Alo! Mauritius sets new targets for the new post-Covid traveller

After a long break in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Mauritius opened up for tourists some time back. A holiday on this beautiful island is a must in a beach lover’s bucket. To ensure the safety of travellers, the country had put strict health protocols in place during the pandemic. The island is now fully open and ready to explore. So, when you’re ready to travel, this beautiful destination is ready to welcome you.

Travel Daily Media speaks to Arvind Bundhun, Director of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) about how Mauritius has prepared itself in a post-pandemic era to welcome tourists. Below are the excerpts…

TD: Mauritius has opened up. How have you geared up for the post-Covid travellers?

AB: The road towards normalisation has been properly entrenched. Tourist arrivals which were 40,028 in January 2022, increased to 86,605 in August 2022. We had already crossed 500,000 tourist arrivals by mid-year.

Considering the security of both the population and the tourists as a form of bliss and wellbeing, we ensured that the population/tourists are vaccinated. At the same time, we ensured that the quality of premium service on the island is still authentic and unique as it was before.

Air connectivity, which at the beginning was an issue, has now improved drastically. With market confidence surpassing expectations, Saudi Arabia commenced its operation on 1 June 2022, while EK’s second A 380 flight started its daily operation on 23 June 2022. To further cater to the demand, EK’s third daily flight will commence in October 2022.

All the pre-Covid key markets are gathering momentum growth and we expect normalisation by 2023-24

Amidst the pandemic, the mindset of travellers has changed, and they are now looking for more meaningful experiences and safety before selecting a destination. Mauritius has successfully rolled out a vaccination campaign and around 80% of the population have been vaccinated with two doses and 51% with the booster dose. The safety of the travellers and the population is a priority.

We are eager to welcome travellers to experience the island and get immersed in the culture, nature and Mauritian hospitality. The panoply of activities available is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation of the mind and the body.

TD: What are the new offerings for post-Covid travel in the country?

AB: Pre-Covid Mauritius was already being experienced as being beach and beyond the beach. The same is being pushed with more emphasis on culture, inland and nature-based activities. As a tourism destination, we have also made good strides when it comes to ‘sustainability practices’. Mauritius has organized its first Sustainable Island Mauritius Awards, where tourism operators were rewarded for their best practice in different categories. Lots of emphasis is also being put in locally made quality products.

TD: Any new travel campaign to entice tourists to travel to Mauritius?

AB: ‘It’s time to discover’ has been the key campaign via multiple media outlets for resumption as from October 2021 till the end of April. Focus was also laid on rebonding with the trade via roadshows and fairs.

We are presently designing a campaign around the ‘concept of energy’. It will soon be our new message.

TD: What is the target MTPA is looking at in terms of tourist numbers in the first three months?

AB: The first three months have shown a gradual increase in arrivals with 40,028 in January 2022, to 52,724 in February 2022 and 66,066 in March 2022. The aim is to achieve 1 million tourist arrivals by end of the year 2022.

TD: Any new initiative MTPA is taking to attract travellers?

AB: We are focusing on adopting new technologies to reach consumers amidst the pandemic. Easy access to useful information on the destination is of prime importance as this influences the traveller’s decision.

Digitalisation of our marketing strategies which started pre-covid has now reached cruising speed.

All our PRs in respective markets have social media strategists with all campaigns being properly monitored, evaluated and adjusted to the new trends.

In view of enriching the pre-travel experience, additional technology in the forms of augmented and virtual reality would also be used.