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M. Somasekhar

Hyderabad , Oct. 5

WHAT is the most favourite activity of an Indian tourist in Mauritius?

Is it lazing on the beach sands; undersea walking; para sailing; visiting casinos and enjoying music and food or a submarine ride?

The answer is a submarine ride. And, it is one of the most expensive, costing Rs 4,500. But, the excitement and an out of the world experience is guaranteed, says Mr Vijaye Haulder, Deputy Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).

Armed with plans to double the tourist flow, increase the number of flights and offer a wider range, the MTPA has firmed up a India-specific strategy called `Magical Vacations'.

For honeymooners from India, who spend one-and-half times the average tourist, Mauritius has emerged among the top three getaways. The other two being Switzerland and Australia.

Bollywood film crews, the emerging BPO sector, and those who want to recharge themselves with the salubrious climate and exhilarating ambience are all heading to this idyllic island nation.

Though situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is closer to Africa. It is at present limited by air connectivity to India.

Air Mauritius flies weekly four times from Mumbai, once each from New Delhi and Chennai. Air India has a sharing agreement and plans to start a service. Domestic private airlines too are said to have similar plans.

Indian tourists contribute about Rs 150 crore, with the average spend being about Rs 35,000 on the island.

The number of tourists touched 26,000 during 2004, and is already up 20 per cent this year, according to Mr Haulder.Mauritius annually attracts 7,20,000 foreign tourists. The Indian percentage is less than two at present.

The MTPA has brought a delegation to organise road shows in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad to showcase the tourism potential.

"We are also planning to target second tier cities like Jaipur, Pune, Amritsar, Chandigarh in the near future," he said.

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