The panoramic beauty of Mauritius has for years attracted tourists in droves. The sun and sea, its coral reefs and palm trees, waving languorously in the breeze, make the island nation a natural tourist destination. The scenic extravaganza, nature’s bounties in form of flora and fauna and the most sensitive hospitality industry in Mauritius combine to entice tourists for an experience of bliss and harmony.
The Government has since 2005 placed tourism on the top of its development agenda. It is not surprising, therefore, that tourism is now the country’s main foreign exchange earner - the driver of its socio-economic growth. The Government further plans to increase the total number of tourist arrivals to two million by 2015.
Accordingly, the tourism department has undertaken to improve the tourist infrastructure in terms of hotels, duty free shopping malls, marine parks and so on. Special emphasis is being given to the wellness industry with facilities such as spas, golf and adventure tourism.
Importance is also being given to the expanding and upgradation of the hospitality sector to include villas of the highest quality under the Integrated Resorts Scheme (IRS). These schemes are yielding rich dividends by attracting wealthier tourists from all parts of the world, many of whom are purchasing these villas.
Under the IRS, job and business opportunities are also being created to integrate the community living around the tourist resorts.
Tourism is, also, a good means of investment. Investment in hotel construction, infrastructure development, the agri-Business industry, seafood sector and medical tourism is a most lucrative proposition in Mauritius today. The last, in particular, has tremendous potential. The serene, tranquil and idyllic surroundings along with the warm hospitality of the people are conducive to health and healing. Thus, the development of high-class and high touch medical/health tourism would succeed if concurrently appropriate human resources are available.
Another salubrious aspect of health tourism is the opening up of medical training facilities in Mauritius, which would benefit the country as a whole.
Tourist attractions include yatching, para-sailing, para-gliding, mountain climbing and exploring nature through forests (with their plants and endemic flowers). Eco-tourism is another means of entertainment. In fact, going down the waterfalls is an adventure few tourists can forget. Finally, an exotic blend of cuisine is a major tourist delight for Mauritian cuisine nurtures the delicacies of Indian, Creole, Chinese and European dishes.
 Among the places worth visiting are the Grand Bay, La Cuvette beach and the wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.
A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.
Meanwhile, the Labourdonnais Orchards offers you an opportunity to discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are wonderful means of entertainment at this exotic site.
All these diverse attractions combine to make Mauritius a must-see destination for tourists from world over.
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