Tourism sector at stake : Is Mauritius losing its allure?

The murder of Michaela Mc Areavey had already casted a shadow over the image of Mauritius as an island paradise but with the constant increase of insecurity, issues involving tourists and expats, Mauritius is losing its allure. One of the pillars of Mauritius, the tourism sector is in troubled waters following recent attacks on tourists and expatriates. The international media are questioning the sea, sun and sand of Mauritius as hiding a dark underbelly.

The Paradise Island has been witnessing high level of crimes since some years. What are more shocking are the crimes being perpetrated against tourists and expatriates. This is not the first time a foreign national has been killed in Mauritius. With the recent murder of Lara Rijs, a 32-year old South African lady in her apartment in Grand-Baie, the situation has worsened. Many expats and tourists are questioning the security of our island.

Earlier this month, a tourist, aged 17, accused a barman of rape. Moreover, in July, an expat woman aged 37 was found dead in her house in Albion. Three young men killed her after a robbery gone wrong. In October 2016, a South African was found dead in a hotel room in Le Morne after a dispute with her mother in a law. In December 2014, another South African aged 35 was found dead in a swimming pool in Anahita and the police suspected foul play.

Other common issues reported by tourists are thefts and acts of larceny. In the past, there have been numerous cases where tourists were robbed on the beach. With these quite frequent incidents, the country’s global reputation as a high-end destination is at stake not only in the European countries but also the new markets in China, India and Russia that are currently being targeted.

Negative image

Chief Executive Officer of AHRIM Jocelyn Kwok argues that these current incidents have a negative impact on the image of Mauritius. “Travellers generally pay attention to such news and the impact can grow depending on the nature of the crimes and the extent or duration of communication around them. Such communication can be very objective and relay facts only; but it can also be very ‘extensive’ with recalls of comparable past events and often, extrapolation to our tourism industry, or even to widespread security issues in the country. In this recent case, we are of course impacted negatively and probably significantly in the source market directly linked with the nationality of the victim(s). We shouldn’t forget that our tourism is a prescribers’ market, mostly based on third party advice and recommendation. Such influence is growing with social media.”

Additonally, Bissoon Mungroo, the President of the Chambers of Hotels states that the situation is very serious. “Since the recent murder, I have personally been receiving emails from international operators with lots of enquiries. They are asking how, with increasing violence and murders will they be able to sell Mauritius as a safe destination! Some of the operators are even asking guarantees to be sure their clients will be safe.” According to him, Mauritius has major competitors now and they will take advantage of this situation to promote their destinations.

The president of the Tourism Promotion Association Neezam Jeetoo believes that the crimes committed against tourists are definitely going to have a negative impact on the tourism industry. For Neezam Jeetoo, the negative comments that have surfaced online and made headlines of foreign newspapers are going to affect Mauritius as a paradise destination. “Tourists travel to Mauritius to not only enjoy the sea, the sun and the beach but also to find tranquillity and peace of mind. They know that Mauritius is a safe place. It is very sad to hear about these crimes. I believe that these events are contributing to a growing fear among tourists. What Mauritians have to bear in mind is that tourism is one of our main economic pillars, if not the most important one. If this is affected, the whole population will suffer.”

Neezam Jeetoo also regrets the shameful abuses taking place on a daily basis against tourists. “People working in the tourist industry or who are involved in tourist activities are acting as ambassadors of our country and our image. But it is sad and revolting to see that people are committing abuses against our tourists.”

On the other side, Benjamine Li, Managing Director of Holiday Planner Travel Agency, says that there will not be major impact on the tourist industry. “Crimes against tourists happen everywhere in the world. It is true that some tourists may have some apprehensions but I believe that our industry will not suffer that much,” she says. However, Benjamine Li highlights that besides French tourists, Mauritius welcomes a great number of South African tourists. “So if we now often hear about crimes against South Africans, some of them will perhaps think twice before visiting as tourists. However, as many are investors, I do not believe that these crimes will deter them to invest in the country.”

Law and security

Neezam Jeetoo says that it is a must for the local authorities to ensure the security of tourists. “Our priority must be their safety. I believe that the police, the tourist police, the SMF and other concerned authorities as well as the Ministry should work hand in hand to provide security to tourists and make them feel safe in our country.”  He underlines that security agencies also have a major role to play. “These agencies must be very careful when hiring people to work as security guards or others.”

Neezam Jeetoo also warns against online booking. “Tourists are lured by beautiful pictures they see online or attractive packages. They must be vigilant. Some are often deceived when they come and see what they are offered or they end up in manipulative hands.” The president of the Tourism Promotion Association also believes that emphasis should be laid on the security aspect at school level itself. “Children and our youth should be taught about the importance of security.”

The Managing Director of Holiday Planner Travel Agency also underlines that security of tourists by local authorities is primordial. Benjamine Li explains that there are different ways to warn tourist against certain dangers. “For example in some countries, they offer flyers to tourists where they not only get useful information but also warnings. I trust that we should implement such an initiative in Mauritius as well.”

Economic Impact

Economist Eric Ng states that, depending on the violence level, Mauritius will face some backlash. “Till now, we did not witness a consequent decrease in tourists arrivals but if these incidents occur frequently, then the probability of a reduction cannot be ignored. Apart from the aspect of sea, sand and sun, many tourists prefer holidaying in Mauritius because it is safer than in the Middle East. But if Mauritius also has an issue with its security, then they will obviously look elsewhere.”

He argues that the tourist industry represents 7% of the economy. “In 2009, when we witnessed a decrease of tourists, it impacted our economy. If tomorrow our tourism sector is at risk, our economy will suffer. We have around 30,000 people working directly in the tourism sector and more who are indirect workers. So, it will be a real issue.”  

International media

Various international newspapers and TV channels and travel sites have been talking negatively about Mauritius. The Trip Advisor wrote: “The rate of crime is higher in downtown Port Louis and in the coastal tourist centres of Grand Baie, Pereybere, Flic en Flac and Tamarin… There have been cases of people and tourists having their bags snatched in Grand Baie...”