In a bid to achieve their target growth of 15 per cent from the Indian market, Mauritius is set to tap Bollywood through increased incentives. Vijaye Haulder, Deputy Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), revealed that his department, Air Mauritius and the country’s Ministry of Art and Culture, recently met with 85 Indian film producers to offer 30 per cent rebate for all expenditure for filming in Mauritius. “This is a practise we have been following regularly, usually offering 20 per cent rebate. Starting this year, we have increased this incentive to 30 per cent,” he stated.
In addition, to further promote the destination, Mauritius has offered to partner with travel agents who come forward with promotional strategies, and match their investments in advertising. “We are currently investing Rs 5 million with Thomas Cook, and would welcome any other travel agencies that want to promote Mauritius by investing as much as they are investing, thus doubling their budgets for the same,” added Haulder.
India is among the top ten source markets for Mauritius which has led the destination to penetrate the tier II cities as well last year. Furthermore, MTPA is targeting the Indian wedding segment and is chalking out its strategy to showcase the destination’s venues and services for the same.