Chennai: One can walk with the lions, undertake a submarine trip and enjoy the seven coloured or 24 coloured earth — a natural phenomenon which is absolutely worth seeing in Mauritius.
This spotless destination near India that offers 'Caribbean' experience to the visitors, has planned a series of events including 'kite surfing' and Diwali mela, to attract Indian visitors.
Sharing strong cultural and religious ties with India, Mauritius has 60 per cent people of Indian origin, and hopes to attract one lakh Indian visitors by next year. "Mauritius receives 1.3 million tourists every year from ten main countries including India. Last year we received 83,000 Indian travellers whose volume is increasing substantially and last year there was 15 per cent increase. We are expecting positive growth, though demonetisaton and GST has affected business from India a wee bit. We believe that it will improve. Next year we are aiming one lakh Indian visitors to Mauritius," said Kevin Ramkaloon, director, Mauritius Tourism.
Mauritius, according to him, is a perfect destination for families, young travellers and adventure seekers. It offers experiential holidays enabling the visitors to experience new things. "Besides, there is a lot to explore such as fine gastronomy, French cuisine and over 500 activities that can be exciting. You can walk with lions. Do a submarine trip and can visit the seven coloured earth or even the 24 coloured earth, that is a unique attraction in the world," Mr Kevin who was in the city said.
As Mauritius celebrates half-a-century of independence from March 12, next year, it has planned a series of events to mark the occasion. "The ongoing festival of wind, Diwali Mela in October, international Creole cultural festival, year-end celebrations: Christmas and New Year, and Porlwi festival to name a few, are aimed at attracting visitors from across the globe including those from India. Indians constitute 60 per cent of the population in Mauritius. We want Indians who had visited and those who have not to come," he urged.
"Our country is a great destination that is different from India but with a lot of affinity, also vegetarian food, cleanest air, besides exotic weddings and honey moon destinations," he said and added that Mauritius is very safe for travellers.
Air Mauritius offers free ticket for first child and 50 per cent discount for the second child of a family that is visiting the country for the first time. On an average an Indian visitor spends Rs 80,000 per person per trip and the top activities include casele (safaris), botanical garden, Blue Safari and conservation island.
