South Africa is a tourism market that holds immense potential.  The Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion authority, Dr Karl Mootoosamy, has been to Johannesburg on a specific mission to stimulate tourism to Mauritius.  He met with strategic partners – including leading tour operators such as Thompsons, Beachcombers, World Leisure Holidays, Holiday Factory, Infinity Holidays, Holiday Tours, Cullinan Outbound Tourism and IGO travel, as well the national carrier, Air Mauritius -- at Baird’s in South Africa on Wednesday 20 June 2012.

During this mission, Dr Mootosamy stressed the importance of engaging in a more strategic manner through joint partnerships.  He invited Tour Operators to share innovative and results-driven proposals to stimulate sales and growth and said that ‘South Africa has been very supportive of Mauritius as a destination of choice and we want to continue to highlight destination visibility amongst the entire market spectrum.’
During his visit he introduced an exciting new marketing plan which is expected to run from July to November 2012.  This marketing initiative will be a subtle mix of various disciplines and aims to highlight the diversity and value offering of Mauritius as a preferred travel destination for South Africans.  “Our vision for 2012 is to significantly increase overall growth of tourist numbers.’

Dr Mootoosamy emphasised the Mauritian value proposition in series of targeted media engagements.  Meetings were held with leading business and MICE targeted publications namely Business Traveller and Entrepreneur, fabulous women’s interest glossy magazines such as Women and Home, the Nubian Bride to reach out the Romance segment, daily newspapers such as Die Beeld and specialists trade such as NOW Media. 
Interviews where held with Jenny Crwys Williams on Radio 702, which is the pre-immense business talk radio station and on SAfm, another leading talk and actuality radio show.  He reminded the listeners that Mauritius is a short four hour flight away from South Africa, and that the island offers something for everyone, from romance, to adventure, to corporate breakaways, to family holidays and so much more at good value for money.’

Air Mauritius: Dedicated Information Box
10 X Weekly Johannesburg flights:
- From 29 October, 2012, Air Mauritius will operate 10 X weekly flights out of Johannesburg, and additional supplementary capacity during peak holiday season
- Increased frequencies direct from Cape Town to Mauritius:
- From 29 October, 2012, Cape Town flights’ capacity will also be simultaneous boosted with the addition of wide-bodied aircraft, and three flights direct to Mauritius, return, per week.
Seamless connections:
- Furthermore, and also effective as of 29 October, 2012, Air Mauritius will offer seamless connection to all destinations, beyond Mauritius.

These include highly competitive rates offered via international routes inclusive of: Australia, Malaysia; Singapore; London; Paris, India; China, Reunion, Kenya, Madagascar and more.