Mauritius: A workshop regrouping more than a hundred travel agencies from Mauritius and tour operators from Rodrigues was held today, at Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène, as part of Rodrigues’ tourism promotional campaign, which is scheduled from 28 February to 03 March 2023 in Mauritius.
The Commissioner for Tourism of Rodrigues, Mr Jean Alain Wong So; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airport Holdings Ltd (AHL), Mr Ken Arian; and the Chairman of Discovery Rodrigues Co. Ltd, Mr Aurèle Anquetil André, were present.
The workshop is a joint initiative of the Commission for Tourism of Rodrigues, the Rodrigues Tourism Office, and Discovery Rodrigues Co. Ltd., The primary purpose of the promotional campaign, is not only to enhance the visibility of Rodrigues in Mauritius but also to offer operators from Rodrigues the opportunity to create or strengthen their working relationship with tourism professionals in Mauritius.
In his address, Mr Jean Alain Wong So stated that Mauritius remains the principal market for Rodrigues, with tourist arrivals from Mauritius on the rise, reaching 51,799 tourists in 2022. He dwelt on the need to promote the Special Holiday Package from Mauritius to Rodrigues, which will further boost tourist arrivals on the island.
He lauded the close collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and the Commission of Tourism, which works together to promote Rodrigues as an attractive tourist destination. Another key partner, he underlined, is Air Mauritius, which operates more than 100 flights per month to Rodrigues.
Speaking about the advantages of the tourism industry for Rodrigues, Mr Wong So highlighted that it is a catalyst for development and creates employment, with some 1,600 direct employees. He further underlined the need for training of employees and recalled that the Ecole Hôtelière Sir Gaëtan Duval, the Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Employees Welfare Fund provide training to Rodriguans.
Acknowledging that tourism is one of the main pillars of the economy, he appealed to all stakeholders to work together so as to further propel the tourism industry in Rodrigues. He underpinned the need to showcase the assets and unique characteristics of Rodrigues, which include its authenticity, rich culture, gastronomy, ecotourism, and welcoming population.
As regards future projects, the Commissioner for Tourism said that Rodrigues is being promoted as a green and sustainable destination on the international front. He added that in a bid to fight climate change and focus on its continued pursuit of an ecological and sustainable path, the project “One Visitor, One Tree” will be implemented.
The idea, he indicated, is that for every traveller coming to the island, one tree will be planted. This initiative will serve as a blueprint for both tourists and locals to be more involved in the protection and conservation of the environment of Rodrigues while, generation after generation, the ecological mindset of the locals will continue to thrive, he said. Other projects include: the embellishment of Ile aux Cocos and Caverne Patate and the development of sports tourism with emphasis on kite surfing, regatta, mountain biking, and trail.
For his part, the CEO of AHL, Mr Ken Arian, said that AHL believes in the development of Rodrigues and will continue to invest in new projects on the island. He spoke about the construction of a new runway at the airport and added that work would start in the course of this year. The airport will also undergo expansion works while Cotton Bay Hotel will be renovated and expanded, he underlined.
Mr Arian further dwelt on the development of Duty-Free shops at the arrival and departure points at the airport and announced that very soon, newer and more modern aircraft will fly to Rodrigues.
As for the Chairman of Discovery Rodrigues Co. Ltd, Mr Aurèle Anquetil André, he emphasised that Rodrigues is a destination which promotes authenticity, sustainable development, green tourism, and creole culture and cuisine. He reassured that the island is a haven of peace and is characterised by tolerance and warmth.
Promotional campaign in Mauritius
For this promotional campaign, the focus will be on the Business-to-Business segment with the launch of the Best Travel Agency Award 2023. This competition aims at rewarding the best IATA and Non-IATA travel agencies for the period from 01 April to 31 December 2023.
Two agency tours are planned on 01 March and 02 March in Port Louis and Rose Hill to better offer Rodrigues operators the chance to consolidate their professional relations with travel agencies in Mauritius.