The standards of service of small and medium establishments to change

In an effort to ensure that Mauritius remains a world-class destination, the Tourism Promotion Authority is taking various initiatives to upgrade the standards of service of small and medium establishments. 

In this regard, the MTPA is planning to recruit a pool of consultants in various fields, including interior decoration and engineering. This follows a recent introduction of a scheme for the renovation of small hotels, tourism residences, guesthouses and restaurants with an annual turnover not exceeding Rs50 million. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure is also revisiting the idea for hotel classification in Mauritius. “I am open to dialogue and I am prepared to pursue the reflection which has been ongoing in the industry for a number of years concerning hotel classification in the tourism sector. 

“I would be glad to welcome suggestions from stakeholders and Members of the House concerning the matter,” Minister Nando Bodha said in parliament last week. While all stakeholders agree that such a system might have some benefits, authorities consider that Mauritius should be prudent in its approach, taking into account the characteristics of the local hotel sector. 

“Our industry is characterised by an inverted pyramid structure. Most of our hotels are found in the upper segment, a few in the middle segment and in the lower end of the pyramid, we have what we call our tourist residences,” Minister Bodha told NEWSNOW. 

According to the minister, even if Mauritius does not have structured classification in the sector, many hotels belong to international brands and these brands have their own specifications, standards and culture. 

“The use of an international name is already a guarantee of the level of service delivered,” he said. Hotel groups in Mauritius have over the years developed a high-class standard, often earning the status of the world’s leading hotels. 

“Moreover, proposed hotel projects have always been screened at inception by my ministry to ensure that the requirements of our new hotel development strategy in regard to the four- and five-star accommodation are being met. 

“Given that tour operators selling the Mauritius destination have developed their own hotel classification system which is in line with the requirements and specifications, this allows for more flexibility in selling hotel products to clients.” 

The classification of hotels, underlines Minister Bodha, is only one aspect of service standards in hotels. “The constant upgrading of establishments is the key to maintaining the image of Mauritius as a world-class destination and often a renovation has given the opportunity to upgrade many properties,” concludes the minister.