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Tourism Industry: Red Sea Geopolitical Tensions Compromise Cruise Season

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Tourism Industry: Red Sea Geopolitical Tensions Compromise Cruise Season
Image source: Le Mauricien

The cruise industry had been gradually recovering from the pandemic in recent years, but the 2024/25 cruise season—running from November to May—is now facing serious challenges. Several ships, including Aida Prima, Costa Smeralda, and Dumont-D’Urville, commenced stops in Port-Louis starting November 20. By the season’s end, more vessels such as Aida Sol, Aida Prima, and Aida Stella are scheduled to call on the port.

In total, Port-Louis is expected to welcome approximately 40,000 passengers this season, including 12,000 who will disembark to explore the island and partake in excursions.

However, the sector is grappling with significant difficulties, leaving local operators concerned.

The number of ships docking in Port-Louis has noticeably declined this season, resulting in substantial financial losses for local service providers.

Christian Lefèvre, Managing Director of Coquille Bonheur—a company dedicated to catering to cruise passengers worldwide arriving in Mauritius—explains that the cruise industry in Mauritius is currently facing upheaval due to geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea region.

This strategic maritime passage, which connects Europe and Asia and serves as a major route for cruise ships, has been impacted by armed conflicts, particularly in nearby areas such as Yemen and Ethiopia.

These instabilities have prompted several cruise lines to revise their itineraries, which has reduced the frequency of stops in Mauritius.

At this point, major cruise companies like Costa Croisières and MSC have canceled or altered itineraries that traditionally included Mauritius.

These adjustments are made to avoid areas of conflict, prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew.

As a result, the reduction in ships arriving at Port-Louis has led to a decrease in the flow of tourists to the island, directly affecting local tourism revenues, including excursions, restaurants, and other sites typically visited by these eager tourists.

In light of this situation, Lefèvre emphasizes that Mauritius must adapt and diversify its maritime opportunities.

He suggests promoting alternative routes, such as those passing through South Africa and the Mascarene Islands, which provide safer alternatives to attract cruise passengers in the Indian Ocean.

He also advocates for collaboration among local and foreign operators in promotional efforts.

“The Mauritian government, in partnership with port operators and cruise companies, should work together to strengthen the island’s promotion as an essential stopover, despite regional tensions,” he states.

Additionally, Lefèvre sees potential in developing inter-island cruises that connect Mauritius, Rodrigues, and La Réunion, maximizing opportunities within a more secure, confined region.

He adds, “Safety remains a top priority for cruise companies and their passengers.

In this sense, Mauritius has a role to play in providing guarantees and enhancing its infrastructure to welcome ships from safe zones.”

While the current situation presents genuine challenges, it also offers an opportunity to rethink the sector.

By strengthening sustainability practices and focusing on niche segments like luxury or expedition cruises, Port-Louis could continue to draw visitors while lessening its reliance on traditional routes.

Meanwhile, despite the reduced cruise activities in Port-Louis, Coquille Bonheur—a company specializing in luxury, customized services, and cruise-related offerings—continues to welcome passengers arriving at the port.

For instance, the company hosted the stunning Aida Prima during its inaugural journey to Mauritius on November 26, accommodating around 2,700 passengers, with 880 disembarking for excursions.

Coquille Bonheur also served as the ground agent for the impressive Costa Smeralda, which docked for the first time on December 12.

Known as one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world, powered by liquefied natural gas, the arrival of Costa Smeralda reflects a growing commitment to sustainable tourism and innovation in travel.

With a large capacity of over 6,500 passengers, the ship attracted a wave of cruisers eager to explore the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and diverse attractions.

Coquille Bonheur facilitated tailored excursions for these visitors, offering unique cultural immersions and local experiences that left them with cherished memories of their time on the island.

A Sector Impacted by Geopolitical Turmoil

Geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea, primarily due to attacks by Houthi militias in Yemen, have noticeably affected the cruise industry.

Multiple companies, including Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, have had to alter or cancel their itineraries to avoid this area.

These changes directly impact tourist destinations that rely on cruise tourism for their economic stability.

As a result, companies like Carnival Corporation have had to adjust the itineraries of several of their ships, leading to significant economic repercussions for stopover ports.

Besides inconveniencing passengers, these adjustments also increase operational costs for cruise lines, which can lead to higher ticket prices.

Destinations in the Middle East and Asia are especially impacted by these itinerary changes.

Source: Le Mauricien

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