Mauritius opened its beautiful shores for tourists

Mauritius’ international borders reopened in full on 1st October 2021. In the 50 days following, it welcomed over 100,000 tourists, which gave its tourism industry the kickstart it needed. The figures are anticipated to grow as they enter the peak holiday period from October to the end of January. They continue to see robust demand from all markets.

Mauritius took a more cautious approach when reopening, in line with its public health-first approach to managing the pandemic. They took the decision early to wait until 60 per cent of the adult population were fully vaccinated before reopening, recognising that a high vaccination rate is the most effective way to ensure the safety and security of its citizens, residents and visitors. As per reports, the vaccination rate is at 89% for the 18 and above. Additionally, the health authorities have developed a range of highly effective public health protocols that have been refined over a year and implemented throughout the tourism value chain. The WTTC has endorsed their sanitary protocols as well. 

As it stands, less than 0.1 per cent of tourist arrivals have been tested positive for Covid-19. Those who tested positive were swiftly isolated, and none have required hospitalisation. These conditions mean that Mauritius can now offer its visitors the highest guarantee of safety and security. Regular updates on the vaccine roll-out, sanitary protocols and Covid-19 infection rates are publicly available.

Key information

1. Vaccination
Vaccination started in late January 2021. At this point in time, more than 900,000 people – which is 72% of the total population and 89% of the adult population – are fully vaccinated.

2. Booster campaign
The national vaccination booster campaign continues with the recent arrival of further Pfizer and Jansen vaccines. Over 55,000 people have now received booster vaccines, with the campaign continuing throughout November and December 2021 into 2022.

3. Vaccinated tourism sector
Mauritius was among the first to prioritise tourism workers for vaccination, which means all tourism workers were prioritised for vaccination. As a result, visitors will be serviced exclusively by fully vaccinated staff, from airlines to airport workers, the hotel staff, to those working for destination management companies. Laws were enacted to ensure that only vaccinated persons could enter the airport, port, hotels and restaurants.

4. Sanitary Protocols
Sanitary protocols for the tourism value chain were developed, implemented, and refined to protect guests and frontline staff. Frontline tourism workers and taxi drivers based at the airport and hotels were trained in protocols that were made bespoke for their occupations. 

With the Safe Travel recognition given to Mauritius, travel to the heavenly island would be safe and secure for all.

-As supplied by Mauritius Tourism