Hon. Michael Sik Yuen, Miniter of Tourism and Leisure along with Mrs Premila Roy, Permanent Secretary, Dr Karl Mootoosamy, Director of the MTPA and Mr Vijaye Haulder, Deputy Director of the MTPA on his maiden visit to India meets and interacts with key stakeholders in Mumbai.

His first interaction was with the prominent travel trade in Mumbai. Travel Agents Association TAAI members, Travel Agents Federation of India President Mr. Ajay Prakash, and other prominent agents promoting Mauritius in India attended the event.

The discussions were based upon gaining further insight into promoting destination Mauritius and various opportunities that can be tapped. The Indian Travel Trade is very positive in promoting destination Mauritius. They are also very keen to feature the newer aspects of the destination. TAAI members expressed their ambition to hold their annual convention in Mauritius.

Discussions were also held to enhance the Indian MICE segment into Mauritius. Indian agents suggested Incentive schemes options to facilitate the corporate clients in bringing in their meetings and incentives to Mauritius.

Hon. Minister met with Indian’s leading wedding planners and to encourage them to further their business opportunities in Mauritius. He also highlighted the importance that MTPA along with India office – TRAC Representations and Air Mauritius has played in developing this segment for Mauritius.

He also discussed with the wedding planners on how each wedding and special events are handled and provided with customised attention and personal service by the special set of experience high level people under his direct supervision.

Hon. Minister Michael Sik Yuen also addressed the Mumbai Travel Trade gathering in the evening at the Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai. Present at the gathering were nearly 100 agents from Mumbai.

The evening resulted in a very positive interaction between the delegation and the travel trade. His visit further boosted the interest of the Indian travel trade and will enhance MICE and wedding segment business into Mauritius. Hon. Minister also highlighted the vital role of the national carrier Air Mauritius in providing direct connection from four prominent tourism generating Indian cities. While Air Mauritius currently is providing 4 flights a week from Mumbai expressed its ambition based upon encouraging results and load factors to introduce 5th flight in near future.

Hon. Minister addressed a press conference in Mumbai, attended by reputed and leading mainline dailies, financial dailies, consumer and lifestyle and travel trade media. He highlighted the diverse product offering of the destination with MICE and Wedding segments being the key drivers.