Mauritius targets more holidaymakers despite rise in Covid infection rates
Mauritius is targeting a 25% growth in arrivals through to the end of the year after reopening its borders to international arrivals last month.
More than 80,000 holidaymakers have visited the Indian Ocean island since restrictions on fully vaccinated travellers were lifted on October 1.
Mauritian health authorities continue to implement a wide-ranging Covid-19 response, and are prioritising the rollout of booster doses for those who are already double vaccinated.
The vaccination of 15 to 18-year-olds is also “well underway”.
Almost 85% of the adult population in Mauritius is already double vaccinated – one of the highest rates anywhere in the world.
However, the country has seen a recent increase in infection rates, which it described as “unfortunately part of the new normal in most countries where restrictions are removed”.
The government recently took the measure to temporarily close schools, and introduced further sanitary measures, mainly to limit large gatherings, in a bid to contain the spread.
“The health authorities remain confident in their ability to manage the recent increase in infection rates and will continue to follow world-leading scientific advice in this regard,” the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said.
“On the tourism front, sanitary protocols throughout our hospitality industry remain at the very highest standards, ensuring that the local community and international guests are afforded maximum protection from the virus.
“Visitors can book holidays to Mauritius with a high degree of confidence that their trips will be enjoyable, safe and secure.”
Tourism minister Steven Obeegadoo said: “In Mauritius, we continue to prioritise the health of our population, and our staggered reopening was part of this carefully planned policy. Since the reopening of our borders on October 1, we have safely welcomed over 80,000 travellers to date, and look forward to welcoming many more to our home.
“To that effect, next week Mauritius will be hosting a familiarisation trip, with tour operators from France, UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, India, Reunion, South Africa, and Kenya who will come to discover more of our beautiful country.”