The 31st edition of SATTE (South Asia Trade Travel Exhibition) in Greater Noida wrapped up recently. The exhibition focused on the theme of "Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism,'' and attracted representatives from tourism and trade sectors worldwide. During the three-day event, Outlook Traveller had a conversation with Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, to discuss the diverse aspects of tourism in Mauritius. Excerpts from the interview here.
What makes Mauritius a famous destination amongst travellers according to you?
I think we are much more than an island destination. We always relate Mauritius as a country island. Unlike our competitors, Mauritius has always seen itself as a country island. You've got exceptional spots, Asia waters, turquoise waters, sandy beaches, but I think we've built up our reputation on something which we call “legendary hospitality.”
How do you think tourism has affected or put an impact on the local community and their perception of the tourists?
Tourism is an integral part of our economy. It represents around one quarter of our GDP and Mauritians are very conscious of that. And of course, being a small island development state, far away from all its markets, carbon footprint is consequent. But we have implemented so many measures to mitigate that. And secondly, I would say Mauritians are very friendly and very welcoming as a population and we are very realistic and we are very grateful to what the tourism industry can really bring to us in terms of being a major engine for social economic development.
Off the top of your mind, what's the most unique destination in Mauritius, according to you, that travellers must come to see check out?
I would say that while we have a tendency to talk about Mauritius being an island surrounded by beautiful seas, yet the interiors of Mauritius are extremely beautiful. You've got extremely lush landscapes, you've got beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, mountains and so on. In that sense it is quite complete as a destination.
Would you like to comment on the recent approaches by the Mauritian Tourism Board and the government that may have been towards making tourism responsible and sustainable over there?
I would like to highlight that the road to sustainability started a long time back. But actually there is a lot of impetus put on that, because first of all, the government wants to certify the island as a sustainable island by 2030. It's a long process but then we've just got one part of the island, a whole village of the island, Bel Ombre, which has been declared a sustainable district by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Now slowly we are exporting that to other villages, other districts so that we get the whole island certified.
Would you want to highlight any festivals or celebrations that tourists could come in and join and witness the culture?
Mauritius is quite a vibrant destination and it’s seen in the fact that we have people coming from four different continents who grew up around similar gastronomy, culture, religion and who celebrate the similar festivals. The beauty of Mauritius is that everybody lives in peace and harmony and you have more or less all the religions in the world in one island. So be it Mahashivratri, be it the Chinese Spring Festival or be it Ramzan coming, we've got loads of festivities that we celebrate as you can see.
What season in Mauritius is the most beautiful and the most glorious for you?
I would say Mauritius is a year round destination; it is most assuredly a year round destination. Right now with the change in climatic conditions, we really cannot predict the season but our winter is as warm as 22 degrees during the day, during the night, it gets down to 17 degrees and during summers it’s just as equally pleasant. That's why I tell you, Mauritius is ideal throughout the year.
