Mauritius has secured its position once again as a leading Indian Ocean destination, with the
tropical island paradise scooping three prestigious destination awards at the 2022 World Travel Awards (WTA) –
Indian Ocean region.
The annual awards recognize and honor the winners in each category voted as being the best in their travel,
tourism, and hospitality businesses since the WTA is regarded as the most prestigious award of the global
tourism industry. The winners, based on votes cast by travel industry professionals and the public, were
announced at a prestigious gala dinner held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on 15th October.
The lush forests, wild waterfalls, unique wildlife, rugged mountains, and palm-fringed white beaches, together with
its world-class luxurious resorts, romantic settings, and focus on sustainable tourism enabled Mauritius to lift
the titles of: ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination’; ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination’; and, for the first time, ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination’.
“We are delighted with the recognition of Mauritius as a leading Indian Ocean island destination from the WTA and our industry peers across the three categories, as these are all areas within our tourism mandate where we strive to be the best. After almost 18 months, of travel restrictions and lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are extremely grateful that global tourism is once again on the rise, as we welcome tourists from across the
globe to Mauritius,” says Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
“For the tourism sector on the island to receive all these accolades in the various categories at the highest level by
the WTA is a significant achievement and a tribute to our resilient and recovering industry sector,” says Arvind.
“Following the unprecedented and particularly challenging time for the global tourism sector as we all manage the
effects of the pandemic, it is important that we continue promoting our unique tourism offerings to ensure
Mauritius remains a destination of choice once again. This included the launch of an interactive digital campaign,
#MauritiusNow, to showcase the island’s natural beauty in real-time, and the introduction of a long-stay Premium
Visa option, valid for one year, for those seeking an alternative work, live, play lifestyle option in a safe
environment.”
Beyond the beautiful sea, white sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts and hotels are many hidden gems off the
beaten track just waiting to be explored. As a melting pot of exotic cultures, the sights, sounds, tastes, and
experiences one encounters in Mauritius are unique to this small but very special island.
“With the reopening of the tourism industry, we continue to promote the destination to our key markets globally.
These WTA awards reaffirm Mauritius as the leading Indian Ocean island destination for adventure tourism,
weddings, and sustainable tourism,” comments Arvind.
In the airline sector, Mauritius’ national carrier, Air Mauritius, was also honored at the regional event, taking
home awards in the Indian Ocean region as ‘Leading Airline Brand’ and ‘Leading Airline – Economy Class’.
Graham Cooke, Founder, of World Travel Awards, says: “The interest in the World Travel Awards 2022 program shows that the appetite for travel and tourism has never been stronger and bodes well for the industry’s future as the global recovery begins. The category winners represent the very best of the Indian Ocean’s travel and tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them. They have all demonstrated remarkable resilience in a year of unprecedented challenges.”
