Mauritius has secured its position once again as a leading Indian Ocean destination, with the tropical island paradise scooping three prestigious destination awards at the 2022 World Travel Awards (WTA) – Indian Ocean region.
The annual awards recognise and honour the winners in each category voted as being the best in their travel, tourism and hospitality businesses, since the WTA are regarded as the most prestigious awards of the global tourism industry. The winners, based on votes cast by travel industry professionals and the public, were announced at a prestigious gala dinner held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on 15 October.
The lush forests, wild waterfalls, unique wildlife, rugged mountains and palm-fringed white beaches, together with its world-class luxurious resorts, romantic settings and a focus on sustainable tourism, enabled Mauritius to lift the titles of: ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination’; ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination’; and, for the first time, ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination’.
“We are delighted with the recognition for Mauritius as a leading Indian Ocean Island destination from the WTA and our industry peers across the three categories, as these are all areas within our tourism mandate where we strive to be the best. After almost 18 months, travel restrictions and lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are extremely grateful that global tourism is once again on the rise, as we welcome tourists from across the globe to Mauritius,” says Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
“For the tourism sector on the island to receive all these accolades in the various categories at the highest level by the WTA is a significant achievement, and a tribute to our resilient and recovering industry sector,” says Arvind.
“Following the unprecedented and particularly challenging time for the global tourism sector as we all manage the effects of the pandemic; it is important that we continue promoting our unique tourism offerings to ensure Mauritius remains a destination of choice once again. This included the launch of an interactive digital campaign, #MauritiusNow, to showcase the island’s natural beauty in real time, and the introduction of a long-stay Premium Visa option, valid for one year, for those seeking an alternative work, live, play lifestyle option in a safe environment.”
Beyond the beautiful sea, white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts and hotels are many hidden gems off the beaten track just waiting to be explored. As a melting pot of exotic cultures, the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences one encounters in Mauritius are unique to this small but very special island.
“With the reopening of the tourism industry, we continue to promote the destination to our key markets globally. These WTA awards reaffirm Mauritius as the leading Indian Ocean Island destination for adventure tourism, weddings and sustainable tourism,” comments Arvind.
In the airline sector, Mauritius’ national carrier, Air Mauritius, was also honoured at the regional event, taking home awards in the Indian Ocean region as ‘Leading Airline Brand’ and ‘Leading Airline – Economy Class’.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “The interest in the World Travel Awards 2022 programme shows that the appetite for travel and tourism has never been stronger and bodes well for the industry’s future as the global recovery begins. The category winners represent the very best of the Indian Ocean’s travel and tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them. They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges.”
