Kolkata: A month before Durga Puja, Mauritius is stepping up its outreach to travellers in eastern India, banking on a sharp rise in Indian tourist arrivals and growing demand from regional markets.The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) recently held a four-city outreach programme covering Pune, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad, with more than 20 tourism partners, including hotels, destination management companies and airlines, engaging directly with travel professionals.Mauritius received 51,007 Indian visitors in Jan-July 2026, up 14.5% from 44,559 in the corresponding period last year. Officials said Bengal accounted for 15% of the growth. India is currently Mauritius’ sixth-largest tourism source market globally and has remained among its top 10 markets for more than a decade. In 2025, the island recorded 75,808 Indian arrivals, a 33.5% increase over 2024.“The timing is significant for Bengal’s travel trade, with the extended Durga Puja holiday period traditionally generating strong demand for domestic and international vacations. Mauritius is a great luxurious destination that has a niche clientelle in the city. We are promoting for direct flights between Kolkata and Mauritius,” said Manav Soni, of Travel Agents Association of India.The destination is also promoting family holidays, luxury travel, MICE, destination weddings, wellness, golf, gastronomy, adventure and film tourism.Benoit Harter, director-India, MTPA, said the focus was not just on increasing arrivals but also on encouraging longer stays and moving travellers from three-star to four- and five-star properties.“A number of people are also coming to Mauritius for work and business. If we count that number, there has been a 33% growth of the Indians to Mauritius in the last one year,” he added.Indian passport holders can travel to Mauritius without obtaining a visa before departure, with a visa issued free of charge on arrival. The island’s multicultural character, Indian cuisine, places of worship and use of English, French, Creole, Hindi and Bhojpuri also add to its appeal.Mauritius is connected to India by Air Mauritius, Air India and IndiGo. Beyond its beaches, MTPA is promoting attractions including Grand Basin (Ganga Talao), Aapravasi Ghat, Chamarel, Black River Gorges National Park, Le Morne Brabant, Trou aux Cerfs and Casela.
