app.
Downloading the application is mandatory for all tourism operators under the tourism authority act. The app breaks down tourism businesses into different categories by operation and clearly outlines the protective measures each business category needs to follow when providing services. Tourism authorities have also provided a video demonstrating travel to Mauritius in the ‘new normal’ highlighting certain measures that are being implemented to protect visitors across the country including at the airport and in hotels and public spaces.
Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said in a recent statement that the organisation prioritises the safety of visitors and staff working in the leisure, tourism and hospitality sector and hence decided to provide a list of sanitary guidelines for businesses to follow as they plan to resume operations. He informed that officials are working closely with private sector and stakeholder partners to prepare for the return of visitors to the destination so that visitors can be welcomed back to Mauritius once travel restrictions are lifted.
