Dinesh Burrenchobay, Chairman, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

Mauritius has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian travellers. With its turquoise lagoons, lush landscapes, vibrant multicultural heritage, and deep-rooted historical ties with India, the island nation has long been synonymous with romance and luxury. But today, Mauritius is writing a bold new chapter… one that goes far beyond its postcard-perfect beaches.

At the helm of this transformation is the very dynamic Dinesh Burrenchobay, Chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), a visionary leader committed to redefining the tourism narrative of Mauritius for a new generation of global travellers. Under his stewardship, Mauritius is evolving into a destination that champions immersive cultural experiences, meaningful travel, sustainability, and regenerative tourism. His vision is clear: to create a tourism ecosystem that not only welcomes visitors but also enriches communities, preserves heritage, and leaves a positive impact on the environment.

With Indian arrivals steadily rising and connectivity stronger than ever, Dinesh Burrenchobay sees tremendous potential in strengthening the emotional, cultural, and economic bridge between India and Mauritius. From attracting film productions and promoting authentic local experiences to positioning Mauritius as a model for responsible tourism, his leadership reflects both ambition and purpose.

In this exclusive conversation with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-chief, TheGlitz, held during the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) Mumbai Roadshow 2026 at Sofitel Hotel, Mumbai, the charismatic Dinesh Burrenchobay, Chairman, MTPA, shares his insights on the future of Mauritius tourism, the growing importance of the Indian market, the island’s sustainability journey, and why Mauritius continues to be one of the most emotionally resonant destinations for Indian travellers.

Over to Dinesh Burrenchobay, Chairman, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA)

India has always been one of Mauritius’ most important source markets. What is driving this strong growth today, and how does MTPA plan to deepen engagement further?

The strongest connection between Mauritius and India is cultural. It is a deep, emotional link that flows both ways. Many Mauritians travel to India, and similarly, India is one of our most important inbound markets for leisure travel.

Over the years, consistent tourism promotion efforts have strengthened this bond. Today, we are entering a more proactive and energetic phase of destination marketing, with a sharper focus on attracting even more Indian travellers.

Connectivity has also played a major role in this growth. With multiple daily flights now operating between India and Mauritius… including Air Mauritius services from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, and Air India connectivity… the accessibility has improved significantly. Even new enhancements like business class offerings on the route are boosting demand further.

We are seeing very strong numbers. Indian arrivals grew significantly last year, and we are targeting the 100,000-mark in the coming years. Considering Mauritius receives around 1.4 million tourists annually, India is becoming a very important contributor to our overall tourism ecosystem.

Mauritius is traditionally seen as a honeymoon destination. How is the country evolving its tourism narrative beyond that image?

The honeymoon segment is still very strong because Mauritius naturally carries a romantic appeal. However, the destination has evolved far beyond that.

Today, we are positioning Mauritius as a destination for all kinds of travellers… families, young explorers, wellness seekers, and adventure lovers.

Indian travellers especially want immersive experiences. They want to explore local food, street culture, nature trails, hiking in the highlands, sunset cruises, and authentic cultural interactions.

Mauritius now offers all of this in a structured and curated way. We are actively promoting the idea that there is “life beyond the hotel” – from Chinatown tours and culinary trails to nature-based excursions and heritage experiences.

There has been growing interest in Mauritius as a filming destination. What incentives are being offered to attract Indian film productions?

We currently offer a Film Rebate Scheme, which provides up to 40% reimbursement on qualifying production expenses incurred in Mauritius. This is managed through our economic development board.

There are also VAT benefits for certain segments of the MICE and creative industries. However, we believe there is room to do much more, especially for Indian productions.

We are working towards closer collaboration between tourism authorities and film bodies to better position Mauritius as a preferred filming destination. At present, we also need stronger marketing outreach and deeper engagement with the Indian film industry.

We have seen productions move to other destinations, and we believe Mauritius has everything needed to bring them back… beautiful locations, infrastructure, and strong local support systems.

How is Mauritius positioning itself as a sustainable tourism destination?

Sustainability is not optional for us… it is essential. Being an island nation with limited natural resources, we have no choice but to move in that direction.

We are investing heavily in renewable energy, including solar and wind initiatives, and encouraging households to adopt green practices and reduce dependency on the national grid.

Our hotels are already very active in sustainability… many recycle water for irrigation, reduce plastic usage significantly, and implement eco-friendly operations.

But we are now moving beyond sustainability towards what we call regenerative tourism. This means not just minimising impact, but actually improving ecosystems and communities.

The idea is simple: when a tourist leaves Mauritius, the destination should be better than when they arrived… environmentally, socially, and economically.

What makes Mauritius special for Indian travellers in terms of experiences beyond beaches and resorts?

Mauritius offers a rich blend of experiences that many travellers are still discovering.

For example, Port Louis offers beautiful cultural tours, including museums such as the UNESCO-recognised AApravasi Ghat, which marks the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers to Mauritius.

There are vibrant Chinatown walks, local food experiences, sugarcane plantation visits, coffee trails, and historical tours that showcase how sugar shaped the island’s economy.

We are now packaging these experiences in a more structured way so that visitors can engage deeply with the culture, history, and lifestyle of Mauritius… not just its beaches.

How would you describe Mauritius to Indian travellers in one line?

Mauritius is truly home away from home for Indian travellers. It is a destination that naturally understands what Indian travellers love… whether it is culture, food, comfort, hospitality, or emotional connection.

Our goal is simple: when an Indian traveller thinks of their next holiday, Mauritius should always be at the top of their mind.

TheGlitz Note

Mauritius is not just a postcard-perfect picturesque island destination… it is evolving into a culturally immersive, sustainability-driven, and experience-rich travel ecosystem. Under the fabulous leadership of Dinesh Burrenchobey, Chairman, MTPA, the island is steadily repositioning itself as one of the most emotionally resonant international destinations for Indian travellers, blending heritage, hospitality, and future-forward tourism thinking.

The only question is: when will you experience Mauritius? Start planning your next escape to paradise today.