Tourism in Mauritius is now a major business from which Mauritius benefits. For the future, the theme is to build upon what has already been achieved so that tourism continues to make its irreplaceable contribution (foreign exchange, employment, local incomes) to the Mauritian economy.

The Tourism Development Plan presents a twenty year vision which sees the tourism industry growing but ensuring that environmental and social issues are addressed to the benefit of the people of Mauritius. It has been prepared after careful consultation with interested parties and after careful evaluation of the different economic and other factors involved. The market appraisals and the survey evidence indicates that Mauritius should push towards being an even higher value added destination but at the same time broadening its product portfolio in order to regularise and improve the current informal sector. Added to that Mauritius will need to develop an overall ‘Mauritian’ identity as part of a broadening and diversifying of the tourist attractions and as part of a shift into new market segments. The unique: ‘Mauritian’ image will also ward off the threats from competitive substitutes and the price threat from ‘commodity’ beach destinations. Mauritius has to remain special and remain the dream destination. Continuing with a scheduled service only policy is seen as essential to maintaining product standards.

For planning purposes, we envisage a steady development in supply and demand from the current 9,000 hotel rooms through to an indicative figure approaching 20,000 hotel rooms by 2020. At this medium scenario, tourism produces foreign exchange earnings exceeding Rs 30 billion and employment (direct, indirect and induced) approaching 63,000 by the year 2020 compared to 30,000 now.

The physical structure plan embodies a key strategy, which is that Mauritius must develop its different regions (South West, East etc.) in a differentiated manner. There are six tourism zones and they should be developed and positioned as differentiated products with a different emphasis in each e.g. focus on luxury hotels in the East, mixed development from self-catering to luxury hotels in the North West. There is no value in making the whole island look the same, as is the present danger arising from the lack of enforceable planning for tourism.

In the first five years, the Plan proposes a Rs 21 billion programme of private sector investments in tourist accommodation, tourist attractions, and ancillary facilities; and a Rs 750 million programme of public sector investment in tourism support programmes (e.g, sewage schemes). The focus of additional public sector support through the five years includes: more than Rs 500 million on infrastructure and critical tourism product improvements, diversification and innovations. In addition some Rs 200 million is proposed for human resource development/ social projects and environmental management support.

Principal projects include the Grand Baie Waterfront scheme, Trou d'Eau Douce Community Planning, and the new Flic en Flac Public Beach. These flagship projects would be complemented by the Discovery Experience, the Heritage Product Improvement Programme, and the Nature Improvement Programme.

It is proposed that the technical implementation of the Plan be carried out primarily by a strengthened Ministry of Tourism focusing upon the key activities of regularising the ‘informal’ sector, and initiating the Maurihost programme as part of the drive to ‘Personal Service Excellence’. A Beach Management Authority is seen as a key instrument to look after the beaches and the lagoon. A Tourism Bill to give regulatory powers to the Minister is essential.

Note:
The full Tourism Development Plan can be consulted at the Ministry of Tourism, Leisure and External Communications, 12th Floor, Air Mauritius Building