Mauritius Golf Tours woo enthusiasts

Mauritius has gained traction from Middle East travellers as one of the key golfing destinations over the past few years. Mauritius Golf Tours has become an increasingly important event for travellers from the Middle East. Gert Puchtler, General Manager, Constance Belle Mare Plage, shares with TRAVTALK their contribution towards the game for being the host hotel catering to the Middle Eastern guests.

TT Bureau

How has golf tourism in Mauritius evolved over the years, from the past to the present?

The evolution of golf tourism in Mauritius has been remarkable over the years. In the past, the island was primarily known for its pristine beaches and tropical scenery rather than as a golfing destination. However, the development of golf tourism began to take shape in the 1990s with the establishment of a few notable golf courses. Today, Mauritius is firmly positioned as a world-class golf destination, attracting international players to its renowned courses. The growth of golf tourism has been significantly supported by global tournaments, such as the Mauritius Open, which is part of the European Tour, showcasing the island’s golfing appeal on an international scale. Furthermore, Mauritius is increasingly recognised for seamlessly combining the golfing experience with luxury accommodation, making it a desirable choice for high-end travellers. Looking ahead, the country continues to focus on developing additional championship-level golf courses and refining golf tourism packages to attract even more international visitors from Europe, the US, Asia, and the GCC region.

Is interest in travelling to Mauritius for golf growing among people from the GCC region and other parts of the world?

Interest in travelling to Mauritius for golf has been increasing, particularly among visitors from the GCC region. Golf is a widely enjoyed sport in many countries, such as the UAE and Qatar, and Mauritius is gaining recognition as a premier golf destination due to its world-class courses, luxurious resorts, and breathtaking landscapes. GCC visitors appreciate the blend of golf, relaxation, and high-end hospitality that Mauritius offers. The island is home to several championship-level golf courses designed by renowned architects, making it an appealing choice for golf enthusiasts, not only from the GCC but from across the globe.

What are the key source markets for the hotel? Where does the Middle East market stand?

The Middle Eastern market, particularly from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, has been gaining momentum in recent years. Although the key source markets for the hotel primarily include European countries, such as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, as well as India and South Africa. The Middle East market has been expanding, particularly among high-net-worth individuals seeking luxury destinations and golf-oriented vacations. With direct flights to Mauritius and its appeal as a year-round destination, the Middle East is becoming an increasingly important source market for our Mauritian hotels.

Are there any specialised facilities that cater to this market?

To cater to Middle Eastern guests, our hotels in Mauritius have adapted their offerings with specialised facilities and services. We provide halal-certified meals and private dining options to accommodate dietary requirements. For guests seeking privacy and exclusivity, we offer luxury villas and suites with private pools and gardens. Additionally, some of our resorts employ Arabic-speaking staff to enhance communication and create a culturally comfortable environment. We have also made adjustments to room configurations to align with Middle Eastern guest preferences, such as installing bidet sprayers in bathrooms. Tailored spa and wellness programmes have been developed to meet the expectations of this clientele, along with luxury experiences like private catamaran trips and personalised excursions.

Could you share some initiatives taken to engage the travel trade in the Middle East region to promote this property?

To promote the property to the Middle Eastern market, several strategic initiatives have been implemented. We collaborate with travel agencies and tour operators in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to create tailored travel packages to Mauritius. Familiarisation (Fam) trips are organised to bring Middle Eastern travel agents and tour operators to experience the hotel first-hand. Our presence at major travel trade events, such as the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, allows us to showcase our offerings directly to key industry professionals. Additionally, we invest in targeted digital marketing and advertising campaigns on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, specifically aimed at Middle Eastern audiences. Partnerships with influencers and celebrities from the region also help to enhance brand awareness and engagement. Furthermore, we introduce exclusive promotions and packages tailored to significant Middle Eastern holidays, such as Ramadan and Eid, to attract travellers during key periods.