Tourism Soars: 93% Recovery, 135% Revenue Boost Beyond Expectations

Jocelyn Kwok, the CEO of the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs of Mauritius (AHRIM) has raised concerns about the high cost of air travel, which is preventing budget travelers from accessing the tourism industry.

The trend of “revenge travel” is declining, and the industry is now focusing on destination competitiveness.

While there were positive developments in 2023, caution is urged due to challenges such as wage increases and low productivity.

The CEO highlighted a 93% recovery in arrivals, 98% in overnight stays, and a 135% increase in revenue during the first nine months of 2023.

They hope to achieve complete recovery in overnight stays by the end of the year, despite expecting slightly fewer arrivals.

Various markets, including French and English, have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while others like India have seen slower recovery.

The CEO emphasized the need for sustainability initiatives and competitive pricing to attract travelers.

The importation of foreign labor and rising wage costs are also challenges impacting the industry.

Looking ahead to 2024, the CEO remains optimistic but notes the need for caution as each month can vary.

The arrival of new airlines and resumed flights is expected to positively impact the industry.

Source: l’Express