Mauritius Tourism Authority Targets Gulf Travellers for Growth

Positioning Mauritius as a high-end destination for Gulf residents seeking luxury, privacy, and year-round escape

Ebene, Mauritius, Africa | 24 July 2025

Mauritius continues to strengthen its global tourism strategy with renewed focus on the Gulf market. In a recent interview with TTN, Claire Le Lay, the newly appointed President of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), outlined a bold vision to position Mauritius as a preferred destination for Gulf and Emirati travelers.

A High-Value, Untapped Market
Highlighting the growing appeal of the island among GCC residents, Mrs Le Lay described the Gulf market as a priority segment for future growth. The MTPA is aligning its efforts to meet the expectations of this high-value segment through curated experiences and strategic partnerships.

A Product-Driven Approach to Tourism Growth
The MTPA’s strategy for the Gulf market revolves around product quality and service excellence. Mrs Le Lay, emphasised Mauritius’s strong positioning in the luxury tourism space, supported by premium hotel infrastructure, award-winning hospitality, and exclusive experiences.

The Authority is also deploying targeted consumer campaigns aimed at:

  • Local residents and expats living in the Gulf
  • Niche markets including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions), nature-based tourism, and sports tourism

Influencer marketing on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok will help revitalise Mauritius’s image among younger and high-spending Gulf audiences.

Positioning Mauritius as a Summer Escape
With summer temperatures soaring across the Middle East, the MTPA is preparing a campaign to showcase Mauritius as a cooler, safe, and luxurious alternative during the Gulf’s peak heat season. The positioning highlights Mauritius’s climate, security, and family-friendly activities aligning with the preferences of discerning Gulf travellers.

Tourism Growth & Expansion Goals
Visitor arrivals from the Middle East have grown steadily, reaching 37,063 in 2024, up from 19,471 in 2017. Yet, the MTPA believes the market is far from saturated. With over 420,000 airline seats annually from Emirates and Saudi Airlines, the Authority is setting an ambitious target of 60,000 Gulf visitors by 2028.

Spotlight on Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025
The MTPA’s commitment to the Gulf market will be on full display at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, one of the region’s most influential tourism trade shows. Mauritius’s growing presence at ATM, rising from 17 participants in 2019 to 25 in 2025 reflects the country’s strategic investment in tourism partnerships and high-end travel deals within the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).

How UnikClik Concierge Ltd Can Support Your Move to Mauritius
As Mauritius expands its presence in the Gulf and strengthens partnerships across the region, exciting opportunities continue to emerge for expats, entrepreneurs, and investors seeking to relocate or build a future in the country.

UnikClik Concierge Ltd is your trusted partner for navigating this dynamic landscape. Our experienced local team provides end-to-end support designed to help you settle, invest, or launch a business with confidence:

  • Relocation & Visa Assistance: Whether you are entering Mauritius on a Premium Visa, Occupational Permit, or Retired Non-Citizen Residency, we ensure your paperwork, compliance, and local integration are handled with ease.
  • Luxury Real Estate & Lifestyle Advisory: From beachfront villas to smart investments in Integrated Resort Schemes (IRS) or Property Development Schemes (PDS), our real estate specialists connect you with properties that match your lifestyle and long-term goals.
  • Business Setup & Investment Advisory: Planning to enter the hospitality, retail, or service sector? We guide you through licensing, local partnerships, and the regulatory environment so you can focus on growth.

With tailored concierge solutions and strong industry partnerships, UnikClik makes your transition to Mauritius seamless, personalised, and future-ready.

Reach out at concierge@unikclik.com or WhatsApp us on 5 940 9587 to discover how we can support your journey to Mauritius.

 

Source: TTN Worldwide