Incentive Presentation Part A

Mauritius is a tropical paradise of rolling hills, swaying sugar cane, silvery beaches and coral reefs, excellent hotels and charming and smiling people. Its very name conjures up images of tropical luxury and extravagance.

This small island republic offers not only the natural beauty of an island under the sun but also a unique human potpourri which blends the grace and elegance of Colonial France with the warmth and colour of India, the decorum and politeness of China and the spontaneity and rhythm of Africa.

This island is an intriguing mixture of landscapes, colours and cultures, with a choice of activities and adventures to satisfy the most demanding visitors. No wonder Mark Twain was moved to exclaim that God made Mauritius first and then copied Paradise after it.

an extravagant claim, but where else will you find that the official language is English, the culture French and the majority of the population Hindu and Muslim.

And there is more than just swimming and sunbathing. The island is loaded with historic sights, cultural diversity and geographic variations and limitless activities to distract from the lazy life inside a luxury resort.

MauritiusAugust 2009

WhyMauritius ?

…certainly, there is no other place on earth like it……

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…because it is out of this world….

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Mauritius Useful Information

GeographyMauritius lies in splendid isolation in the warm south-western Indian Ocean - just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in latitude 20º south and longitude 57°5' east

Origin Mauritius is a volcanic island about 10 million years old. The volcanoes are now dormant but they are still evident on the profile and landscape of the island.

From the North, the land rises gradually to the central plateau about 600 m above sea level marked by deep extinct volcanic craters and surrounded by ragged mountain ranges.

Land Area:1865 square kilometres

Coastline:177 km surrounded by coral reefs.

Highest peaks:Black River Peak (828 m)Pieter Both (823 m)Le Pouce (812 m)

Good Reasons For Choosing

An all-year-round holiday destination with no specific rainy season

Non-stop flights from all major markets

Beautiful beaches set against breathtaking landscapes

Fascinating cultural diversity

Friendly and hospitable people

Well-trained multilingual staff

High quality tourism infrastructure

High standard of service in all hotels

A wide range of sports is available: golf, tennis, horse-riding, etc… Water sports are included in most hotels

Good medical facilities

Minimal time difference from Europe

No vaccinations required

No Visa requirements (EU-Nationals)

Interesting and varied shopping opportunities

Distance to:Madagascar: 850kmMombasa: 1800km Durban: 2000km Perth: 6000km

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Mauritius Useful Information

A Short History of L’Ile Maurice1814The treaty of Paris ratified the cession of Mauritius and its dependencies to the British. The island took on its former name and English became the official language.

However, the population was allowed to keep its language, its religion and its laws.

1835The British abolished slavery. The freed (mostly African) slaves refused to work in the sugar plantations. This led to the importation of indentured labourers from India. Chinese and Muslim traders followed. This was the beginning of the Mauritian ‘rainbow’ population.

1847The famous ‘Blue Penny’ stamp is printed by ‘error’.

1912Mahatma Gandhi visits the island.

1946The first flight to Europe takes off.

1968On the 12th of March, Mauritius gains its independence from the United Kingdom.

Dr. Seewoosagur Ramgoolam becomes Prime Minister. He holds office until 1982.

He is revered today as the ‘Father of the Nation’.

1976The first free elections are being held.

1992Mauritius becomes a Republic.

Arab and Malay sailors knew the island as early as the 10th century and called it ‘Dina Arobi’

1507

Portuguese seafarers sighted Mauritius and named ‘Ilha do Cerne’ (Island of the Swan). They also named the group of islands comprising of Reunion, Rodrigues and Mauritius “The Mascarenes” after their admiral, Pedro de Mascarenhas.

1598 - 1710

The Dutch tried twice to establish a colony. They introduced sugar cane, deer from Java and domestic animals. They are held responsible for the disappearance of the magnificent ebony forests and the famous flightless bird, the ‘Dodo’. They named the island “Mauritius” in honour of Prince Maurits van Nassau. They failed miserably and left in 1710 for the Cape of Good Hope.

1715 – 1810Mauritius was under French rule and was renamed “Isle de France”. Until 1767, the French East India Company administered the island.

1735-1746Governor Francois Mahé de Labourdonnais rules over the island and transforms it into a flourishing and prosperous colony. Port Louis becomes the new capital and an important port and naval base. He built Government House, hospitals, roads and fortifications and started large-scale sugar planting.

1770Pierre Poivre starts to create the Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses.

1810In August, the French Navy defeats the British in the battle of Grand Port. It becomes the only naval victory of Napoleon over the English and is duly engraved on the ‘Arc de Triomphe’ in Paris.

At the end of November the British invade the ‘Ile de France’, which capitulates on 02. December

In July 2009, the population was estimated at nearly 1.3 million people.Mauritius has no indigenous people. All the forefathers of the different ethnic groups were immigrants. That is how Mauritius became a unique blend of races, cultures and religions living together in peace and harmony.

Ethnic groupsIndo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27 %, Sino-Mauritian 3%,

Franco-Mauritian 2%

ReligionsHindu 48%, Christian 32%, Muslim 16.6%

LanguagesEnglish is the official language but French and Creole predominate in everyday life. A lot of Mauritians are bilingual and one can communicate easily in English.

Education:Schooling is free and compulsory for the first 10 years.

The literacy rate over 15years is 84%.

Population

ClimateMauritius is an all-year-round holiday resort saved from extreme temperatures.

In the summer months, from November to April, the temperature on the coast varies from 250C to 330C.

From May to October, temperatures can range from 170C at night to 270C is 190C.

The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and South.

The temperature in the centre of the island is about 50C lower than on the coast.

The sea temperature approaches 270C in summertime and is down to 220C in winter.

April-June and September-November are usually the most pleasant months.

Tropical Cyclones (heavy storms) may occur between December and March.

To avoid severe sunburn, adequate sun care products with UVA-filter agents should be used.

It is advisable to wear a hat and sunglasses when in the sun during the entire day, especially in the summer months when the sun's rays are scorching hot.

Mauritius Useful Information

EconomySince 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low income, agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. For most of the period, annual growth has been of the order of 5% to 6%. A stable democracy with regular elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investments and has one of Africa’s highest per capita income.

This remarkable achievement has been reflected in more equitable income distribution, increased life expectancy, lowered infant mortality, and a much-improved infrastructure.

The economy rests on sugar, tourism, textiles and apparel, and financial services, and is expanding into fish processing, information and communications technology, and hospitality and property development.

Historically, sugar has dominated the economy for centuries. Sugar cane is grown on about 90% of the cultivated land area and accounts for 15% of export earnings.

CuisineThe local cuisine is an exciting variety of exotic culinary delights influenced by the origins of the population.

Mauritians are adventurous when it comes to food happy to try out Creole, Chinese, Indian, Muslim and European recipes.

The most popular local delicacies which one buys in the street are ‘Gateau piment’ (Chilly bites), ‘Gateau bringelle’ (eggplant fritters) and ‘Dholl puree’ (thin pancakes).

There are many eating places ranging from the roadside snack to world class restaurants.

Mauritian Chefs are very proud of their achievements over the years and compete very much on creativity and quality

The government's development strategy centres on creating vertical and horizontal clusters of development in these sectors. Mauritius has attracted more than 32,000 offshore entities, many aimed at commerce in India, South Africa, and China.

The island is expected to continue its development into a regional centre for tourism and finance.

Export Partners (2007)

UK 35%, France 14.5%, USA 7.7%, Madagascar 6.3%, Italy 5.8%

Import Partners

India 21.2%, China 11.4%, France 10.7%, South Africa 7.4%,

Mauritius Useful Information

NightlifeWarm starlit evenings provide an idyllic setting for al fresco dining and a romantic stroll on the beach. Along the North and the West coast there is a lively atmosphere with restaurants, pubs and nightclubs. Grand Baie and Flic en Flac are usually very busy on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

SportsMauritius offers a multitude of land and water sports. Golf: seven 18-hole international championship courses.

Horse Riding: available in some hotels and in private stables

Outdoor activities: hiking: climbing, hiking, canyoning, walking mountain biking, cycling, quad-biking

Diving: each major hotel has a diving centre.

Deep Sea Fishing: ideal conditions for anglers.

Sailing Cruises

Kite surfing

Wind surfing

Water sports in most Hotels are free of charge.

Travel TipsEntry Requirements

A passport valid for 6 months beyond the dates of stay and an onward air-ticket are required to enter Mauritius.No visa is required for nationals of member states of the EU and the Commonwealth, the USA and quite a number of other countries. For the up-to-date information, please check: http://passport.gov.mu

Vaccinations

are only required for persons arriving from infected areas.

Car Hire & Driving:

There are a good number of international and local car hire companiesThe minimum age to hire a car is 23 years. A driving licence issued in the country of residence is sufficient. Driving is on the left side of the road.

Clothes & Etiquette

During the day: informal - Evenings: smart casual Gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers for dinner. Visitors are requested to dress properly when visiting religious shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts, etc) and to remove their shoes when entering mosques and temples.

Communications:

There are two mobile networks covering most parts of the island. International roaming is also possible. The country code

for Mauritius is +230. For international calls dial 020 then the country code and the number.

Prepaid cards can be purchased almost everywhere and are cheaper.

The public telephone network of Mauritius Telecom is excellent.

Most hotels have satellite TV in different languages. International newspapers and magazines are also available.

Most hotels have internet connections (some against charges). Internet Cafes are found in major cities and villages.

Mauritius Useful Information

Travel TipsElectricity:

The power supply throughout the island is 220 V. British three pin (square) or European two-pin sockets are used.

Health & Safety

Mauritius is fortunately relatively free of tropical diseases and poisonous animals. Be aware of the fierce tropical sun and take always precautions. Keep valuables in your hotel safe or locked away.

Currency:

The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR or Rs).The exchange rates (27.07.09 – approximately)1 UK £ = 51 Rs. .1 US $ = 31 Rs.1 EURO = 44 Rs

Banks & Creditcards

Banks are found in all major cities and villages. They all have ATM which do accept the major cards.

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. There are plenty of Money Changers who have much longer opening hours than the banks.

Time:

From April – September: GMT + 4From October – March: GMT + 5

Tipping for a good service is welcome but not compulsory

Mauritius Useful Information