Mauritius targets the UAE and Gulf countries as a key strategic market for tourism promotion
A high-level government and tourism delegation from the Republic of Mauritius visited the United Arab Emirates this week (10–13 January, 2021), as part of a week-long promotional and business development mission to position Mauritius as the destination and partner of choice for the UAE’s travel agents, tourism industry partners and leisure-seeking residents.
Led by the Honourable Louis Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, and supported by H.E Showkutally Soodhun, Ambassador of the Republic of Mauritius to the UAE, as well as Mr. Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), the delegation included 25 tour operators and hospitality representatives from Mauritius eager to reconnect with the UAE’s leading travel agents, and grow visitation from the UAE and Gulf region to Mauritius.
The delegation heads met with Dubai and UAE government officials, private companies and airline representatives to strengthen established partnerships and seek new opportunities that position Mauritius as a safe, exciting and rejuvenating destination for all residents of the Gulf region.
A number of key events were held as a platform to bring the tourism industries together to create innovative and enticing holiday packages to Mauritius. A travel agent workshop was held on January 11th, 2021 at the One and Only Royal Mirage Dubai, that saw 110 leading travel agents and outbound travel professionals from Dubai and the Northern Emirates hold one to one meetings with sales representatives from Mauritius’ preeminent hotels, resorts, and tour operators. On January 12th, 2021, a similar workshop was held at the same venue for 80 travel specialists from Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, that were especially invited by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. The promotional week concluded with a gala event for over 100 media representatives and social media influencers so that they could learn more about the attractions of Mauritius as an idyllic paradise ready to be enjoyed and explored.
The Honourable Louis Steven Obeegadoo speaking at a tourism workshop, addressed the steps taken by the Mauritius government to contain the effects of the pandemic, and ensure ongoing public safety and confidence for travel to Mauritius for both travellers and locals alike. Additionally, he praised Dubai on how well it is hosting EXPO 2020 during this tumultuous time.
While the deputy prime minister and accompanying dignitaries explored strategic partnerships and investment opportunities with global aviation and tourism players, the tourism delegation was meeting and educating more than 180 agents and tour operators from the UAE and Saudi Arabia for the creation of new holiday packages to Mauritius that are specifically tailored to UAE and Saudi travellers’ needs.
Commenting on the visit Mr. Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said; “We are extremely pleased to visit the United Arab Emirates and reconnect with our industry partners. The number of Mauritius partners and level of seniority present on this mission is indicative of the commitment and level of importance this market holds for us. The UAE and Gulf region have become key strategic markets for Mauritius, as we diversify our visitor mix.”
