SA and Mauritius look at co-operating on tourism front

THE Minister of Tourism in Mauritius, Nando Bodha, is currently in South Africa to liaise with stakeholders in this country and investigate ways of growing the outbound SA leisure and corporate market to Mauritius, but also to look at establishing the island as an add-on destination to South Africa, using Johannesburg as the aviation hub. Bodha, who is also the chairman of the SADC (Southern African Development Community) sector of tourism ministers, said a complimentary package had to be marketed at the point of sale in Europe (for example) which would sell SA as a wilderness and adventure experience and then fly to Mauritius for a resort and relaxation experience. Bodha claims that Virgin Holidays in the UK is already selling the combined package in that market. "Our new airlinks with Dubai* provide an ideal opportunity to market a triangular package. For example, because of already well established airlinks to South Africa on Emirates, why not return to Dubai via Mauritius," he said. With regard to SADC, Bodha said the region was still working together to promote movement across its borders tackling issues such as visa restrictions and air capacity. Other issues which also needed to be addressed included those of standardised service levels, facilities and safety for visitors. "Southern Africa is a magnificent tourist destination and we need to continue co-operating in order to assure guests that they will receive value for money, have a safe and hassle free time and hopefully become repeat visitors." * Emirates will begin three scheduled flights per week from Dubai to Mauritius as of October 1. Air Mauritius currently operates one weekly flight between the island and Dubai. (Miguel de Sousa)