The tourism industry in Mauritius remains a key pillar of the economy in terms of job creation, foreign earnings, and infrastructure development. In 2023, the sector accounted for 9.0 % of GDP with 1,295,410 tourist arrivals and MUR 85.9 billion of tourism earnings. The vision of the Government is to attain two million tourists by 2030.
The global sustainable tourism movement has compelled Mauritius to review its strategy and embrace a wider sustainability agenda to address global challenges and adapt to new exigencies. Mauritius is positioning itself as a sustainable island destination and has achieved an international recognition the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Recognised Standard Status based on the high sustainability performance in the industry and the plethora of sustainable offerings and activities.
To promote Mauritius as a sustainable destination and contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the Government launched the Sustainable Tourism Value Chain project (STVCP) in 2017 and the Action Plan for Low Carbon and Resource Efficient Accommodation in 2019.
The Action plan, which aimed at reducing carbon emissions and tourism footprint in Mauritius, served as an awareness tool among stakeholders and tourist operators who play an active role in ensuring the sustainability of the industry, to adopt sustainability practices.
In line with the Government strategy, the Sustainable Island Mauritius (SIM), a project funded by the European Union in the framework of the SWITCH Africa Green programme, was launched and led by the Mauritius Tourism Authority to promote sustainable tourism through a self-sustaining mechanism to improve awareness and sustainability impacts.
In 2022, the Tourism Authority launched the Sustainable Tourism Mauritius Award to recognise organisations and individuals who are driving, adopting, and promoting sustainable practices in the Tourism industry.
Many players in the tourism industry have adopted sustainable practices with the integration of ESG principles in the core of their business and in the supply chain comprising direct and indirect stakeholders. Hotels and tourist accommodation are embracing the new innovative practices:
- Design of buildings that use thermal insulations and sensors to decrease water and energy consumption and provide for better air circulation and natural lighting,
- Water recycling – wastewater treatment plant and rainwater harvesting, device
- Use of renewable energy technologies like photovoltaic and solar panels,
- Promote circular economy where solid waste is being managed and recycled including composting of organic wastes,
- Responsible sourcing by growing local vegetables and fruits,
- Green initiatives such as embellishment of the environment,
- Fostering Community Development and involvement, and
- Protection of marine and coastal ecosystems like beach and coral rehabilitation.
Some hotel groups in Mauritius have acquired certification and awards for their sustainability strategies adopted and implemented. Here are a few of them.
- LUX Resorts & Hotels became the first hotel group to have acquired the SEMSI status (Stock Exchange of Mauritius Sustainability Index). It is also part of GRI Gold Community, which shapes the future of sustainability and reporting, and empowering decision making towards a more sustainable economy and world.
- New Mauritius Hotels Limited (NMH) trading in the name of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, partnered with EarthCheck, a globally recognised environmental and social benchmarking and certification programme. Its collection of resorts is Silver and Gold certified.
- Sun Resorts achieved remarkable progress in our sustainability journey aligned closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goal. The Group has earned various awards including the Best Sustainable Hotel 2023, bestowed upon us by both the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Environment. Three of its hotels are Earth Check Silver Certified.
- Constance Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering the best of service while keeping the environment clean and sustainable. Since 2013, the Group embarked on an environmental sustainability performance program and implemented green practices and eco measures. It is today recognised as a Gold member of the Green Globe certification.
- Likewise, Veranda Leisure and Hospitality Ltd (VLH) and Attitude Hotel Group have adopted a range of green practices and sustainability principles to promote sustainable development.
To achieve a long-term sustainable efficiency in the sector, continuous implementation of sustainable strategies and commitments at all levels in the public and private sector remains essential.
