Mumbai : Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) has decided to double its investments allocated for the Indian market by 50 million Mauritius Rupees. The investments will be directed to B2B and B2C marketing, destination awareness and promotions in India.

The national tourist office which observed over 20 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from India during the period of January - June 2010 over the same corresponding period in 2009 has declared India as one of its primary markets. In July 2010, the country received 70 per cent increase from Indian tourist arrivals vis-…-vis July 2009. It is targeting one lakh Indian arrivals into Mauritius.

With regards to the B2B promotions, MTPA is currently conducting a three city road show in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi from August 23-25, 2010. For the same, 30 suppliers from the Mauritian tourism industry including hotels, service providers and ground handlers are participating. MTPA is also in the process of conducting a familiarisation trip for the Indian travel trade by end of 2010.

About 75 per cent of the Indian tourists visiting Mauritius opt for high-end properties. As the destination is primarily positioned to the high-end tourism market, MTPA is strongly tapping Golf Tourism, adventure sports including sky diving and destination wedding segment in India. "We recently invited about ten wedding planners from India to Mauritius on a familiarisation trip to showcase our destination and facilities provided. There is immense potential in the Indian wedding segment with growing demand for destination weddings. We have also set up a special facilitation committee which is headed by the country's Tourism Minister himself for this segment. The airlines are also ready to introduce additional flights to accommodate this segment," stated Vijaye Haulder, Deputy Director of MTPA. Plans are also in pipeline to promote Hinterland Tourism and MTPA is developing strategies to highlight this segment in the Indian market.