The tourism industry is called upon to lead our economy because it reckons a considerable annual growth rate. Tourism as a generator of foreign currency provides opportunities to many businesses to thrive. The multiplier effect stimulates the economy and revenues are earned from multiple sources.

Human resources are likely to be a most important issue facing the tourism industry in the near future. According to WTO, tourism jobs have increased faster than traditional industries by 59%. The WTTC has estimated that tourism employs one in nine workers worldwide or about 212 million people thus making it the world’s largest employer and, for many countries, the main employer.

Mauritius is becoming highly dependent on tourism. To become a successful destination, we must strive to improve the experience of visitors and make their stay pleasant. The accommodation industry seems to exceed demand, but the factor of supply and demand is determined by seasonality.

Because of our beautiful beaches, blue lagoon and greenness we attract a lot of holiday makers. A change in our marketing strategy to make Mauritius a duty-free island will no doubt attract business tourists also. To achieve these objectives, we must develop our tourist structure and leisure activities. In terms of accommodation, our market is quite appropriate to meet the demands of different types of tourists.

The entertainment industry needs to be improved as well as shopping facilities. Different types of fast food outlets should be set up to meet the immediate needs of tourists. More lively centres with commercial activities must emerge. The concept of late night shopping must form part of our market culture. Roof-top bars should be constructed in cities so that business tourists can relax from the stress of meetings and conventions. A fantasia,a utopia- like destination must be produced.

But, since tourism is seasonal, we should find new strategies to provide business activities all year round. The off-peak season forces many hotels to encourage locals to occupy their rooms so that business can continue till the advent of the peak season. The liberalization of air access and 5th freedom rights are concerned with scheduled flights. To avoid the impact of the low season, we need to revise our air access policy. A gradual acceptation of charter flights bringing affinity groups should be tolerated. In fact, in an affinity group, demand comes from clubs, associations and professionals. The whole charter is contracted by tour operators.

In his ‘typologies of tourists’, what Cohen calls the organized mass tourist does not affect the environment as he/she travels in a group with an escort or guide. The organized mass tourist from Europe has a favorable exchange rate vis-à-vis our rupees, and this allows him/her to put him/herself in suitable accommodation in Mauritius. This category of tourist can bridge the effect of the off-season gap and keep the flow of arrivals stable.

In our economic crisis, tourism seems to be a panacea and it will surely help the economy to pick up. An additional budget for this industry is a must because intensive promotion can be launched by the MTPA simultaneously on new tourist markets. A holistic approach should be adopted while marketing the country as a tourist destination.

Cultural and eco tourism should be in the limelight with duty-free shopping in a safe destination where tourists can stroll freely. We should consolidate this industry by projecting an image quite distinct from other destinations.

<B>Cassam TUPSY</B>