The Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), Dr Karl Mootoosamy has effected a visit to Tana, Madagascar, from 15 June to 17 June 2012. The aim was to assemble the Malagasy printed and television media at Tana to elaborate the multiple advantages of the first issue of the Mauritius Shopping Fiesta.

The event will take place from 29 June to 5 August 2012. The notion is to associate shopping with a paradise setting, which our island offers, and with the best airline connection in the region, Mauritius Island is well placed to be the shopping centre of the Indian Ocean.

The Mauritius Shopping Fiesta primarily targets the tourists. However, the locals will have all the opportunity to benefit from great promotions in various specialized shops, as well as in tens of shopping centres throughout the island. These sales promotions will focus on a large number of products: designer clothes, beachwear and accessories, ship models, paintings, jewelleries, electronic products, appliances, mobile phones, etc.

The Director of the MTPA, also sustained that there would be a host of entertainment during this period, namely, the Flic en Flac Carnival organised for the 1st of July, with the participation of more than 600 local and international artists from various carnivals including Brazil and Paris. A competition and a beachwear show are also envisaged in Mahebourg and Grand Bay respectively.

Beauty queens from Lebanon, Reunion Island, Mauritius Island, Brazil, UK and Great Britain will also be part of the event, contributing a glamorous touch. To enhance the coastal regions, activities like racing competition will be organized in Mahebourg and a Beachwear Show in Grand Bay.

Four media from Madagascar and about a hundred international ones, including Brazil, India, China, Reunion Island, Seychelles, France and Great Britain, will be covering the event.

In 2011, 11,449 Malagasy tourists have visited the country, showing an increase of 16.4% as compared to 2010.