The holiday destination partially reopened to vaccinated visitors in July for the first time since the pandemic started, but visitors had to remain in “resort bubbles” for 14 days. Restrictions eased in October, allowing the country’s tourism sector to ramp up, and while vaccinated travellers are now allowed to move freely, they must still present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before their departure for the island.

British Airways is increasing flights to the island for the winter season with three additional flights set to operate from Heathrow from 3 November until 8 January 2022.

As of this week, Air Mauritius is now offering daily flights from Paris CDG in codeshare with Air France, and from 12 November, it will operate three-times-weekly flights from Heathrow, increasing to five-weekly from 20 December to 15 January. Air Mauritius is also set to operate seven weekly flights from Johannesburg from 7 November.

Meanwhile, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) said it has its eye on a green-focused tourism strategy as the country moves along with its reopening, saying it will be prioritising promoting the interior of the island, including soft adventure and sports such as golf, as well as responsible tourism that highlights preserving the environment and the local culture.

“Tourism accounts for more than 25% of our nation’s GDP and employs many thousands of people directly and indirectly, so we are extremely pleased to welcome visitors to our shores at the start of our busiest season,” said Nilen Vencadasmy, chairman of the MTPA. “It was vital that we implement strict health protocols to protect our citizens, and we remain vigilant in maintaining all necessary safeguards to protect visitors and the local population.”

One of the biggest highlights for the island will be the launch of LUX Grand Baie Resort & Residences, the new flagship property for LUX Resorts & Hotels. 

The hotel opens in the north in December, and key features include Beach Rouge, a beach club concept, and an expansive rooftop that will be home to a bar, restaurant and wellness experience. Also new will be the four-star Sunrise Attitude, which has just opened at Belle Mare beach on the preserved east coast of the island as an adult-only proposition.

Among the island’s other hotels, Heritage Le Telfair has new Wellness in the Wild experiences to “help guests realign with nature and feel rejuvenated after a long time being cooped up indoors”. And Veranda Resorts has rebooted its Deep into Mauritius programme, an initiative designed to support local communities with guest experiences that showcase Mauritian traditions and cultures.