A delegation of 10 companies and tourism stakeholders from the island nation of Mauritius met with over 60 leading Saudi tourism partners in Jeddah this week as part of an ongoing effort to boost the number of tourists visiting the island paradise from Saudi Arabia, said a report.

The delegation, headed by Anil Kumarsingh Gayan, minister of tourism, and Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority officials continued the mission on to Al-Khobar on April 8 for similar promotional activities before heading to Riyadh, where the delegation will exhibit and take part in the 10th edition of the Riyadh Travel Fair, which will take place at the Al Faisaliah Tower Hotel from April 10-13, said a report in Saudi Gazette.

A total of 10 industry partners from Mauritius-based tourism and hospitality entities will join the roadshow to promote the island’s unique tourism products.

From January to December 2017, Mauritius received a total of 5,142 Saudi tourists visiting the island nation, an increase of 62.5 per cent compared to the total number of Saudi visitors that visited in 2016. By conducting the tourism missions to Jeddah and Al Khobar, it is expected that this increase in Saudi visitation will continue well into 2018, the report said.

Gayan said: "Saudi Arabia remains an integral emerging target market for Mauritius’ tourism development. The upcoming roadshow is one of many major activities MTPA has planned to ensure that key international travel agents maintain a close awareness and link with Mauritius’ tourism industry partners."