Mauritius reaches out to Chinese tourists

Mauritius is looking to expand tourism cooperation with China and attract more Chinese tourists.

The Mauritius tourism authority paid a visit to Shanghai on Feb 15.The delegation met Chinese travel operators to better understand the Chinese market and introduced local tourism resources to attract more mainlanders to "the pearl on the Indian Ocean".

"This year marks the 45th anniversary since establishment of diplomatic ties between Mauritius and China, and the two countries have always maintained good relations over the years," says Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, head of the Mauritius tourism authority.

"Although China's economy witnesses slowing growth, we remain fully confident in the Chinese market," Gayan says.

Mauritius receives roughly 1.3 million visits from international travelers every year.

Roughly 80,000-90,000 Chinese tourists annually have paid visits in recent years, according to the Mauritius tourism authority.

The country hopes the figure could go up to 100,000 in 2017, and reach as much as 200,000 in years to come.

Air Mauritius has opened direct flights between Mauritius and Beijing, Shanghai, HongKong, Guangdong province's Guangzhou and Sichuan province's Chengdu.

The country now has 110 hotels and offers 350,000 guest rooms.

An increasing number of local hotels have employed Chinese speaking staff to offer better experiences for Chinese tourists, says Jocelyn Kwok, director of the Mauritius hotel association.

Chinese foods have been added to the menu.

Family, honeymoon, outdoor sports and golf-themed tours are what Mauritius aims to promote in the Chinese market, according to the Mauritius authority.

The country is also looking to woo more Chinese guests for meetings, incentive travel, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).

Mauritius' clean air and white beaches create a superb natural environment.

The island's unique animals and vegetation, aboriginal culture and history also draw in visitors from China.

In addition, the country has regularly hosted various festivals and events.

Thrilling outdoors programs have also been held to cater to the needs of those with an adventurous spirit.