More good tourism numbers outside of Mauritius

Statistics on the tourism industry in Mauritius continue to be mixed in 2012, with the latest round coming from the Bank of Mauritius for the 12 months ending January 31. Reuters reports that the bank’s most recent numbers indicate an increase of more than 12% in total tourism receipts from February 2011 to January 2012. According to an official statement from the Bank of Mauritius, receipts during the period amounted to "Rs 44.2 billion ($1.52 billion) as compared to Rs 39.4 billion recorded during the previous corresponding period."

Additionally, tourism receipts since last January alone are up just over 34% despite the government reporting a drop in total arrivals of around 3%. That means that although fewer tourists arrived in Mauritius in January, they spent much more money per person. That’s quite a significant statistic considering the fact that tourism accounts for nearly 10% of Mauritius’ GDP.

Europeans still hold the dominant position when it comes to catering to visitors as they travel east for honeymoon holidays, golf trips and family vacations in Mauritius; and why not? The island offers excellent weather and beautiful scenery that anyone can enjoy. Plus, its strongest economy in the region means your money goes a long way; even in the best five-star resorts on the island.

If you visited Mauritius last year, you were just one of more than 960,000 to do the same. Tourism officials hope to see that number increase enough to exceed one million arrivals in 2012. Reaching that milestone would be important in laying the groundwork for future tourism development, even as the government looks to follow the example set by Seychelles of encourage private citizens to invest more in the tourism economy as entrepreneurs.

This year there are a couple of new resorts scheduled to open, as well as some current properties that are undergoing significant renovations. Mauritius is also now in the second year of an aggressive ten-year development plan that will include upgraded infrastructure, several new resorts, more entertainment options, and even a new amusement park once it’s complete.

For those who have never visited the island, it is one that definitely belongs on your list of future destinations. There is much to enjoy, including a wide range of water sports, shopping and nightlife in the capital city of Port Louis, and some of the best wellness spas in the world. Mauritius is both a tropical playground for the wealthy and influential and a great destination for budget travelers who can afford to pay a little more.