Coronavirus spotlight: chatting with Mauritius Tourism
21.07.2023 - 08:30
/ roughguides.com
The island of Mauritius, flung in the Indian Ocean some 800 miles from Madagascar, is the perfect tropical paradise. It’s synonymous with bleach-white sandy beaches and luxurious resorts, but there’s also rugged mountain peaks, teeming wildlife and enough activities to keep the pulse racing. The island responded early to coronavirus, thankfully resulting in low case numbers and fatality figures. We spoke to Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, to find out more.
Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority © MTPA
Q: Mauritius responded well to the coronavirus pandemic, locking down early and implementing strict restrictions. This strategy clearly paid off: Mauritius has recorded fewer than 350 cases of Covid-19, and only ten deaths. What was the experience of coronavirus like in Mauritius, and have you been proud of the government and population’s reaction?
A: It is the responsiveness of the Mauritian authorities and the effectiveness of the country’s health system that are the core reasons behind our low death rate. On 22 January, the Government of Mauritius started screening passengers on arrival at its airport, introducing body-temperature checks and separation of at-risk passengers a week later. I t also set up a fast-track system for suspected cases to minimize contact with other passengers and staff, all before the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared a global health emergency .
The Prime Minister of Mauritius has been addressing the nation regularly while key stakeholders, including ministers and high officials from the ministries of health, commerce and the police, hold daily press conferences to provide the public with the latest COVID-19 statistics as well as keep them informed on the measures being taken.
The local community has really banded together to respect the rules, follow guidelines and forward plan for the destination to reopen and we are very proud of how we have, and continue to, overcome this challenging period in our history.
Relaxing tropical holidays with beach chairs and hammock in Mauritius © leoks/Shutterstock
Q: As of 13 June, all lockdown restrictions in Mauritius have been lifted. What’s it like on the island now things are “back to normal”? What’s the mood like?
A: People are cautiously optimistic that the situation is under control. The safety of visitors to Mauritius and staff working in the leisure, tourism and hospitality sector is of utmost importance to our organization, and so we are working closely with our private sector and stakeholder partners to prepare for the return of visitors so that we are ready to welcome them back to Mauritius as soon as they are able to return. As tourism