The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) has announced India as its primary source market in the Asia region and is targeting 100,000 Indian arrivals in a few years’ time.

Acknowledging the growing prominence of the Indian market, Vijaye Haulder, deputy director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, is leading a business delegation for a sales mission to the top outbound producing cities of India - Mumbai, Bangaluru and New Delhi. Elaborating on tourism board’s future strategy, Mr Haulder, said, “The tourism board will now be expanding its trade and marketing activities to reach wider consumer segments in India both in metros and tier-II cities, thus offering customised range of holiday options both in value-for-money as well as the luxury category and segments.”

Mauritius received over 29,239 Indian arrivals during the first 7 months of 2010, registering an increase of 30% as compared to last year arrivals. Steadily the overall average spend of the Indian visitors to Mauritius has now doubled to $360 per person per day, indicating positive consumption pattern.

Indians visitors are now increasingly opting premium hospitality brands for accommodations, exploring high-spending activities like sky diving, quad biking, segway, sub-scooters, submarine rides, soft adventure safaris, walk with the lions and self drive options. Additionally factors like visa on arrival, direct connectivity and tourism product variety makes Mauritius as a preferred retreat for Indian travellers. The tourism board has allocated an additional increase of 50% budget for its India market trade and consumer activities and promotion. The tourism board is also positioning itself as a wedding getaway.