MAURITIUS BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

BusinessTravel Guide

MAURITIUS

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More Than Meets the Eye

M A U R I T I U S

Mauritius Striving to become the preferred business hub on the Asia-Africa Corridor Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Ryan Gray

PHOTO: DANIEL MALINOWSKI

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hen you think of Mauritius your mind immediately, and understandably, wanders to visions of paradise islands, palm trees, crystal blue seas and white sands. But while these stunning attributes inevitably contribute to the success of the East African island, what shouldn’t be overlooked is the ever-improving acumen and strategies in place to capitalise on such natural beauty.

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Across strands of hospitality, food & drink, leisure tours, historical documentation and nature facilitation, the country has successfully built its economic growth plan around its make-up; consequently paving the way for enhanced, adjacent business activities to appear across the country as well.

The majority of hotels in the present day can’t simply set their facilities up for luxury and relaxation, but have to also accommodate an escalating

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FACTS & FIGURES

swathe of business professionals and foreign direct investors via business suites, conference rooms and technologically advanced meeting facilities.

Once such hotel chain to meet this trend is Indigo Group, and Managing Director, Rolph Schmid has discussed Mauritius’ diversification from paradise island getaway, to multifunctional business landscape.

“Many destinations can offer these [palm trees and piña coladas]. But the

formula for ‘heavenly’ island holidays that saw 550,000 tourists travel to Mauritius between January and July this year alone is evolving and meeting the increasingly demanding needs of international visitors,” he said. “What differentiates Mauritius most, apart from luxury hotels, pampering spas, beaches and friendly people, is a truly welcoming business environment and subsequent investment opportunities.”

Languages: English, French Area: 2,040 km2 Population (2015): 1.262 million GDP (2018): $27.5 billion Currency: Mauritian rupee (MUR)

Time zone: UTC+4 Dialling code: +230 Internet TLD: . .mu Climate: Tropical

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The Business End EVIDENCE OF THE country’s success in widening its overall appeal to business, as well as pleasure, can be found purely across the number of MICE travellers who enter Mauritius each year.

Its location in the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia makes it a strangely attractive option given its remoteness. Serving EMEA and SADC communities in tandem, the country is then able to leverage solid diplomatic ties and an equally thriving East African business climate at present to add to the overall attraction.

“Mauritius is well placed to open doors to the business world.

Destination management is of the highest standard here and several hotels offer their own excellent business facilities,” the Indigo Hotel Group detailed in a recent statement.

“A combination of factors comes into play to make Mauritius an incomparable investment gateway to Africa, but it is its unique taxation system that encourages both local and foreign companies to set up business here.

“Although the corporate tax rate is 15 percent, offshore companies may claim foreign tax credits at the rate of 80 percent, which reduces the effective rate on a GBC1’s income to three percent; 15 percent corporate and personal income tax rate; 15 percent VAT (refundable), tax-free dividends; free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital; and no capital gains tax.”

Expanding its scope on the international scene, Mauritius recently facilitated the development of the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) in collaboration with the Mauritian Board of Investment, so as to facilitate the sale of residential properties to foreign buyers – yet another example of FDI attraction away from immediate tourism-based appeal.

Indigo Hotel Group continued: “Because of its stable and free economic and political stance, business thrives in Mauritius. A compliance to international best practices in corporate governance, transparency and ethics, as well as a regulated financial sector, ensure secure and successful investment.

Excellent living conditions, together with a skilled, bilingual workforce, complete the attractive picture.”

PHOTO: GIRISH POONYTH

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Your Business Trip in Mauritius Strategic Planning Seminar Hennessy Park Hotel 10AM TO 12.30PM

Lunch at Brasserie Chic, Labourdonnais 12.45PM TO 1.45PM

Gym

Meeting with Patrick at Coffee Lounge, Labourdonnais

7AM TO 7.45AM

3PM TO 3.45PM

Massage I Spa 4PM TO 5PM

Catamaran Sundowner Departure: Le Suffren 5.30PM TO 6.30PM

Happy Hour On the Rocks, Le Suffren 7PM TO 8PM

Teppanyaki Dinner IZUMI, The Address 8.30PM TO 10.30PM

Indigo’s selection of 4* and 5* business hotels in Mauritius presents the perfect mix of unequalled business services and leisure options.

With a range of superb restaurants, bars, gyms, spas, and state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities, Indigo offers its unique sense of style, outstanding service and business practicality in the capital Port Louis, in Ebene Cybercity and in Port Chambly.

For a totally successful business trip in Mauritius, Indigo is the way to go.

Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel

Le Suffren Hotel & Marina

Hennessy Park Hotel

Le Suffren Apart’hotel

The Address Boutique Hotel

www.labourdonnais.com

www.lesuffrenhotel.com

www.hennessyhotel.com

www.lesuffrenaparthotel.com

www.addressboutiquehotel.com

Caudan Waterfront, PO Box 91, Port Louis, Mauritius - T (230) 202 4000 - E reservations@indigohotels.com - www.indigohotels.com

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The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

THE MAURITIUS TOURIST office was set up in the 1970s off the back of continuous growth in the country’s tourist market. From this genesis the Government fervently considered the need for a dedicated promotion agency for tourism, thus creating the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority in 1996; a new entity which would be able to operate more flexibly and with better efficiency in meeting the new and growing challenges facing the industry.

In the early days there was an average of 7,700 tourist arrivals with only two hotels operating on the island. Now, 60 years later with the MTPA in full flow, the landscape of tourism in Mauritius has changed dramatically, with tourist arrivals sitting at 1,341,600 in 2017 and approximately 112 hotels for them to select from.

Mr Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, spoke with Africa Outlook about the exciting work of the Authority to make it the success it is today, alongside the plans for the future to take tourism to the next level.

Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to portray?

Arvind Bundhun (AB): The MTPA is acting specifically in the promotion of the destination in all our key markets and also in selected new markets where we believe there are opportunities for strong growth. We count on a local team of approximately 50 persons and on 13 overseas representative offices.

Our key message has unwaveringly been to promote Mauritius as a lifestyle and all-year round destination to reach our targets. We also focus on niche segments, including golf, sports and eco-tourism, cultural tourism and medical tourism, amongst others.

AfO: What is in store for Mauritius over the course of 2018 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?

AB: Mauritius has acquired a global reputation as a leading destination for excellence in hospitality. The sector operates within a growth market with tourist arrivals showing healthy increases since 2015. However, it is also an extremely competitive environment and we have to continue delivering a world-class service, and seamless experience to both business and leisure travellers.

As an industry, we need to focus on strengthening the emerging market segments, diversifying new markets and the successful completion of the AfricaPHOTO: GIRISH POONYTH

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Asia Air Corridor offers high prospects for the growth of the economy.

To further support and reinforce the tourism sector, we organised a conference on Digitalisation and Sustainable Tourism in May of this year where foreign delegates and local stakeholders met to discuss the impact of technological advancement on the industry. By the year 2019 a new port terminal will be set up to accommodate cruise liners, an emerging market. There are also at least three hotels being constructed.

“We are currently working towards introducing dedicated teams to retain and grow current markets and to develop new markets like the Nordic and Asian markets”

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In September of this year the MTPA along with hoteliers will be participating in the leading business to business tourism exhibition, TOP RESA 2018 which will be held from 25-28 September, 2018 in Porte de Versailles in France.

AfO: Looking forward, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back over the next 12 months, both for the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority as an entity, and the business travel industry in Mauritius as a whole?

AB: At the MTPA, our aim is to be better staffed and, with a fully computerised IT system, to be more responsive, adaptable and increase our

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efficiencies, effectiveness and decisionmaking processes.

We are currently working towards introducing dedicated teams to retain and grow current markets and to develop new markets like the Nordic and Asian markets. We will increase the role of e-marketing, and engage proactively within our market segments such as sports tourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism and the cruise market etc.

Mauritius has successfully established itself as a business hub on the AsiaAfrica Air Corridor, as well as within the tourism industry and financial services sectors, working together closely to achieve the objective of making Mauritius the preferred hub on the AsiaAfrica Corridor.

PHOTOS: GREY HUTTON

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Out & About THE COUNTRY’S AFOREMENTIONED diversification certainly shouldn’t be seen as a deviation away from traditional touristic attractions, despite its growing business influence. Rather, the nation is thriving virtue of a merging of the two. The leisure/vacation community are benefitting from a more professional service landscape comparable to the best in the world.

And the business community can capitalise on an abundance of pleasure pursuits outside of the boardroom; be they museums, cultural and religious festivals, a vibrant nightlife, gourmet food, active adventure and sport, colourful markets, or natural wonders.

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“There has been a marked and increased focus on professionalising the tourism industry in Mauritius, which has yielded positive results for this sector, and recorded an annual increase in tourism arrivals from 2010,” the MTPA’s Arvind Bundhun explains. “Subsequently this has also resulted in an increase in the number of hotels and room capacity across the island. As of June, 2018, there are 400 tour operators listed in the following categories: DMC, Tour Organisers, Outdoor Tour Operators and Online Tour Operators. And going forward, ongoing and healthy public/ private sector dialogue is key to developing further and growing the tourism industry.

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“There is a need to work together in the tourism sector to take Mauritius to the next level in terms of guest experience and ensure the island keeps its leading position as a global and sustainable destination.”

The result can most accurately be demonstrated across its hospitality evolution. More than 13,000 rooms now form Mauritius’ hotel scene.

Indigo Hotel Group added: “It is projected that by 2020, a total of 15,600 rooms will be available on the market. Because the tourism industry plays a major part in the economy, the Government has proposed the interesting Invest Hotel Scheme, designed to broaden the scope of opportunities for investors.”

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Outlook Recommends “Mauritius has acquired a global reputation as a leading destination for excellence in hospitality.” - Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

HOSPITALITY

RETAIL Natural History Museum of Mauritius Blue Penny Museum Rhumerie de Chamarel

Indigo Hotels Indigo Group with its four hotels targeted for the business community are all strategically located in the heart of the business centre of the island. Capitalising on the country’s evolution from both a touristic and business attraction perspective, the Company has geared its hotels towards the latter aspect especially, bridging the work-relax dynamic via a host of stylish, modern and stunning amenities.

NATURE Île aux Aigrettes

Be Cosy Apart Hotel Merging the convenience of hotel living with the luxury and solitude of an apartment-based vacation the Be Cosy Apart Hotel’s 102 accommodation options grace the north coast of Mauritius, just 100 metres away from Trou aux Biches beach. Its variety of restaurants, leisure facilities and conveniences makes it equally suitable for pleasure and business; making the resort a “cost-effective solution for your holiday plans”.

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Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens Vallée de Ferney Tamarin Beach Blue Bay Marine Park

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Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

PHOTO: DANIEL MALINOWSKI

RETAIL

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

Mahebourg Market Port Louis Central Market

La Table du Chateau Chateau Mon Desir L’Archipel Restaurant

PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

FOOD & DRINK

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Transport Links

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport

THE VAST MAJORITY of the world don’t need ta visa to enter Mauritius, an indictment of its diplomatic stability. And for the majority of people entering the country, they will do so via the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport which serves as the primary gateway for Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia.

Once in the country, the plane is also a viable option to connect you to most of the more remote attractions.

Rodrigues, for example is best accessed via Air Mauritius’ internal routes.

For the typical business retreat

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PHOTO: SIMISA (TALK · CONTRIBS)

however, you may be better served by taking to the road, optimising the country’s one major highway which runs from the north to the south.

Car rental firms are one of the many industries to capitalise on Mauritius’ improving business appeal so you won’t be short of options in terms of getting by under your own steam.

And, as is an occurring theme with much of the country, Mauritius’ transport network is set to evolve to even higher levels in the coming years.

On the water, a new port terminal will be set up to accommodate cruise liners by 2019, while back in the air,

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numerous new channels are being opened up, as explained by Bundhun.

“KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has introduced a direct flight from Amsterdam to Mauritius from October last year, in cooperation with Air Mauritius,” he offers as an example.

“Using KLM’s extensive network will enhance the flights offered to Mauritius from Amsterdam and across Europe.

“Kenya Airways has also started serving the Mauritius route as of June of this year, and Alitalia will start a direct flight from Rome to Mauritius from 28 October, 2018.”

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Landmark Attractions Père Laval’s Shrine

“The shrine of French Catholic priest and missionary Père Jacques-Désiré Laval is something of a Lourdes of the Indian Ocean, with many miracles attributed to pilgrimages here. Père Laval is a popular figure with Mauritians of all religions. Pilgrims come from as far afield as South Africa, Britain and France to commemorate the anniversary of his death on 9 September. Notice the coloured plaster effigy of the priest on top of the tomb – it’s been rubbed smooth by miracle-seeking pilgrims.” – Lonely Planet

Rodrigues

“Rodrigues is a delightful remote little holiday island 650 kilometres east of Mauritius in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Measuring only 18 kilometres in length and eight kilometres at its widest point, Rodrigues is entirely surrounded by coral reefs offering world-class diving and snorkelling. Rodrigues is a place that is strikingly beautiful. The island is hilly with lot of flora and has a lot of beaches and tiny islands around it, such as Ile aux Cocos.” – Mauritius Attractions

Eureka

“Eureka House is a unique Creole house built in 1830 located by the river of Moka. It is an elegant Créole residence originally owned

by British and French aristocrats in the 19th century. It is reputed to be one of the largest houses on the island, with 109 doors and windows... During the guided visit of the gardens, you will come across four wonderful small waterfalls. The river banks are the natural habitats for water lilies, ‘jacinte d’eau’, and ‘bredes songes’.”

– Mauritius Attractions

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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

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