More than 700,000 tourists in seven months
Mauritius welcomed 704,000 tourists during the first seven months of 2023, figure clearly increasing compared to previous years, impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The French people from mainland France were the most numerous to visit the sister island (nearly 171,000), in front of the Reunion Islanders (nearly 79,000), the British (75 000), the Germans (60 000) and the South Africans (54 000). Tourism revenues therefore progress in the same way : the sector reported 35,8 billion rupees from January to May (approximately 725 million euros), figure up 69% compared to the same period of 2022.
Foreign investments are increasing
The trend towards increased foreign direct investment is confirmed in Mauritius. It rose to 67% in 2022 compared to the previous year, it continued in the first quarter of 2023 with 7,2 billion rupees (145 million euros) against 5,2 billion a year earlier. Like in 2022, the real estate sector attracted the largest share of these investments, via the various incentive schemes in force. Then come those of accommodation and catering, the financial sector and that of information and communication technologies. Foreign investments mainly come from France and the United Arab Emirates.
First solar service station for TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies inaugurated its first 100% electric service station in Mauritius and even in Africa at the end of June.. Located in Belle-Rose between Quatre-Bornes and Rose-Hill, it offers two high-power charging stations, in alternating current and direct current. On this occasion, the French group also presented its TotalEnergies Charging mobile application, which allows electric vehicle owners to locate charging stations nationwide, to pay for recharging their vehicle and calculate the cost per kilometer based on their vehicle type. TotalEnergies has already deployed ten charging points in the country. Its goal is to reach a total of 100 charging points by 2025.
Inflation slows, but remains high
The twelve-month inflation rate stood at 5,9% in Mauritius at the end of July, confirming the slowdown observed since the start of the year (he was 11,8% in January and 11% in July 2022). However, the consumer price index remains at a high level. If declines were noted on certain products between June and July (vegetables, oil, non-alcoholic drinks), prices continued to rise for ready-to-wear and shoes, medical care, transportation…
