Market Commentary
Mauritius offers an alternate cultural experience for Australians already familiar with the South Pacific and Asia. Located within the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and boasting exemplary resort experiences for couples, families and groups Mauritius is an ideal stop over en route to/from Africa and Europe.
The Outbound Travel Market
Australians have a great appetite for travel.
The number of Australians holidaying overseas in 2007 shot up by 10.5% (5.5 million) compared with 2006 and has risen more than 25% in the last four years, as fears of terrorism have subsided and the dollar’s value has soared1. It is anticipated that departures will rise a further 5% in 2008. These forecasts are predicated on the increasing demand by Australian residents for overseas travel, the expansion of international aviation capacity in 2008 and the anticipated increase in household wealth.
The Market to Mauritius
Tourist arrivals to Mauritius from Australia have increased by over 60% during the last four years to 19,791 tourists in 20072. This strong growth has continued during the first quarter of this year with growth of some 23%. The increase in the Australian outbound market compares favourably with the rest of the world’s markets with only the Americas having exceeded Australia’s percentage growth. Australia is currently the ninth largest market for Mauritius and aims to be one of the top 5 markets by 2010.
Australia is well placed to become a major market for Mauritius over the next few years with its strong economy, Australians growing appetite for overseas travel and an interest in exotic destinations. Australians who have previously travelled throughout South East Asia and the Pacific on a number of occasions are a prime market for Mauritius.
Air Mauritius currently operates 2 weekly services out of Perth and 1 weekly service out of Melbourne on its A340’s.
The growth forecast set for tourism to Mauritius in 2008 from Australia is an increase in 20% over last year.
1 ABS 3401.0 2007
2 MPTA February, 2008
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