2023-08-16 22:43:51
The island state and the Mauritians have suffered durably from the Covid pandemic which has frozen all tourist activity, a long-time locomotive of the island. But today, tourism is experiencing an encouraging rebound. During the first seven months of this year, the island welcomed more than 700,000 visitors. At this rate, the sector seems well on its way to regaining its pre-health crisis dynamism. The country places great hopes there to revive its economy.
From our correspondent in Port-Louis,
The Covid crisis has revealed the real importance of tourism in the Mauritian economy. According to the authorities, 100,000 families, out of a population of nearly 1.3 million, depend on this industry. Its direct contribution to gross domestic product is estimated at nearly 9%. In fact, it would be even more important. ” The catalytic effect is actually much greater, says Kevin Ramkélawan Ramkaloan, managing director of Business Mauritius, a major employers’ organization. Sometimes, we even talk about a 25% influence on the economy. »
Without the support of the Mauritian state to the tune of half a billion euros towards hotels, as well as restaurants, tour operators, taxis and skippers, tourism would have sunk. Although the disbursement of funds has suffered from a lack of transparency, according to economists and opposition parties, this aid program has now borne fruit. Tourism is gradually regaining its pre-Covid vitality.
With 1.4 million visitors expected and revenues of 1.3 billion euros, tourism has once again become a key industry. ” Tourism has proven to be the key element currently supporting the economic recovery of Mauritius, analyzes Lindsay Morvan, director of the Tourism Authority, the sector regulator. It’s much bigger than we thought, because in Mauritius, we have a lot of small operators and entrepreneurs in the field of tourism. »
Sustainability as a new model
With 6,000 operators active in 32 business sectors linked to tourism, tourism is moving towards a more inclusive, environmentally friendly and diversified model. Mauritian beaches remain the major asset of this destination, but an enhancement of the interior riches of Mauritius is underway.
Dawood Jawaheer, commercial director of Blue Safari, a company specializing in underwater excursions, observes a realignment. ” Each operator strives to educate customers in order to promote this green tourism, explique Dawood Jawaheer. Many major European tour operators ask their Mauritian counterparts for their list of criteria in terms of “sustainability”.. »
The concept of sustainability is gradually being integrated into the tourist life of the island. The main players in the sector are now participating in a program focusing on the circular economy, the transition to a reduced carbon footprint and the preservation of biodiversity.
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