Communication from the Ministry of Tourism

Republic of Mauritius

Communication from the Ministry of Tourism

TO ALL EXHIBITORS AT WORLD TRAVEL MARKET LONDON (WTM)

In my capacity as Minister of Tourism of Mauritius attending WTM, I view with concern the announcement that Mauritius could be at potential risk on account of the plague, which has recently affected Madagascar.

Mauritius is in constant contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) about the situation in Madagascar. The WHO has a three-tier level of risk regarding epidemics and diseases like the plague. At present the level of seriousness that the WHO has awarded the situation is at ‘two’ for Madagascar, and it is reported that the situation there is currently under control.

Mauritius has an excellent health surveillance system and there have been no cases of the plague reported.

Nevertheless, Mauritius is maintaining a high level of surveillance and control at all points of entry.

The WHO is also monitoring the health situation and I can confidently assert that any report about Mauritius being at risk is untrue and unwarranted.

I also met the Saudi delegation at WTM and conveyed our concern about their announcement. Additionally, the Mauritius Embassy in Riyadh has written to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and issued a communication to the effect that there is no risk at all for international travellers to Mauritius.

All airlines and cruise ships are continuing their service to Mauritius as normal.

I trust that this communication will put an end to these announcements, which are inaccurate and potentially detrimental to the destination.

I do hope that everyone wishing or planning to visit Mauritius will carry on. Mauritius is as safe and secure as ever.

Hon A. K. Gayan, SC

Minister of Tourism

Monday 6th November 2017, London