According to the minister of Tourism and Leisure, Nando Bodha, a total amount of Rs 1,324,580 (34,520 euros) had been disbursed in relation to the preparation of the Mauritius Sector Strategy Plan on Tourism 2009-2015. This was set up in collaboration with the European Union.
He was answering a question by the second member for Belle Rose and Quatre Bornes, Kavi Ramano.
Bodha added that a consultant was appointed and his recommendations focused essentially on strategies aimed at maintaining and consolidating the image of the Mauritius.“The consultant prepared an action plan to ensure the sustainable development of the tourism industry. These measures are wide-ranging and relate to the marketing and promotion, product development, tourism framework, environment, infrastructure and training amongst others,” said Bodha.
He added that the Strategic Plan was a roadmap which might have to be adjusted in view of the fact that market conditions and exigencies evolve in response to new trends and challenges worldwide.
“We need a flexible approach to adapt to new situations the financial crisis, the Euro crisis and the potential of new markets.
In this respect, our promotional policies have been slightly refocused since last year, towards tapping non-euro based new emerging markets such as India and China, to seize opportunities provided by economic rebalancing,” he said.