Priority of consideration will be given to hotel projects of the highest standard providing high quality service and belonging to the 4 and 5-star categories to avoid a situation where middle-range or budget hotels would constitute the broader range base. A revamping of our hotel development strategy with 4 and 5-star category hotels as linchpin is urged in an attempt to generate traffic flows belonging to the high-spending segments
 

Our investment strategy will be geared towards a more targeted approach, especially with regards to foreign direct investment in the hotel sector. More discernment will be exercised in our choice of foreign investors to ensure a diversified mix of capital mobilization. In order to have a varied investment portfolio, opportunities will be given to international brand names currently absent to invest in luxury hotel development and thereby benefit from their marketing network, managerial skills and financial muscles as equity partners.
 

So as to preserve the natural, exquisite and pristine characteristics of our seascapes, the Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) for coastal development should be strictly adhered to. Derogations regarding setback, height and plot coverage should not be allowed. Development should observe setback, height and plot coverage regulations as detailed at Annex with a view to protecting the general landscape and seascape characteristics of the area and avoid the disfigurement of the coastal character. Development should take place in clusters with adequate natural vegetation in between. The design of built-up structures should minimize the harmful visual effects by combining judicious land use principles with environment-friendly development. The low-density and low-rise hotel development policy should not be departed from and negative visual impacts resulting from obtrusive development should be resisted.

Sites which are not conducive to quality development should be kept undeveloped and left as green breathing spaces with open vistas on the sea. Ribbon development, i.e development along the narrow strip of the coastline, should not be allowed and the promoter will be encouraged to go into greater depth so as to make the maximum use of the available beachfront. In the same line, beach recharging or re-engineering works should as far as possible, leave untouched the existing natural features of the site such as rock outcrops, mature trees and natural habitats.
 

The importance of striking the right equilibrium between the exigencies of the tourism sector and the recreational needs of the Mauritians is recognised. Applications for annexure of part of public beaches to existing hotel sites will be examined with utmost care and regionwise, taking into consideration the community needs and the availability of recreational facilities in the area.
 

It is reckoned that the main island is severely constrained in terms of coastal land resources especially prime hotel sites. Consideration will be given to making an optimal use of those islets which are not classified as strict nature reserves and have a touristic potential. The development of very low density, luxurious hide-aways for the jet-set and the top-end segments will certainly induce a move upmarket and propel Mauritius as an icon of quality tourism. Stringent regulations will however, have to be worked out with all authorities concerned in conformity with the carrying capacity of each islet.