Shreya Shimpi
How has the business been so far?
There has been a gradual increase in air access for India which has been a major factor for the rise in numbers. Air Mauritius is back on track after Covid. Delhi flights have been launched. Chennai flights shall commence operations soon. Vistara has entered the market. With all such developments, we expect our business to expand. Many big hotel chains have expressed their interest in the India market. Today, at OTM Mumbai, we have around eighteen hotels and DMCs exhibiting with us. This stands testimony to the fact that the numbers are significantly increasing.
How important is India to you as a source market?
Historically, Mauritians have origins in India fostering a natural bond between India and Mauritius. Mauritius gives ‘Visa-on-Arrival’ which is one of the key factors for making it a sought-after destination for the Indian traveller. Mauritius offers a variety of culinary options which cater to the needs of the Indian traveller. India is an extremely important market. It is our constant endeavour to strengthen these ties with regards to tourism. Though Mauritius is famous as a honeymoon destination, we also have a lot of multi-generational tourists, sports lovers, and filmmakers.
How is Mauritius positioning itself as a MICE destination?
Mauritius is strategically positioning itself as an ideal MICE destination through various initiatives. We offer excellent logistical facilitation for MICE activities, ensuring smooth coordination and execution of events. In addition, we have introduced attractive incentives to further entice MICE organizers and participants. For instance, for a three-night stay associated with MICE events, travellers can enjoy a 15% VAT refund on accommodation costs, adding significant value to their experience. This incentive is applicable for groups as small as fifty people, demonstrating our commitment to catering to a wide range of MICE needs. These efforts underscore our dedication to standing out in the competitive MICE market
What are your promotional strategies for the India market?
Our promotional strategies are very segment-focused. We have strategies focusing on MICE and the B2B segment. We are participating in all forums catering to that. Along with the metros, we are also introducing strategies for the Tier II cities since these cities are showing keen interest. We are developing strategies to penetrate these markets since we now have daily connectivity between India and Mauritius. We have a digital strategy which is extremely important for increasing our outreach in the B2C segment and for the specialists selling Mauritius. We are participating in Roadshows, traveling to cities and also having a celebrity-driven strategy.
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