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Set in Style
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An oasis of calm and tranquillity, Mauritius, the gateway to mainland Africa, is the epitome of a tourist haven and delight. The idyllic and scenic beauty of this island, situated in the Indian Ocean, acts as a balm for body and spirit. The sun 'n sandy beaches with coral reefs and placid waters are bewitching indeed. Moreover, the hospitality of its people is as winsome as it is heart-warming.
Mauritius was first ruled by the Portuguese from 1505. It was later held by the Dutch, French and British until the nation achieved independence in 1968. The good reputation of the country derives from a thriving economy, free enterprise and a liberal government committed to maintaining a stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record. As such, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa’s highest per capita incomes.
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Interview: Mookhesswur Choonee
Time to Grow Together
Mauritius: Bhojpuri Week
PIO Mouthpiece
Interview: Mahyendrah Utchanah
History Repeats Itself
Mauritius: Tourism
Dream Destination
Mauritius: Investment in Mauritius
Time to Invest
Mauritius: Bihar team visits the island nation
Bihar Calling
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The mainstay of the Mauritian economy is tourism and sugarcane crop. However, it also boasts of booming marine, deep-sea fishing, eco-tourism and wellness industries. However, hospitality along with contingent property development, today, is among the foremost priorities of the island’s government. As it grows in stature as a tourist spot, Mauritius is aiming at developing its real estate, i.e., new hotels, spas, guest resorts - and that at enhanced standards of quality and design. Mauritius, with its high per capita income, is an expensive country with extravagant prices of hotels and other accommodations. Thus, the government is, reportedly, searching for fresh avenues (hotels/accommodation) to cater to middle-income group tourists. Thus, tourism and hospitality still remains the mainstay of the Mauritian economy.
As far as the population is concerned, Indo- Mauritian population comprises 68 per cent of the total, Creole 27 per cent, Sino-Mauritian three per cent and Franco-Mauritian a meagre two per cent. Language-wise English, although Mauritius’ official language, is spoken by less than one per cent of the population. Creole is the most widely- spoken language - by 80.5 per cent of the populace, distantly followed by Bhojpuri - 12.1 per cent, French - 3.4 per cent and miscellaneous tongues by 3.7 per cent of inhabitants. Nevertheless, a sizeable Chinese population is present, gradually making inroads into the island.
Mauritius is, increasingly, asserting itself as a gateway for business in Asia, Africa and Europe. The nation’s political stability and strong economy (averaging a growth of five per cent over the past 20 years) has earned it world-wide reputation and respect. In fact, it is rated highly by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. In other words, from a major tourist hub, Mauritius is fast transforming itself into a leading financial investment centre with many markets to conquer and avenues to explore!
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more...
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September 2007
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