Uncommon but sensible! The government is granting access to Mauritians wishing to allow themselves a little holiday in hotels or other touristic establishments over the island. This decision, which takes effect on July 23, comes alongside the reopening of the borders and economic recovery of small establishments.
Hotels, bed and breakfasts, domains, villas, apartments, bungalows, and all those holding a will resume activities soon. The Mauritians will be the first ones to be happy. They can stay in these establishments or simply afford a dinner and animation in the restaurants or enjoy other activities.
Activities will resume in line with the established health protocol. A communiqué from the Tourism Authority has been circulating since last Friday to inform the concerned of the rules and conditions of this reopening to Mauritians and residents. The communiqué also states that if the rules are not respected, licence holders will be liable to a suspension of their permits in accordance with section 7 of the Tourism Act. The Tourism Authority provides for regular checks of these touristic accommodations to ensure proper compliance with the health protocol.
Beneficial to all
“This is as a preparation for the quarantined residents who will leave the Resort Bubbles around July 30,” says Daniel Saramandif, President of the Association of Tourism Professionals. He welcomes this permission and is delighted that the establishments will be able to revive economically while waiting for the second phase of the reopening; he adds “According to our forecasts, they will start to work fully from the end of August“. He attests that the establishments concerned are already working on interesting packages and offers to better seduce local customers. “This will indeed help create opportunities for local artists who reflect local entertainment. Honestly said, they have not worked since March 2020,” he says.
Appeal for better communication!
However, taking as an example the protest of taxi drivers who did not obtain an operating permit in this first phase, this responsibility for transfers, from the airport to resort Bubble, being offered to Mautourco and Summer Times, he takes the opportunity to deplore thag “communication is not fluent enough between the authorities and both direct and indirect operators in the tourism sector. We still worry about the more than 70,000 operators constituting our community. Even before the preparation of phase II, there must be a meeting between the government, the tourism authorities and the leaders of the various operators. Other frustrations, misunderstandings, confusions or protests could be avoided. The protests and public positions reflect a bad image of the country in the eyes of future tourists“, concludes Daniel Saramandif.
