Mauritius is making a strong comeback in the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, with a clear focus on enhancing its position as a top destination for business events and leisure tourism. At the IBTM World tradeshow, Amrita Craig, Manager for the African Market at the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, shared the island’s plans to attract more international conferences and events.
“We’re back at IBTM for the first time since 2019,” Craig said. “Even though we couldn’t attend during the pandemic, we still managed to host MICE groups. This year, I’m here with seven partners to show Mauritius’ visibility and strength in the market.”
Recognised Excellence in MICE
Mauritius has earned recognition in the MICE sector, particularly with its 2020 World Travel Award for Best MICE Destination. Craig pointed out the government’s support for organisers, such as the VAT refund scheme, where organisers bringing groups of 50 or more can receive a refund after meeting the criteria set by the Economic Development Board. Additionally, hotels across the island have made use of the pandemic to renovate and upgrade their facilities, offering new conference rooms and enhanced services for business travelers.
Commitment to Sustainability
Mauritius is also focusing on sustainability, in line with the global demand for responsible travel. Craig emphasized the island’s dedication to promoting conscious travel. “Sustainability is key for us, and we’re pushing projects that align with these values,” she said, highlighting Mauritius’ commitment to eco-friendly tourism practices.
Diverse Event Capacities
The island is well-equipped to host events of all sizes, with hotels able to accommodate between 200 and 500 attendees. For larger events, Mauritius’ government conference centers can hold up to 5,000 people. The country is also known for its smooth logistics, offering essential services like translation, transport, and audiovisual support for international conferences.
Expanding into Sports Tourism
Mauritius is expanding into sports tourism, seeing growing interest in events like cycling, kitesurfing, and golf. Craig mentioned that the island will host the 8th edition of the AfriAsia Mauritius Open in December 2025, a tri-sanctioned golf tournament involving the European, Asian, and African Tours. The island’s strong logistics and infrastructure make it a prime location for sports events of all sizes.
Enhanced Air Connectivity
Mauritius is also working to improve air connectivity, a key factor for tourism. Craig shared that Air Mauritius is on track to return to full operations, with strong connections from Africa through SAA, and from Europe via airlines like Air France and Emirates. Emirates even offers double daily A380 services to Mauritius, while new direct flights from Spain and Portugal are in the works.
A Bright Future
Looking ahead, Craig expressed optimism for the island’s future in the global tourism market. “We’re well connected and ready to welcome the world,” she said. Mauritius is not just a leisure destination anymore; it is positioning itself as a versatile, world-class destination for MICE, sports, and beyond. With its enhanced facilities, sustainable practices, and strong global connections, Mauritius is ready to take on the future of global tourism.
