Earlier this year there were some hints that the Mauritius Ministry of Tourism had plans to invoke a standardized rating system for the island’s hotels and resorts, in the same way that several East African nations have done. Now, according to Tourism Minister Michael Sik Yuen, that rating system has been completed and will be implemented in the very near future. In an announcement earlier this week, Yeun laid out the criteria and how they will be applied across the board.
The impetus behind the move was to create a standardized system for hotel classifications, whether the subject is one of Mauritius’ many family hotels, golf resorts or romantic boutique hotels. The Ministry of Tourism, like its counterpart in so many other nations, is not satisfied with the industry standard “star” system. They feel the system is too arbitrary and too reliant on the influence of some of the powerhouses in the industry. This new system is expected to be much more accurate and fair among all the hotels and resorts on the island.
At this time, the only question that remains is whether or not the criteria developed for Mauritius are in line with those used by Seychelles, Maldives and other Vanilla Island nations. Yuen didn’t give any indication as such, but that doesn’t mean that isn’t the case. If the criteria coincide, it would provide a uniform standard throughout the region that, according to experts, would be of great benefit to the tourism industry.
Critics of the plan are not only wary of whether or not the standards will be the same, but also whether those trained to do the actual qualification will receive the same kind of training as their counterparts in other places like Seychelles. They claim that if training is not uniform, no amount of standardization will produce a rating system that applies equally everywhere. Government officials have not yet responded to the criticism, except to say that we will have to wait and see.
Regardless of the classification system, Mauritius remains among the top destinations for British and French travellers. It provides a wonderfully relaxing vacation experience with exceptional weather, stunningly beautiful natural surroundings, a plethora of water sports, and many other perks. There are three, four and five star resorts to suit every taste and budget along with excellent dining, shopping and nightlife options, opportunities to enjoy nature and of course all the sun, sand and surf one could wish for. .
Despite a shaky economy in Western Europe, travel experts in Mauritius still expect the island to reach at least 980,000 arrivals this year. The original goal of the Ministry of Tourism was 1 million arrivals; a goal that is still within reach if the good numbers of the first quarter continue throughout the year. Still, at 980,000 that would be an increase of more than 20,000 from the previous year. If you have never been to Mauritius, why not be among that highest number of arrivals?